TMJ Treatment
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint, encompasses a range of issues affecting the teeth, muscles, ligaments, and bones within the skull’s joints. These problems disrupt the proper movement of your jaw. Primary causes of TMJ disorders include facial and jaw trauma, teeth clenching, grinding, tooth loss, as well as stress-related factors like anxiety and depression.
The symptoms of TMJ disorders are diverse, with manifestations ranging from head pain to sensations of muscle weakness in the arms and legs.
Comprehensive TMJ Evaluation
The TMJ Evaluation is an intricate examination focused on analyzing your bite. Throughout this evaluation, the doctor meticulously observes the movement of your jaw during opening and closing, as well as the alignment of your teeth.
Numerous factors can influence your bite, including the presence of missing or misaligned teeth. Your posture can also play a role, prompting the doctor to assess your walking and standing posture.
A critical facet of this examination involves applying pressure to the muscles that control jaw movement, both externally and internally.
Additionally, the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and upper back are evaluated. The doctor may employ a stethoscope to detect jaw joint sounds or place their fingers along your jaw to monitor its movements.
Bite Appliances / Mouth Plates
Bite appliances encompass removable plastic devices crafted from impressions of your teeth. These appliances are precisely contoured to fit your teeth and are meticulously balanced to induce muscle relaxation and alleviate overall body stress.
Distinguished from the night guard utilized for bruxism, a TMJ splint is constructed from a rigid acrylic material. Its purpose goes beyond creating a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth; rather, the splint is strategically designed to reposition the jaw, thereby mitigating pain symptoms.
Mobilization of TMJ
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) mobilization is a procedure employed to enhance the mobility and functionality of the temporomandibular joint, also known as the jaw joint. Occasionally, the jaw can become locked, resulting in limited mouth opening.
This phenomenon often arises when specific structures within the mandible joint require repositioning. To address this issue, the doctor employs various techniques to restore optimal joint movement and function.
Spray & Stretch
EMG (Electromyography)
Muscle Tone Reduction
Botulinum toxin, commonly used for this purpose, has undergone thorough testing and validation as an effective method for reducing muscle tone over a sustained period of several months. This treatment has garnered indications for pain management associated with various conditions, including tension headaches, migraines, chronic back pain, and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).