Neuromuscular dentistry corrects the misalignment of the jaw and the jaw’s joint. The jaw joint, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is where the jaw meets the skull and can be the source of discomfort and jaw pain for dental patients.
Jaw pain from chronic inflammation is one of a myriad of symptoms for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a dysfunction of the jaw joint and its associated muscles, nerves and teeth. The most common symptoms of TMD include:
· Migraines, headaches
· Back, neck and shoulder pain
· Ringing in the ears - Tinnitus
· Vertigo (dizziness)
· Sore, sensitive, teeth
· Facial and jaw pain
· Limited jaw movement
· Locking Jaw
· Popping or clicking in the jaw joints
· Worn or cracked teeth
· Clenching/bruxing
· Inability to open the mouth completely
· Deviation of the jaw to one side
· The jaw locking open or closed
· Postural problems
· Joint or facial pain when yawning, chewing or opening or closing the mouth,
· Pain in the muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joints
· Pain in the back, front or sides of the head
· Pain behind the eyes
· Swelling on the side of the face and/or mouth
· A bite that feels as if it’s continually changing
Neuromuscular dental specialists understand the complex relationship between the jaw joint and all the surrounding hard and soft tissues. The solution to relieve jaw pain and its various symptoms is to realign the jaw and the jaw joint into a balanced relationship. The neuromuscular dentist uses a variety of computerized instruments to record the bite, to scan the upper and lower jaw and identify the specific misalignment causing the jaw pain. Measurements are recorded of the TMJ in its active and resting state to determine the best course of action in realigning the jaw.
Treatment options vary as much as the number of symptoms. Depending on the severity of the jaw pain, neuromuscular solutions include the following:
· Pain relief – can be obtained by over-the-counter medications, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and prescription drugs
· Jaw relaxation– by changing some bad habits many symptoms can be alleviated
· Avoid gum chewing
· Stop eating foods that require to mouth to open widely
· Chew more evenly
· Eat softer foods
· Be conscientious of clenching and grinding the teeth
· Manage stress – to prevent grinding and bruxism
· Mouth guards – at night to save teeth from wearing down and to stop painful clenching. A customized guard is the most effective choice
· Physical therapyof the jaw – Gentle exercises, massage and slowly opening and closing the mouth to increase motion range and strengthen the joint
· Occlusal therapy– corrects bite problems through orthodontic treatment, mandibular repositioning devices and dental work including crowns or bridges to realign the teeth
· Surgery– involves restructuring or replacing the joint or disc and/or tightening surrounding ligaments
