TMJ/TMD and Neuromuscular Dentistry
Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Tysons Corner, Alexandria, Fairfax, and McLean, Virginia Neuromuscular Dentist
Neuromuscular dentistry is the science dealing with disorders in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is the joint in which your upper temporal bone connects with the mandible, or "jaw bone." The flexible, elastic, "articulate disk," floats between the temporal bone and lower jaw and acts as a cushion to promote optimal jaw joint function for instance the up-and-down and side-to-side movement of the jaw.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is caused by a malaligned bite. When your teeth do not match up correctly, over time, your TMJ will weaken and wear. The result is often painful and can interfere with such basic functions as eating, speaking, and even yawning. TMD can easily go undetected for a number of years and because of the pain associated with this disorder, your life can be affected in a number of ways.
Symptoms of TMD/TMJ
TMD manifests itself in numerous ways and can show a variety of symptoms, sometimes very painful:
- Pain in the jaw, face, neck and shoulders, or around the ear when you chew
- A change in bite that causes difficulty during chewing
- Clicking or popping noises when you chew
- Lock-jaw, in both the open and/or closed position
- Limited jaw movement
- Swelling in the side of your face
- Migraine headaches
- Ringing in the ears
Detecting TMD/TMJ
We use two methods to detect TMD and determine the appropriate solution: a TENS unit and the Myotronics K7. No one method of detection is best suited to every patient. We are pleased to be able to offer you options in every aspect of your dental care.
A TENS unit sends mild, electrical pulses into the muscles surrounding your jaw. This allows your jaw to fully relax so we can best determine its optimal position. In addition, the TENS unit was specifically designed to block pain signals from reaching your brain and can provide several hours of relief from the discomfort associated with TMD.
The Myotronics K7 is a state-of-the-art, entirely noninvasive advancement in detecting TMD. Using small sensors to track jaw movement, the Myotronics K7 provides us with a three-dimensional representation of your jaw positioning. This machine is lightweight, extremely effective, and allows you to move your head, and even talk during the process.
I used to get really bad headaches, which Dr. Lee figured out were from clenching my teeth. He told me about neuromuscular dentistry and explained how a full mouth reconstruction could help with my pain and give me a more attractive smile. I had never really been unhappy with the way my smile looked, but after the procedure I couldn’t’ believe the difference in my appearance. My new smile is beautiful and so natural looking. Dr. Lee even reshaped my gums, which were always too obvious before. I tell my friends to think about having their smile done before getting a facelift or anything like that. People don’t realize how important their teeth really are.
– Joan
Treatment of TMJ/TMD
Galleria Dental Aesthetics listens to every patient’s concerns and symptoms to determine the most appropriate treatment that will best suit each patient’s individual needs. We use a variety of dental procedures to raise or lower your jaw into its correct and most relaxed position. In many cases, these procedures can be completed within a few short weeks, providing relief from pain, and removing the threat of additional problems that TMD, left untreated, can cause.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of TMJ/TMD, and you live in or around Arlington, Fairfax, or McLean, Virginia, please contact our neuromuscular dentists at Galleria Dental Aesthetics right away to schedule your comprehensive consultation. Located in Arlington, we serve all of Northern Virginia and the surrounding area.
