Magnolia Dental Treats TMD With Neuromuscular Dentistry
Neuromuscular Dentistry for TMD Relief
TMJ Treatment in Louisville, KY
Our teeth, joints, muscles, and nerves all work together in the proper alignment and functioning of our jaw. When any part of this delicate equation is overlooked or ignored, painful conditions such as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) and other serious dental problems can develop.
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint TMJ (tem-puh-roe-man-DIB-u-lur) are hinge joints on both sides of the face, just in front of the ears, that connect the lower jawbone to the skull. It is the joint that lets you move your jaw up, down, and side to side so you can talk, chew, and yawn.
What is TMD?
TMD is a temporomandibular joint disorder and refers to any TMJ dysfunction. Many people use both terms (TMJ and TMD) interchangeably.TMJ disorders occur when the muscles and ligaments around the jaw joints become inflamed and irritated.
Around 12 percent of people in the United States alone experience TMD pain at any one time, according to this study. Of that, women are more often affected than men. 9 women to every one man will experience severe pain and restricted jaw movement.
When there is a TMJ disorder, it can cause an extraordinary amount of pain. Most TMJ patients clench or grind their upper and lower teeth, causing the face and jaw muscles to tighten and the culprit of facial pain.
What Causes TMD?
It can be challenging to understand the exact cause of TMD. It can come from various factors, like genetics, arthritis, or a jaw injury that has damaged the cartilage or bones.
Other causes can be:
- – Grinding or clenching your teeth puts a lot of pressure on the joint.
- – Movement of the soft disc between the ball and socket of the joint
- – Stress causes tightening in the facial and jaw muscles.
The Inclusive Approach Of Neuromuscular Dentistry to Treat TMD
Neuromuscular dentistry differs from traditional dentistry. It has focused consideration of the muscles and nerves in and around the jaw and the correct jaw positioning. This inclusive approach can help treat TMD and provide more comfortable and longer-lasting solutions to related dental treatments such as dentures and smile makeovers.
Hard and soft tissues have a complex relationship. We work to make that relationship harmonious. If your jaw is misaligned, you may be experiencing these TMJ symptoms:
- – Headaches/migraines
- – Facial pain
- – Back, neck, and shoulder pain
- – Sensitive and sore teeth
- – Jaw pain
- – Limited jaw movement
- – Worn or cracked teeth
- – Clicking or popping in the jaw joints
- – Pain while chewing or speaking
- – Ringing in your ears
- – Numbness and tingling in your fingers and arms
- – Problems sleeping
- – Trigeminal neuralgia
- – Fibromyalgia
- – Depression
What Should I Expect From TMJ Treatment in Louisville, KY?
Your neuromuscular appointment for TMJ treatment in Louisville, KY, starts with a thorough examination. Your dentists at Magnolia Dental in Louisville, Kentucky will:
- – Listen to and feel your jaw opening
- – Identify any areas of discomfort or pain
- – Observe how well you can move your jaw
- – Take dental X-rays or, if needed, a CT scan or MRI to get a better look at the teeth, jawbone, and muscles
Depending on the diagnosis, your dentist may recommend medications to help relieve tooth grinding that causes pain. Or you may be prescribed muscle relaxants for short-term relief of muscle spasms. For other patients, simply taking over-the-counter pain relief medication and using ice/heat therapy can help reduce swelling.
In addition to medication, neuromuscular dentistry can include an oral splint or mouth guard to keep the jaw relaxed and help stabilize it to prevent teeth grinding. Other nonsurgical neuromuscular treatments can consist of:
- – Physical therapy
- – Counseling to cope with stress
- – Correct factors that lead to teeth clenching or grinding.
Get Your TMJ Treatment in Louisville, KY, at Magnolia Dental
TMD affects millions of people. Our doctors have received special training to address TMD problems and reduce pain using the inclusive approach to neuromuscular dentistry. TMJ treatment in Louisville, KY, utilizes modern technology to precisely determine the jaw’s proper positioning and place the jaw into its optimal position, which can help relieve the symptoms associated with TMD.
If you have symptoms like those listed above, take a minute and make an appointment with our team. We’d be happy to visit with you about the benefits of neuromuscular dentistry. Call Magnolia Dental in Louisville, Kentucky, at 502-842-4686 or email us.
