Questions about TMJ Disorder
Barrie, Ontario - Canada
What is TMJ disorder?
Temporomandibular joint disorder, also called TMD or TMJ, occurs when your jaw has moved out of alignment, which prohibits your jaw joints from working smoothly. You can feel your TMJ by placing your fingers in front of your ears on each side of your face. Your jaw joints are very complex mechanisms that allow you to open your mouth via ball and socket joints that connect your jaw to your skull. When there is damage or misalignment in the TMJ, you can experience a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Migraine-like TMJ headaches
- Jaw joint pain or stiffness
- Noises from your jaw joints, such as popping or clicking
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Dizziness
- Ringing in your ears
Why does TMJ have so many different symptoms?
The areas around your jaw joints contain large nerves that branch off to the head, neck and shoulders. If your jaw muscles become irritated, they can begin to constrict some of the surrounding nerves. Any time a nerve is constricted your brain will register a certain degree of pain or discomfort.
Often people will look to medical doctors for relief from the symptoms mentioned above without success because the cause of their pain is from TMJ disorder. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of TMJ, a neuromuscular dentist may have the answers to your pain.
Can any dentist diagnose and treat TMJ?
No. Dentists who are specially trained in neuromuscular dentistry, like Dr. Adam Chapnick, fully understand the complex relationship between the soft tissues, hard tissues, muscles and nerves of the TMJ. Dr. Chapnick and his team also have the tools to properly diagnose TMJ disorder and the training and experience in general and cosmetic dentistry procedures to correct dental problems and keep your jaw in proper alignment.
Why are mouthguards used to treat TMJ?
Dr. Chapnick may recommend you wear an oral appliance at night to prevent you from grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep. Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a common cause of TMJ, and many patients are unaware they have this habit until signs of tooth wear and TMJ symptoms are identified. Custom-made oral appliances will also keep your upper and lower arches in the ideal position for jaw alignment.
Oral appliances, such as splints or night guards, are different from mouthguards, which are used as protective and physical enhancement devices during contact sports.
If I think I have TMJ, what should I do?
If you feel TMJ disorder may be the root cause of your pain, contact neuromuscular dentist Dr. Chapnick to schedule a neuromuscular consultation. Dr. Chapnick will analyze the state of your jaw joints, including the sounds, movements and tenderness. He may take digital X-rays and implement the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit and K7 Evaluation System (sonography, electromyography and mandibular screening) to properly diagnose your condition. From there he will be able to implement a unique treatment program for you.
To schedule your neuromuscular consultation with Dr. Adam Chapnick, please contact the Molson Park Dental Office team in Barrie, today.
