Information about TMJ

Houston TMJ Neuromuscular Dentistry is the art and science of using the relaxed position of the muscles of the head and neck to place the jaw into an optimal physiologic position. When the harmony of the teeth, the facial muscles, and the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) no longer exist, TMJ dysfunction arises. Thirty years of research and clinical experience have enabled Neuromuscular Dentists to treat this problem by restoring the harmony and successfully treating many different levels of pain. By finding the optimal position for the jaw, we eliminate the pain, protect the natural dentition from destructive forces, and optimize the longevity of any restorations.

What is Neuromuscular Dentistry for TMJ?

Traditionally, dentists have concerned themselves with only hard tissue – teeth and joints, and have largely ignored the relationship of these structures to the muscles. Neuromuscular dentistry addresses not only the hard tissue but also the dynamic relationships with the soft tissue, muscles and nerves, and the physiologic range of motion and body posture. This necessitates having the capability to objectively and scientifically measure muscle function and its correlation to proper jaw posture and jaw movement. Heretofore, these measurements have not been addressed by traditional dentists, and treatment was anecdotal, meaning without measuring, only educated guesses were used and success was somewhat coincidental.

Who needs Neuromuscular Dentistry for TMJ?

If you suffer form any of the following, you are a terrific candidate for Neuromuscular Treatment:

Headaches
Facial Pain
Worn, chipping or cracked teeth
cracking or chipping dental restorations
Neck and shoulder pain
jaw pain
ear congestion
ringing in the ears
clicking or popping in the joints
clenching or bruxing
limited opening of the mouth
loose teeth
tingling in the fingers

All of the above symptoms indicate a lack of harmony between the joint, muscles and nerves and should be treated

How are these tmj problems treated?

Through the use of sophisticated computer analysis and low frequency Transcutaneous Electroneural Stimulation (TENS) we are able to bring the jaw and joints into a Neuromuscularly balanced position, thus correcting the misaligned bite and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) symptoms. The TENS unit is designed to relax the muscles and allows us to measure the electrical activity in the muscles in order to find a position for the jaw to relate to the skull, comfortably. Through the use of Electromyography (EMG) we can accurately measure the muscles comfort, and find a bite that will allow the muscles and joints to work together comfortably. Sonography is also used to “listen” to the joint and determine if there is neuromuscular disharmony or degenerative joint and disc processes at work.

The science that allows us the achieve proper jaw alignment and pain free movement has been used in medicine for years and are being used in dentistry to measure muscle dysfunction of the jaw, a major component in unraveling the mystery of chronic headaches. The data that is collected is measured objectively and a comprehensive, individualized and precise treatment plan is formulated to both provide both short term relief and long- term stable elimination of symptoms.

TMJ problems are chronic and degenerative, and many take years to develop. With objective computerized data and new techniques, we are now able to offer relief for patients who have suffered the debilitating symptoms of TMJ and who have previously been unable to find help.

We invite you to talk with us about how Neuromuscular dentistry can improve and enhance your life.

Back to Information Pages

xhtml 1.0 | css

(X) Close