Neuromuscular Dentistry: TMJ & TMD Treatment
Pain Relief in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Lawton, & Norman, Oklahoma
Temporomandibular joint syndrome, or TMJ, is often one of the most misunderstood and under diagnosed conditions. It is estimated that largely over 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ. Many patients suffering from this joint syndrome, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, do not realize they have a problem. TMJ / TMD is often ignored because its symptoms are easily confused with other problems.
The most common symptoms of TMJ include:
- Headaches and Migraines
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Tinnitus (Ringing in the ears)
- Clicking and popping in the jaw
- Unexplained loose teeth
- Depression
- Facial pain
- Sensitive and sore teeth
- Jaw pain
- Limited jaw movement or locking jaw
- Numbness in the fingers and arms
- Worn or cracked teeth
- Clicking or popping in the jaw joints
- Sleep problems
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Fibromyalgia/Fibramyalgia
TMD occurs as the result of excessive strain on the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints. This muscle strain is caused by misalignment of the jaw. Traditional dentistry assumes that the natural occlusion, or bite, of your jaw is ideal and should not be bothered. Very often this isn't the case. Traditional dentistry assumes that the bones and teeth are the most important elements. This is never the case! Your occlusion is a three part system of the bones, teeth, and muscles. Neuromuscular Dentistry includes the muscles of your face in finding your optimal bite. With Neuromuscular Dentistry the occlusion, or bite, of the jaw is improved in order to eliminate the pain you are suffering. Only when all three components are balanced and physiologically healthy are you able to enjoy optimal comfort.
In order to discover the best position for your jaw, Dr. Duncan actually measures the activity of your muscles using specialized diagnostics called EMGs. Much like evaluating the health of your heart muscles with EMGs, the muscles of your mouth will reveal when the bite position is causing your pain. Dr. Duncan will monitor where your jaw moves when you bite and chew. As you open and close your jaw, Dr. Duncan can determine the ideal position for your jaw which allows optimal health for your jaw, teeth, and muscles. It is well established that a bad bite can cause many problems from grinding to gum problems to sensitive teeth and even broken teeth. These can all be resolved by getting the bite right!
Once Dr. Duncan has determined what is causing your problems, he can begin explaining your possible solutions. Your neuromuscular treatment will start with re-aligning your bite with a comfortable appliance. This will often result in almost immediate relief of your pain and symptoms! A number of factors will determine what type of treatment you require. Most importantly, the extent of the disorder, your age, and overall health will be considered when a strategic plan for your optimal oral health is made.
Since TMJ can cause headaches and migraines, medications like Fiorinal and Imitrex are not answers to migraine type pain. They often only mask the symptoms and offer limited assistance. It has been established that more than 85% of the pain in the head and neck area is from muscles. Restoring your muscles to a balanced and healthy relationship will provide relief for migraines. Dr. Duncan has seen his patients benefit from Neuromuscular Dentistry with many types of migraines, including temporal migraines, cluster migraines, 'hormonal migraines', and stress-related migraines. There is an answer for head and neck pain, and in most cases it starts with a healthy bite.
Dr. Duncan would love to help you determine if your symptoms are related to your bite and a pathologic position. These issues are typically progressive and as they get worse, they start to cause problems with your neck and back. If left untreated it can cause significant pain in all areas of your body. Dr. Duncan has helped many patients who have been to physicians, neurologists, psychiatrists, and pain management experts without improvement. They run the tests and MRIs and CT scans and can't find anything wrong. They are counting on dentists to get the bite right. Dr. Duncan has consulted with several physicians in finding help for patients who can't find answers elsewhere.
If you are suffering from headaches, migraines, clicking or popping in the jaw, or any other symptoms of TMJ / TMD, contact us today for a free consultation. Dr. Duncan will be happy to evaluate your condition and discuss possible solutions. In almost every case, there is a solution!
