Summerlin, Las Vegas, and Henderson Nevada
If you, or a member of your family, suffer from TMJ disorder, a neuromuscular dentist is the most qualified medical professional to help.
TMJ, which is short for temporomandibular joint disorder, is an issue that occurs when dysfunction develops in the temporomandibular (jaw) joints. TMJ can cause a variety of problems. One of these problems is reoccurring pain, often debilitating, that impairs your ability to function on a daily basis.
Causes of TMJ
The following instances may lead to a case of TMJ:
- An injury – usually from a blow, collision or impact – to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck
- Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding and clenching, usually caused by stress
- Arthritis in the temporomandibular joint itself
- Dislocation of the disc between the ball and socket of the temporomandibular joint
- Missing teeth, which can cause an uneven bite
- Crooked or uneven teeth
Consequences of TMJ
Many TMJ patients report significant pain as a primary symptom. This occurs because the temporomandibular joint is located very close to the trigeminal nerve. No other neural pathway in your body carries more sensory input!
You may experience pain in your teeth that appear to migrate to different locations in your mouth. In cases where TMJ has gone untreated for quite some time, it could manifest as pain in the neck, back, or shoulders.
TMJ also can cause painful headaches that may feel like, or even be diagnosed as, migraines. Typical migraine treatments only treat the symptoms of the headaches, and not their frequency.
Other symptoms of TMJ can include:
- Vertigo
- Teeth that become loose, worn, chipped or cracked
- Dental restorations that crack, chip, or break
- Soreness or pain in the jaw joints
- Locked jaw or limited movement in the jaw
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in your jaw
- Numbness in extremities
- Congested or stuffy ears
- Ringing in ears or earaches
- Discomfort or pain while chewing
- Frequent headaches
- Pain that radiates through head, neck, and back
Diagnosis and treatment
Neuromuscular dentistry is a specialization of the dental field. It focuses on finding or restoring the ideal alignment of your bite and jaw. A neuromuscular dentist undergoes additional post-graduate education that goes well beyond what is taught in dental school.
At Inspire Dental of Summerlin, neuromuscular dentist Dr. Matthew Wilson has this training and can evaluate whether or not you suffer from TMJ. If Dr. Wilson discovers that you do suffer from TMJ, he will prescribe the best treatment option for your case. Many of Dr. Wilson’s patients that suffer from TMJ find relief by wearing a custom-made oral appliance known as a mandibular advancement device. This device positions the lower jaw into the ideal forward resting posture. Worn over time, this oral appliance helps you regain the ideal alignment of your bite and jaw. This regained alignment will relieve TMJ and any symptoms resulting from the disorder.
Some patients may require other forms of treatment such as replacing missing teeth or restoring damaged or broken teeth or even surgery, for severe cases. During your consultation with Dr. Wilson, he will discuss the best course of action to help treat your case of TMJ.
TMJ Treatment in Summerlin
TMJ is a serious condition that will not go away but only worsens with time. If you have been diagnosed with TMJ or think you may suffer from this disorder, call our office at (702) 331-4700 to schedule a consultation.
Inspire Dental of Summerlin welcomes patients of Henderson, Las Vegas, and Summerlin, Nevada.