TMJ/TMD

Some of the most complex joints in your body are found in your jaw. Known as the temporomandibular joints, they connect the jawbone to the skull on each side of the face. Full range of motion in the jaw relies on these joints to function correctly, as they pivot and slide, so you can move your jaw up and down or left and right. Your temporomandibular joints allow you to talk, chew, and yawn and are an important part of your overall oral health and total wellness.

If these joints aren’t working correctly, you may experience pain in your jaw or other complications with the facial muscles. Referred to as temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, problems with your jaw can cause a wide range of symptoms, many of which are often misdiagnosed as other potential health problems. Patients suffering from TMD report:

• Difficulty in opening their mouth wide
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Pain in the jaw, facial muscles, in or around the ear, and/or tension in the neck and shoulders
• Tired feeling in their face which may accompany swelling
• Migraines
• Bruxism, or unconsciously grinding their teeth at night
• Trouble sleeping or sleep apnea

At Dental Health by Herre, we use the principles of Rejuvenation Dentistry to effectively treat TMD and alleviate pain and discomfort. By focusing on the muscles and the positioning of the jaw, we address the underlying cause of TMD rather than just treating the symptoms.

Appropriate treatment of TMD begins with an accurate diagnosis. Many patients seek answers from a variety of medical professionals, as symptoms can often be confused for other health issues. As part of our Rejuvenation Dentistry, we understand that your oral health is interconnected not only to your total wellness but also to other dental problems. That’s why we use the most advanced technology available to us to diagnose TMD in our patients. Our Cone Beam CT Scanner is critical in evaluating the current position of your jaw and the health of the bone, as well as deciphering the size of your airway. Your airway is the key to the TMD issue, as the correct jaw position allows you to breathe easier and eliminates sleep apnea.

Our TMD treatment relaxes the jaw muscles and seeks to find the ultimate position for your jaw. We’ll reposition the upper and lower jaw bones to their proper positioning and allow your airway to remain open and unobstructed. Many patients who suffer from sleep apnea also find relief with TMD treatment, as the focus on the proper jaw position can alleviate a range of dental problems. Get to the root of your issue and say “goodbye” to your TMD symptoms.