If you are experiencing recurring headaches, jaw soreness, jaw clicking or popping, or neck and shoulder pain, it may be time to have your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) examined by a skilled Colorado neuromuscular dentist.
Temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, is a medical condition indicating dysfunction of the jaw joint. TMD sufferers experience a wide variety of symptoms when the jaw joint is out of alignment, usually the result of an accident, genetics, orthodontics, or arthritis. The symptoms mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg — there are a wide range of symptoms that may indicate TMD, including numbness in the hands and ringing in the ears. What we want to do as your diagnostic team is to evaluate the symptoms and examine the components of the jaw, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons, to uncover the cause of the misalignment.
Often we will use sophisticated jaw-tracking technology to evaluate the musculoskeletal system and identify the components of the jaw that are weak. Digital imaging allows us to see how the inner workings of your jaw operate and to spot areas of stress. Once the underlying cause is pinpointed, we can choose the TMJ therapy program to eliminate your symptoms and gently realign your bite. Treatment may include a combination of efforts, such as cosmetic dentistry, braces, orthotics, and jaw joint manipulation exercises.
If you experience issues with your jaw joint and would like to know more about TMD, please read our previous blog Do You Have a Bad Bite? and give us a call to set up a personalized evaluation.
Dr. Ania
Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry
