Help For TMJ Disorder | Maryland Cosmetic Dentistry
January 27th, 2010 by wordpress
Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome or TMJ is one of mankind’s most distressing conditions. Frequently misdiagnosed, the sufferer often spends years seeking help from doctors and dentists for a variety of maladies before receiving a correct diagnoses and effective treatment from a doctor or dentist specializing in TMJ.
Among TMJ symptoms listed by the renowned Mayo Clinic are such common ailments as a headache or earache. Inappropriate diagnoses may delay treating the real cause, TMJ, for months or years. Such seemingly unrelated conditions as episodes of numbness in fingers or arms, back pain, or soreness in the neck or shoulders can be TMJ symptoms.
The well known symptoms of limited jaw movement, jaw pain and the inability to chew are only a few of the symptoms of TMJ. Moving pains in the teeth or teeth that loosen or crack as well as facial pain are among the many valid indicators of TMJ. Nausea, dizziness and tinnitus, a ringing in the ears are TMJ symptoms that are often misdiagnosed. An almost sure indication of TMJ is persistent discomfort in the jaw area and a popping or clicking sound when chewing or opening the mouth or moving the jaw.
Since TMJ, sometimes referred to as Tempromandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) or Craniomandibular Dysfunction (CMD) is a condition that usually includes both structural and biochemical components as well as emotional aspects, it requires a multifaceted treatment program that addresses the trio of underlying causes.
TMJ Treatment includes steps to correct structural problems such as a misaligned jaw or displacement of the jaw due to degeneration. Jaw and facial muscles are relaxed with mild electrical stimulation and an EMG or Electromyography monitors their activity.
Computer programs analyze data from various tests including specialized joint x-rays. Tools used by a TMJ specialist for TMJ treatment are cutting edge technology, specially designed to diagnose and treat this sometimes baffling condition which affects over 40 million people every year. TMJ is a chronic disease and only worsens without treatment.
Getting the misaligned jaw permanently back into place and relieving long term pain for the sufferer is a complex procedure. No two patients have exactly the same symptoms or require the same treatment so every treatment plan is individualized and specific. The good news for TMJ sufferers is that effective treatment is now available through the services of a TMJ specialist.
