General Dentistry

How to Diagnose TMJ/TMD Symptoms

June 14, 2016

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It can be a great challenge to diagnose TMJ issues, let alone TREAT. Dr Timmerman uses state-of-the-art technology to determine if your symptoms are caused by malocclusion and if so, what your optimal jaw position is. He uses computerized jaw tracking instruments to record jaw movement, resting position, and path of closure. Electromyography is used to measure your jaw’s muscle function in both its stressed and relaxed positions, and will also measure the jaw-to-skull relationship to see if there is a structural imbalance. Sonography is used to record jaw joint sounds to detect any abnormalities. Additionally, x-rays of the jaw may be taken to help evaluate the condition and positioning of the joint.

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Once Dr Timmerman has diagnosed you with TMJ, he can determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs. Typically treatment will follow three steps:

Relieve muscle spasm and pain.
The immediate concern for Dr Timmerman is to provide relief of your symptoms. The best way to do this is by using a technology called ULF-TENS. ULF-TENS stands for Ultra Low Frequency Trans-cutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation, but don’t let this term intimidate you. Basically, ULF-TENS is a way to relax muscles with a gentle massage of the muscles. The rhythmic pulsing relaxes the muscles by increasing blood flow and pumping out waste products. ULF-TENS also helps with pain relief by stimulating the body’s production of endorphins, the body’s natural anesthetic.

2. Stabilize the bite.
Often for this step a temporary device, known as an orthotic is worn over the teeth. The orthotic allows Dr Timmerman to make easy adjustments to the plastic without adjusting the teeth until the bite is stabilized. Once symptoms are relieved and the bite has been stabilized, Dr Timmerman will move on to the next step and permanently adjust your bite to the correct position.

3. Long-term management.
There are a variety of ways to correct your bite in a more permanent way. Four of the most common of these approaches are outlined below:

Coronoplasty/Equilibration
Coronoplasty is smoothing and reshaping the enamel of the teeth to correct your bite. It is a simple procedure that does not require anesthesia and can be used when the bite is only slightly misaligned.
Removable Overlay Partials
These are permanent orthotics that usually fit over the back teeth and are designed to maintain an aligned bite.
Reconstruction
This approach involves making the teeth higher by using crowns. This permanently realigns the bite and provides structural support for the jaw.
Orthodontics (Braces)
When the teeth are healthy they may be moved to the optimal position using braces.

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General Dentistry

How to Diagnose TMJ/TMD Symptoms