Temporomandibular joint disorders, sometimes referred to as TMJ; the proper term being TMD, are quite common. Women of child bearing years are the most affected but, TMD can affect anyone. The most prevalent clinical symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders include:
-
Pain in the jaw joint and surrounding structures
- Pain in the face
- Headache
- Popping or clicking in the jaw joints
- A crunching sound in the jaw joints
- Restricted opening
- Catching or locking of the jaw
- Pain when chewing
- Ear pain without actual ear infection
- A congested feeling in the ears
- Ringing in the ears
Obviously, many of the above symptoms are not specific to temporomandibular disorders and the intensity, frequency and quantity of symptoms each patient presents with is unique. Dr. Spencer and Dr. Murphy will work closely with your general doctor, dentist and other members of the medical/dental community to make sure that the most accurate diagnosis possible is made.
Possible Treatment:
Treatment varies widely dependant upon specific diagnoses. Our doctors design custom oral orthotics or “splints” specific to your treatment needs. Treatment plans may include day use splints, which are usually fabricated to be worn comfortably and inconspicuously on the bottom teeth. Splints to be worn during sleeping hours are worn on the upper teeth.
Other therapies and treatment options may include:
- Therapeutic injections
- “Unlocking” procedures
- Prolo-therapy
- Trigger point injections
- Moist heat application
- TENS therapy
- Ultrasound
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medication
AVOID these “irreversible” therapies:
- Equilibration—or grinding on the teeth to improve the bite*
- Orthodontics or braces*
- Crowning the teeth*
- Root canals
- Extraction of teeth
- ANY type of surgery on the TMJ or jaw
*The American Dental Association refers to these procedures as “phase two therapy,” and as such should only be performed AFTER successful “phase one therapy.” In our practice, necessity of orthodontics or crowning the teeth after phase one splint therapy is EXTREMELY RARE. Necessity of surgical therapy is even more rare.