Franklin, TN
Can you identify where the temporomandibular joint is on your body? This small, round joint connects your lower jaw to your skull. Despite its small stature, if this joint enters a state of dysfunction, it can have a significant impact on your oral health and even cause debilitating pain that impedes your ability to function.
For patients who suffer from TMJ, relief is at hand. Neuromuscular dentists, like Dr. Lee Palmer, DDS, have undergone specialized training and rigorous post-graduate education to make them experts at diagnosing and treating TMJ and its subsequent symptoms. Dr. Palmer is proud to offer TMJ diagnosis and treatment for patients just like you in the areas of Franklin, Leipers Fork and Thompson Station in middle Tennessee.
The effects of TMD
The symptoms of TMD can vary widely from person to person but one of the most common effects of the disorder is some variety of pain—often of the severe or chronic variety. This may manifest as jaw pain, facial pain, neck pain, or in the form of severe, frequently occurring headaches. These headaches often are misdiagnosed as migraine headaches. Click here to learn more about the headaches that are caused by TMJ disorder.
Other common symptoms of TMJ include:
- Dizziness and/or vertigo
- Ringing in the ears
- Hearing a clicking or popping sound in the jaw as it opens and closes
- Having a limited range of motion in the jaw
- Misaligned bite
- Difficulty chewing
Click here for a full list of TMJ symptoms.
What is neuromuscular dentistry?
Neuromuscular dentistry is a specialization of dental science. The stated goal of neuromuscular dentistry is to find or restore the ideal alignment of the bite and jaw. Since jaw misalignment—typically due to a blow or impact—is a common cause of TMJ, restoring the preferred jaw alignment will resolve a case of TMJ. Restoring the alignment of the bite and jaw eliminates the dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint and, with it, any pain or other problems that are being caused by TMJ.
A neuromuscular dentist may use any one of the following treatments for TMJ:
- Prescribing pain-relief medication to relieve discomfort
- Oral appliance therapy, which consists of prescribing the patient a custom-built orthotic mouthpiece that gently guides the jaw back into its preferred alignment and resolves the dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint
- Constructing and installing dental restorations to maintain or improve the alignment of your bite
- Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or Invisalign
- The use of a TENS unit, to alleviate stress in jaw muscles
- Surgery, though this is extremely rare and is used on less than 1 percent of individuals with TMJ or neuromuscular treatment needs
TMJ diagnosis and treatment in middle Tennessee
Despite the ramifications of TMJ on your health and your lifestyle, people could go decades—or even their entire lives—dealing with this disorder. There is no need for you to be one of these people, suffering needlessly for years or longer. If you are experiencing the symptoms of TMJ or have been diagnosed with the disorder by another medical professional, seek the care of a neuromuscular dentist like Lee Palmer, DDS, as soon as possible. Call (615) 794-0756 or visit us online to schedule a consultation.