Relieving Your Jaw Pain with Neuromuscular Dentistry

PHOENIX, AZ, May 18, 2011 (Press-News.org) If you are experiencing any type of chronic jaw pain, your first impulse is probably to schedule a visit with your primary doctor. Unfortunately, in many cases the type of treatment you need to obtain lasting relief cannot be provided by a general doctor. In order to target the source of your jaw pain, you may need to see a neuromuscular dentist.

Neuromuscular dentists are specially-trained to diagnose and treat pain caused by the displacement of a delicate jaw joint called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). When this single joint is even slightly out of place, all of the tissues connected to it - the muscles, nerves, and tendons in your back, neck, and shoulders - become displaced as well, leading to a wide range of painful symptoms throughout your entire body. This disorder is termed temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

Diagnosing TMJ/TMD

Jaw pain and discomfort caused by TMD can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including:
- Clicking or popping of the jaw when it moves
- Grinding or clenching your teeth at night
- Limited jaw movement or stiff jaw

Your jaw pain can also affect other areas of your body, leading to:

- Neck pain
- Facial pain
- Headaches
- Congested or ringing ears

In order to determine whether or not TMD is the source of your pain, your neuromuscular dentist will use a device called a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit to stimulate and relax your jaw muscles. A series of electrical impulses prevents pain signals from reaching your brain, while at the same time helping your body release natural painkillers called endorphins.

Many patients feel instant relief from their symptoms when the TENS unit is used, since the tension in their jaw muscles has finally been released. Once your jaw has completely relaxed, your neuromuscular dentist will be able to determine the correct position it should be in. If your jaw is out of alignment, this means you do in fact have TMD, and a treatment plan will be developed to help bring your jaw back into its proper position.

Obtaining Permanent Relief from Jaw Pain

Since it's possible that your jaw joint has been out of order for years, treatment of TMJ/TMD is not always a quick fix. However, most patients would agree that the time and effort taken to address the root of their jaw pain is well worth it. Simply masking the symptoms with painkillers will not bring you the relief you need, and can leave you vulnerable to more severe symptoms in the future.

Depending upon your particular needs, TMJ/TMD treatment can vary, but it may involve the following procedures:

- Orthodontics - Aligning your teeth and correcting your bite will help push your jaw back into its proper position. Traditional bracket-and-wire braces are no longer your only option to straighten your teeth; many dentists now offer convenient clear braces options such as Invisalign and Bioliners.
- Restorations - Teeth restorations such as dental crowns, dental bridges, and even porcelain veneers can be used by a skilled dentist to help correct your bite and keep your jaw in the best possible position.
- Orthotics - A dental orthotic is a brace or appliance that is designed to gradually shift your jaw's position and correct your bite. Your dentist may fit you with a temporary orthotic to bring your jaw back into proper alignment.

If you would like more information about how neuromuscular dentistry can help treat your jaw pain and other symptoms associated with TMJ/TMD, please visit the website of experienced Phoenix neuromuscular dentists Scott LeSueur, DDS & Charles Dodaro, DDS at www.drsofsmiles.com.