Questions About TMJ Disorder
Springfield, Holyoke, Longmeadow, and Wilbraham, MA Neuromuscular Dentistry
What is TMJ Disorder?
It is a misaligned jaw – a bad bite. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has estimated that more than 10 million Americans suffer from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJ). The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and it can take time to properly identify their cause.
At Baystate Dental, we have two fully-qualified neuromuscular dentists who can diagnose your TMJ and devise a treatment plan to provide pain relief.
What causes TMJ?
There is no single cause of TMJ. The jaw joints are complex and delicate. Some causes of TMJ are:
- Deterioration or slippage of the cushioning disk between the two bone surfaces
- Sudden Injury or impact to one or both jaw joints
- Clenching or grinding the teeth, which can gradually push the joints out of alignment
- Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
- Repetitive motions, such as excessive gum chewing
- Bad posture, such as frequently holding a telephone with your shoulder
If I have pain in my jaw does that mean I have TMJ?
Not necessarily. Many people have occasional discomfort or pain in the jaw area that goes away without any treatment. However, if this pain becomes more frequent or begins to interfere with your normal daily routine, it may be time to visit a neuromuscular dentist to determine if your bite is out of alignment.
Can anyone have problems with their TMJ?
Yes. Misalignment of the jaw joint can occur to anyone. However, it is most common in women between the ages of 30 and 50.
Can a regular dentist diagnose and treat TMJ?
No. A regular dentist looks at teeth and gums but not at the jaw joints or bite. Neuromuscular dentists are specially trained in how the muscles, nerves, bones and joints work together in your bite. Your bite is a three-point mechanical arrangement between the two jaw joints and the chin. Neuromuscular dentists consider many aspects of your body to properly diagnose and treat TMJ, including:
- Circulatory system
- Central nervous system
- Autonomic nervous system
- Blood flow
- Biomechanics
Do you offer mouthguards for sports patients?
Yes. We can fit professional, amateur and collegiate sports patients with Pure Power Mouthguards (PPM) to keep the facial muscles relaxed and aligned during sports play. This helps to improve balance, reflex speed, and strength so you can perform at your maximum level.
If you have questions about TMJ or want to be evaluated by one of the neuromuscular dentists at Baystate Dental, please contact us in East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Wilbraham, West Springfield or Springfield, Massachusetts today for a neuromuscular dentistry consultation.
- Baystate Dental has given me the confidence in myself to seek treatment without shame and provided me with constant encouragement to come back, fully dressed with my smile, in order to make my smile the best it can be. - Samantha P., Brockton, MA
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