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TMJ/ TMD & Bruxism
We are committed to health-centered dentistry, so we are always on the alert for symptoms that could lead to chronic difficulties like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD/TMJ). This is a common problem that involves the joints used in chewing, swallow-ing, and talking. TMD/TMJ can lead to localized symptoms or seemingly unrelated headaches and earaches. One of the first culprits we look for during regular dental examinations is bruxism.
Bruxism is the name for forceful grinding and/or clenching of your teeth. Grinding is usually noisy; clenching is silent. Either can create so much stress on the jaw points that patients experience serious and even debilitating muscle spasms and pain, common symptoms of TMD/TMJ.
TMJ Dysfunction
Many people suffer from dizziness, earaches, face, head, neck, shoulder and back pain without knowing the cause of their pain. Previously, many patients seeking medical cures for these types of problems were told it was ''all in their minds. ' They would go from ''specialist'' to ''specialist'' seeking a cure. Then after years of unsuccessful treatment, they learned to live with the pain, usually with the aid of over the counter drugs, mainly aspirin.
Today, however, it is now known that a condition commonly referred to as TMJ syndrome accounts for a large number of these previously uncared for and painful ailments. The above types of pains are symptoms of the syndrome - not the problem itself. Correcting the problem rather than the symptom is at the heart of TMJ treatment.
Today, with new knowledge and technology, dentist are able to diagnose and treat TMJ problems, which previously have been overlooked. Additionally, the medical profession is becoming more aware of dentistry's involvement and physicians are referring patients to dentist, like Dr. Regiani who are extremely knowledgeable in TMJ treatment.
Diagnosing the Problem
Before prescribing the proper treatment for your particular problem, a variety of diagnostic procedures may be necessary. A radiograph (digital x-ray) may be taken of your jaw joint. This provides a clear picture of your own particular TMJ anatomy and position of the various structures within the jaw joint. The visual radiograph is also used a means for detecting disease in the jaw joint.
Jaw repositioners may be used. These appliances are worn for a given period of time. The appliance is refined and adjusted until it eliminates the bite disharmony and pain. In this way, the bite need not be permanently altered until the problem is accurately diagnoses via splint or other procedures. Permanent treatment would then be prescribed to duplicate the effects of the appliance, e.g. equilibration or occlusal adjustment, orthodontic or restorative procedures such as crowns.
In order to study the relationship of the patient's teeth and joints, it is necessary to see how the joints guide the jaw without interference form the reflexes and muscles, which are always accommodating to fit the teeth. To do this a record is taken measuring the relationship between the teeth to the jaw. Once this record of the jaw guidance is taken, it can be reproduced on an instrument called and articulator, which simulates your own particular jaw movements and bite relationship. Then without interferences from reflexes and muscles, the bite can be studied for disharmonies and other interferences. Necessary restorative procedures - crowns and bridges may be built outside the mouth, analyzed on the articulator and later positioned accurately in the mouth allowing proper fit and function.
Using instrumentation such as this saves you time and discomfort as it eliminates the need to sit in the dental chair while the fit and function is being adjusted.
Early Treatment Is Important
The importance of early treatment cannot be overstated. TMJ problems can advance in stages and grow progressively worse. Thus, a minor problem can become a major source of pain in the futures. Additionally, the chances of successful treatment increase substantially the earlier treatment is accomplished.
101 South Street, P.O. Box 458, Ortonville, Michigan 48462
Call (248 )627-4934 |
