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Neuromuscular Dentistry and TMD Diagnosis

In Chicago and surrounding areas

What is TMD?
The joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull is called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and this joint provides for a wide range of motion including up and down, side to side and forward and back. The TMJ allows us to talk, chew and yawn. The temporomandibular joint depends on very precise alignment to work properly and allow our jaw to move in any of those directions smoothly and without pain.

When this joint becomes misaligned, due to a variety of factors, it results in a painful and debilitating condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). Some of the symptoms of TMD include:

• Tooth grinding (bruxism)
• Facial soreness and pain
• Jaw stiffness and pain
• Headaches, neck pain and even shoulder pain
• Clicking and popping noises of the jaw
• Locking of the jaw
• Uneven tooth wear and other dental damage

TMD Diagnostic Tools
A thorough medical and dental history is very important when diagnosing and treating TMD. Radiographic examination, palpation of the muscles, analysis of posture and photographs are common components of preliminary diagnosis of joint disorders. A neuromuscular dentist will use computerized technology to accurately evaluate the patient's joint disorder.

• Sonography accurately measures joint sounds, even those that cannot be heard by the human ear. This diagnostic tool helps diagnose the quality, quantity and location of sound during joint movement.
• Electromyography is used to measure the electrical activity in the muscles of chewing (mastication). This diagnostic tool measures the ability of the muscles to function adequately and to be calm when at rest. An EMG is used to verify that the new position of the jaw is comfortable for the patient.
• Computerized jaw tracking allows your neuromuscular dentist to measure how the jaws function in three dimensions including full range of motion, the rest position of the mandible before and after TENS (see below) relaxation, and the best position of the jaw for optimum muscle function. Jaw tracking also helps position the teeth so the joints and muscles are most comfortable.
• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation) is a device that relaxes the muscles. An ultra low frequency TENS unit will deliver mild electrical impulses to the muscles, relaxing them, increasing blood flow to them, and helping to remove toxins from them. The resulting relaxed muscles can then reflect their ideal strength and position.

Neuromuscular dentists are specially trained in proper alignment of the jaw in relation to the muscles that control the function of the jaw.

If you have any of the symptoms of TMD and you'd like a full evaluation to properly diagnose TMD, please call or email the specially trained professionals at the Colonial Dental Group today to schedule your personal consultation.