How Can Neuromuscular Dentistry Treat TMJ Disorders?

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the prevalence of TMJ disorder is between 5% and 12%. The condition can make it difficult to chew and cause facial or joint pain.

Oral health involves more than just gums and teeth. TMJ disorder mainly affects the joints that support your jaws. These joints serve a crucial function in everyday activities such as talking, chewing food, and even smiling.

Neuromuscular dentistry can help you regain normal functionality by providing pain relief for TMJ disorder. Read on to learn how this branch of dentistry addresses TMJ disorder.

What Is Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, or TMJ disorder, is a condition that affects the joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull. TMJ disorders can cause severe pain or discomfort if it's not aligned correctly.

The TMJ joint is critical because it allows your jaws to move. Some of the leading causes of TMJ disorder are:

• Clenching of teeth
• Arthritis
• Chronic tooth grinding
• Injury

Many people may not know that they have TMJ disorder. However, one of the most common signs to look for is a painful sensation when opening the jaw. TMJ disorder often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because the symptoms vary from one person to another.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

The symptoms commonly associated with TMJ disorder include the following:

• Pain radiating through the face, neck, and shoulders
• Discomfort around the joints of your jaws
• Lockjaw and headaches
• Reduced range of jaw motion

You may also experience clicking or popping sounds around your jaw joint when you move your jaw. These symptoms may not always appear sequentially or with the same level of intensity. Besides, the symptoms may come and go, making it much more difficult to determine if you have TMJ disorder.

A TMJ flare-up can last between a few days to a few weeks. TMJ symptoms are more pronounced during a flare-up, and you'll need to see a neuromuscular specialist urgently.

How Do You Treat TMJ Disorders?

Waiting for a TMJ flare-up to subside isn't an effective way to manage the condition. A long-term solution will involve seeing a dental specialist. Your dentist will likely suggest various treatment modalities, including dental tensing.

Dental tensing entails using small electrical currents to relax muscles and ease pain. This method is ideal if muscle inflammation is one of the reasons you are experiencing TMJ disorder. Dental tensing is just one of the treatment methods available in neuromuscular dentistry.

What Is Neuromuscular Dentistry?

Neuromuscular dentistry is a field of dentistry that explores the three dimensions of muscle, teeth, and joints. This field has grown steadily in recent years due to the rising prevalence of conditions such as TMJ disorders.

Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on teeth, jaw, and muscles and offers a practical approach to conditions that affect all three. The field uses modern technology and methods to treat TMDs.

For instance, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is commonly used in neuromuscular dentistry to relax the jaw and facial muscles. Finding a specialist in neuromuscular dentistry is the first step in treating TMJ disorder.

A specialist can help you explore different TMJ treatment options, from dental implants to dental tensing. The treatment plan your dentist ultimately recommends for you will depend on what is causing the disorder. Some common options include the following:

Use of Orthotic Devices

A TMJ orthotic device is a customized device specifically designed to enhance jaw alignment. They're also called occlusal splints, and they provide pain relief by reducing muscle tension between the jaw, teeth, and facial muscles.

Orthotic devices are ideal for repositioning the jaw and easing your bite force. This significantly reduces the stress on the TMJ. You will usually need to wear them at night or when going to bed to mitigate the risk of grinding or clenching your teeth.

Protecting your jaw during sleep is one of the self-care tips you can use to avoid TMJ flare-ups. The use of occlusal devices may be a permanent solution to TMJ disorder. You should consult a neuromuscular dentistry specialist who can help you determine the specific cause of your issue.

Restorative Dentistry

Some TMJ disorders are a product of structural causes that may require restorative work. A dental specialist can perform various procedures to realign your teeth and relieve pressure on the TMJ.

Fixing misaligned teeth can prevent the TMJ from sliding or popping out of its right place. Crowns, bridges, and even orthodontic work may be necessary for effective restoration.

Physical Therapy

Neuromuscular dentistry also involves using physical therapy to treat TMJ disorders. It's a non-invasive treatment option that can help relax your jaw muscles. According to the Journal of Orthodontic Science, physical therapy is one of the most effective TMJ treatments.

A neuromuscular dentist can help you understand how to adopt different TMJ disorder management options, such as relaxing your jaw muscles. These interventions can help you self-manage your TMJ disorder and mitigate the risk that the condition will get worse.

Physical therapy may not be an effective treatment if you feel pain whenever you try to engage the TMJ. Your TMD specialist can help you find TMJ pain relief solutions that work.

Benefits of Neuromuscular Dentistry

Neuromuscular offers numerous benefits for your oral health. These include the following:

• Improved quality of life
• Long-term or permanent relief
• The option for both non-invasive and invasive treatment methods
• Personalized treatment options

Early TMJ diagnosis and treatment enhances the outcomes of neuromuscular dentistry by making it easier to focus on less invasive treatment options. So, if you notice any TMJ disorder symptoms, consult a neuromuscular specialist immediately.

Oral Health Practices for Better TMJ Management

The top TMJ treatments may be ineffective if you don't focus on your overall oral health. Some of the oral health practices that can complement TMJ treatment are:

• Getting regular check-ups
• Wearing a night guard
• Avoiding alcohol and hard foods
• Maintaining proper oral hygiene

Get the Best TMJ Disorder Treatment Today

TMJ pain can adversely affect your quality of life. Yet many people live with the discomfort, not knowing that effective treatments are readily available. Don't wait for a flare-up; talk to a specialist in neuromuscular dentistry to get TMJ pain relief.

At Dental Care Burke, we offer the latest treatment options for TMJ disorder. Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help.