What is TMJ:

Neuromuscular dentistry is a dental treatment performed for the correction of a patient’s jaw and facial misalignments for the Temporomandibular joints (TMJ). The TMJ are actually small joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull, which are located in front of each ear. This branch of dentistry focuses on the relationship between the nerves, teeth, muscles and joints – as well as its effects on the postural formation of the jaw.

When suffering from TMJ dysfunction, patients experience the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Pain in the facial muscles
• Pain in the neck and shoulder
• Ringing in the ears
• Dizziness
• Facial paralysis
• Painful teeth
• Pain in the Jaw
• Limited opening of the mouth
• Sensitive teeth

TMJ dysfunction comes from a condition called Malocclusion, or the misalignment of the lower and upper jaw, which then causes underbites and overbites. This is because with malocclusion, the jaw becomes unable to properly support the teeth during chewing and swallowing, thereby resulting to stress to a person’s facial muscles.

TMJ is detected by using a TENS unit and Myotronics k7, which emits electrical impulses into the facial muscles around the jaw, to relax the jaw so that the dentist can assess the measure the misalignment. The dentist then decides on what the position would be necessary for the patient. TENS unit provides temporary relief from TMJ, because it blocks pain signals from reaching your brain.

It is also worthy to note that Myotronics K7 is one of the most advanced procedures in detecting TMJ disorders. The procedure creates a 3D representation of the position of the patient’s jaw, providing the dentist with a complete picture of the patient’s bite inside and
outside the mouth. And what makes this procedure even more preferable is the fact that the entire procedure is noninvasive and it provides effective and accurate results.

Both the TENS unit and Myotronics k7 are available at the Artisan Dental in Burke, VA.

Now, if you want to know more about TMJ and neuromuscular dentistry, then please do not hesitate to give us a call. Dr. Ghannam and Dr. Lynch are willing to provide you the necessary solutions to your dental problems – whatever they may be. You can be assured of that.