TMJ and Cranio-facial Pain Relief

Neuromuscular Dentistry & TMJ Treatment

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) problems can cause various symptoms, such as migraine-like headache, earaches, jaw pain and more. Neuromuscular dentistry addresses the nerves, muscles and the correct positioning of the jaw. Neuromuscular dentists are trained especially to assess the condition and deliver a treatment for TMD, and can relieve these symptoms, often permanently.

Your teeth, joints, muscles and nerves all work together in the proper alignment and functioning of the jaw. When there is evidence of improper jaw alignment, you may have a condition called TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder, or TMD.

TMD occurs when the jaw joint is displaced or misaligned. If you regularly experience jaw-pain during basic facial movements like chewing, speaking and even smiling, you could have TMD. This is often referred to as TMJ.

A misalignment in the jaw joint affects the muscles, tendons and nerves of your back, neck and shoulders, causing painful symptoms that can be felt throughout your entire body.

People who tend to grind their teeth and clench their jaw often have TMD. This can affect your bite and your teeth and therefore compromise your oral health.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder:

TMJ/TMD:

  • Jaw pain
  • Migraine-like headaches
  • Back, neck and shoulder pain
  • Earaches
  • Clicking, locking or popping of the jaw
  • Uneven bite
  • Ringing in your ears
  • Vertigo or dizziness
  • Clenching and grinding
  • Numbness or tingling in the extremities.
  • Crowded or loose teeth

Treatment of TMJ and Neuromuscular Condition

The TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation) unit delivers tiny electrical impulses to the muscles responsible for jaw movement and relaxes them. In less than an hour the relaxed jaw joints finds its ideal positioning.

If the information gathered shows that the patient has improper jaw alignment, Dr. Zeng will recommend a course of therapy for correction.

M-Scan™

The M-Scan™ records the four muscles in your jaw that are used for mastication (chewing) and help your jaw function properly. The M-Scan allows us to observe these muscles at work so we can determine if they are functioning correctly. We can record activity when these muscles are at rest and when they are active. The M-Scan checks for symmetrical function and any differences between the right and left side of your jaw. This information enables us to develop an effective treatment plan to give you optimal results.

After the scan, Dr. Zeng will discuss the results with you and how these results affect your treatment. This scan may be used multiple times throughout and after your treatment to help confirm that treatment is progressing as it should and to help us make adjustments if necessary.

Effective Treatment

Following the diagnosis of an improper jaw alignment, Dr. Zeng will begin an oral therapy by creating a custom oral appliance to hold your jaw in proper alignment.

You will wear the appliance for at least 2-3 months to stabilize your bite after which you will be examined to determine if further therapy is required. Orthodontics, restoration of tooth arches or a bite adjustment may be recommended.

Dr. Zeng is highly trained in neuromuscular dentistry, having studied at the well-known Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and achieved fellowship status.