Are your symptoms indicative of TMD?
Do you suffer from the debilitating symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)? You are not alone. In fact, millions of American adults have never been diagnosed with TMD, and are not aware their painful symptoms are related to TMD, including:
- Headaches
- Neck/Shoulder aches
- Jaw pain
- Sensitive and sore teeth
- Clenching of the teeth/grinding
- Loose teeth
- Facial pain
- Worn down teeth
- Ear congestion
- Forward head posturing
- Clicking/popping in the joints
- Limited opening of the mouth
- Tingling in the fingertips
TMD Causes
While the cause of TMD is not clear, dentists believe the symptoms begin with problems of the jaw muscles or parts of the jaw joint. A heavy blow or whiplash affecting the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck might cause TMD.
Other possible causes include:
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth, putting undue pressure on the TMJ
- Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket
- Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the TMJ
- Stress (the patient tightens facial and jaw muscles or clenches teeth)
Neuromuscular Dentistry Technology
Neuromuscular dentists like LVI-trained Dr. Paul Mathew of Artisan Dentistry in Salem, New Hampshire and Newburyport, Massachusetts use state-of-the-art technology to uncover the cause of your symptoms and determine your optimal jaw position, including:
Computerized jaw tracking instruments to record jaw movement, resting position, and path of closure to pinpoint the cause of your TMD and develop an effective treatment plan.
Electromyography to measure your jaw’s muscle function in stressed and relaxed positions, as well as measuring the jaw-to-skull relationship for structural imbalances.
Sonography to record jaw joint sounds and detect abnormalities.
X-rays of your jaw to evaluate the condition and positioning of your temporomandibular joint.
The Importance of a trained Dentist
Why is it important to choose an LVI-trained neuromuscular dentist? Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies is the premier training facility for neuromuscular dentists. LVI-trained neuromuscular dentists are specially trained to recognize signs of TMJ and to provide the best care for each patient.
Now that you know what TMD is, isn’t it time to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Mathew to find out if TMD is the cause of your symptoms? Please contact us today at Artisan Dentistry, Salem New Hampshire and Newburyport, Massachusetts to schedule your consultation. A whole new pain-free life awaits!
