Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain as well as recurring headaches. In some cases, this pain is due to Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD.

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints get a lot of use throughout the day as you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be unpleasant and may even restrict movement.

Symptoms of TMD include:

• Pain in the jaw area
• Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
• Frequent headaches or neck aches
• Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
• Swelling on the sides of the face
• Muscle spasms in the jaw area
• A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
• Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth

Should you notice any of these symptoms, let your doctor know. Your dentist can help indicate the presence of TMD and create an effective treatment just for you.

There are a few simple steps you can take at home or work to prevent TMD from becoming more severe, or to prevent it from occurring:

• Relax your face — remember the rule: "Lips together, teeth apart"
• Avoid grinding your teeth
• Avoid constant gum chewing
• Don't cradle the phone receiver between your head and shoulder — either use a headset or hold the receiver in your hand
• Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth
• Do not sit with your chin resting on your hand
• Practice good posture — keep your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared

POD® (Preventive Oral Device)

The POD is a patent pending, custom-made mandibular splint designed to aid in treating bruxism and TMJ Dysfunction. Worn during sleep, the device serves to protect the teeth and restorations from the destructive forces of bruxism and will help to alleviate TMJ/TMD, headaches, and facial muscle pain.

The unique design increases anterior tongue space while limiting the number of occlusal contact points with the maxillary arch. This Unilateral BiteBlock Technology® limits occlusal contacts allowing for a reduction of trigeminally innervated muscular activity.  In addition, the device design helps to decompress the TMJ Capsule. These features can help to reduce muscle tension and help alleviate TMJ-related jaw, ear, neck, and facial pain, along with different types of headaches.

Botox®

Botox is a medication that can only be prescribed to you by a healthcare professional. It is used as a temporary treatment for patients between the ages of 18 and 65. Botox is used to relieve symptoms of TMJ, as well as provide comfort to patients receiving dental implants. In each case, Botox is used to reduce the amount of stress placed on the teeth and jaw so that patients feel comfortable and confident.

Oralase

Gentle, safe, and effective treatment designed to improve wellness on many levels. OraLase uses the power of energy delivered through invisible light energy to the areas of the body suffering from pain, loss of mobility, or less-than-optimal function.

The warm, fluid sensations created by the highly specific technology and equipment allow the patient to receive immediate results from therapy including:

• relief from pain
• increased range of motion from previously restricted tissues (including and especially tongue restrictions)
• improved neurological connections between brain and body that allow improvements in both form and function
• sensations of profound calm and the ability to overcome previous obstacles to health and wellness