Alleviating TMD through Focused Dental Treatment

The mouth is an intricate part of the body, consisting of bones, tissues, muscles, and joints that all work together to complete acts like chewing and speaking. We rarely think of these inner workings, and therefore many patients don't realize a condition may require specialized treatment. TMD is a disorder of the temporomandibular joints, called TMJs, located at the back of the jaw, just in front of the ears. These joints connect the skull and the jawbone, and provide the sliding and rotating movement needed for full function.

When a problem arises with one or both TMJs, the resulting temporomandibular disorder can cause a great deal of discomfort and inconvenience. Symptoms are widely varied, and a patient may experience a single symptom or multiple symptoms at one time. It is important to pay attention to the signs of TMD and know when to have them evaluated. Some of the symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorder include:

• Pain or ringing in the ears
• Pain behind the eyes
• Persistent headaches
• Popping or clicking in the jaw
• Pain in the jaw
• Difficulty chewing
• Facial discomfort
• Limited range of motion when speaking or eating
• Bite changes
• Neck pain
• Dizziness
• Abnormal tooth wear

The TMJs may be affected adversely by orthodontic issues, which can be corrected with braces. TMD may also be caused by clenching or grinding of teeth, biting on hard objects, or trauma - even small traumas like gum chewing or nail biting.

Through proper treatment, the discomfort of TMD can be alleviated and range of motion restored. Treatment will vary based on the patient's particular situation, and the underlying cause of joint irritation. To relieve over-stressed muscles, Dr. Fritz may include micro-current therapy in the treatment plan, which delivers very mild electrical stimulation - just 1/1000 of the power of TENS therapy. This stimulation works with the body's natural physiology to ease tension on the joints and decrease the sensation of pain.