TMJ THERAPY
Dr. Neil L Starr
TMJ Therapy plays a crucial role in the healing process of patients suffering from Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems. This disorder may stem from various causes, such as trauma, injury, inflamed muscles, and nerve problems in the jaw. This causes pain and discomfort, even when doing simple activities such as chewing and opening your mouth. For this condition, TMJ Therapy is a solution offered here at Neil L. Starr, DDS, PC to our affected patients. We have effective and quality treatments for our patients in need. If you are experiencing TMJ problems, we can assist you with diagnosing and treating the problem so that you can have an improved quality of life.
WHAT EXACTLY IS TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT SYNDROME?
When your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, gets inflamed, you could have TMJ syndrome. Your TMJ connects your jawbone and skull. Injuries to this area of the skull can result in significant amounts of pain. However, it is not only trauma that can lead to TMJ pain. An injured temporomandibular joint can lead to pain when chewing, popping of your jaw, swelling on the side of your face, inflamed nerves, tooth grinding, and even migraines. This uncomfortable feeling can be lessened or eradicated when TMJ problems are properly taken care of.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF TMJ SYNDROME?
In fact just having one tooth out of alignment so that it interferes with the normal function of closing the teeth together or chewing can initiate a muscular or ligamentous pain that falls into the broad category and classification of the TMJ Syndrome.
There are many possible reasons why one could get TMJ syndrome. Putting much pressure on your teeth, such as when you grind and clench your teeth, can lead to problems with your TMJ. Misalignments of the jaw can be another cause of issues with your TMJ. Poor posture and inflamed musculoskeletal structures are also some of the many reasons your jaw could begin to hurt.
WHAT CAN TMJ THERAPY DO?
When you notice something different, or you notice discomfort in your jaw, it is best to visit us and get a checkup. Do not wait for it to become more severe. Early management can lead to better results, plus it can prevent worsening of the condition. When you are having a muscle spasm in your jaw area, occasional migraines, toothaches, blurred vision, dizziness, stiff jaw, or pain in your neck muscles, we encourage you to come in and get checked out right away.
START YOUR TMJ THERAPY NOW WITH DR. STARR
If you need TMJ therapy, reach out to us here at Neil L.Starr, DDS, PC, with Dr. Starr. He has a great and proven track record in the field of Dental Rehabilitation/ Reconstruction . So he understands the jaws and their musculature and how to decondition the muscles to alleviate much of the so called TMJ pain.
To ensure an accurate diagnosis of your TMJ symptoms, Dr. Starr frequently uses a diagnostic oral appliance as a first effort as a part of your TMJ therapy to promote relaxation of your facial muscles and ligaments. The appliance acts as a deprogramming appliance ie. to decondition your facial muscles and deprogram them from the stresses the muscles are experiencing, so that they start the process of relaxing which will reduce the pain and the symptoms.
Dr. Starr reminds us though, that not all TMJ approaches are the same as each patient’s symptoms may vary.
