Common Questions About TMJ

    SACRAMENTO, CA, March 02, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- TMJ is a poorly understood condition, even by many of its sufferers. Failure to understand the condition can prevent people from receiving a proper diagnosis or getting treatment for this potentially disabling condition. Here are answers to a few common questions people have about the condition.

What is TMJ?

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is the name given to over a dozen disorders that can affect the proper alignment of your jaw. More than 10 million Americans currently suffer from TMJ, yet it remains a commonly undiagnosed disorder. This is largely due to the fact that the symptoms of TMJ can be similar to those of other disorders. In some cases, the symptoms of TMJ may seem entirely unrelated to the jaw joint.

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

There can be several signs of TMJ within the jaw such as clicking noises when you chew, lockjaw, and tenderness around the cheeks and jaw. TMJ may also have symptoms including:
- Pressure behind the eyes
- Ear ringing or vertigo
- Frequent migraine, tension, or sinus headaches
- Neck aches
- Postural problems

TMJ may also only produce symptoms noticed by your dentist such as uneven tooth wear or a sloped jaw. Most frequently, TMJ is diagnosed during your biannual cleanings and examinations with your dentist.

What causes TMJ?

TMJ may be caused by several factors including:
- Trauma to the jaw
- Malocclusion
- Teeth grinding
- Arthritis
In some cases, there is no clear cause of TMJ. This is another reason to be fastidious about making your regular dental visits..

How is TMJ diagnosed?

If your dentist notices an irregularity with your jaw or if you bring to his attention symptoms you are experiencing, he can use state-of-the-art technology to determine if TMJ is the cause. Your dentist may use diagnostic tools including:
- Sonography - to record jaw sounds and determine where noise is coming from
- Electromyography - to monitor the tension of your chewing muscles and identify any imbalance
- TENS - Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation enables your muscles to relax and allows your dentist to determine proper jaw alignment

If your dentist determines that TMJ is responsible for your symptoms, you will be provided with a number of treatment options.

How is TMJ treated?

Sometimes TMJ can be treated just with TENS and possibly over-the-counter medications. The most common treatment for TMJ is a customized mouthguard or oral splint. This will be worn during sleep to gently bring your jaw back into its optimal alignment. Other options for treating TMJ include reconstruction such as dental crowns and porcelain veneers, and orthodontic treatments such as braces and Invisalign . Working with a neuromuscular dentist in your area, the method of treatment that will best serve your needs can be determined.

If you live in or around Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Lincoln, Stockton, or Modesto, California and would like additional information about TMJ, please visit the website of Advanced Dental Concepts to learn more at www.hightechsmiles.com.

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