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TMJ Syndrome
Relief from Neck, Head, and Jaw Pain
What is TMJ Syndrome?
TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint disorder. Temporomandibular joints work with muscles, ligaments, and nerves to allow for smooth movement while chewing and speaking. The joints are highly sensitive to physical and emotional stress, and if any of the neuromuscular structures are in disharmony, the entire apparatus suffers.
The most common causes of TMJ are trauma to the face and jaws, grinding, missing teeth, and stress. There are other factors, but to a lesser degree.
What are the symptoms?
There are many signs and symptoms of TMJ syndrome, not all necessarily present in all cases. Here are some of the most common:
- Headaches, particularly upon awakening
- Tenderness of the jaw muscles
- Pain in or around the ear that often spreads to the face
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Pain or difficulty in chewing, yawning, or opening wide
- Jaws that "get stuck" or "lock"
- Earache or pain when no infection is present
- Dizziness
What are the methods of treatment?
We feel that it's best to begin with conservative TMJ therapies. Eliminating the cause of muscular spasms or an improper bite is the first concern, followed by some exercises to help the jaw relax. Oftentimes, an NTI oral appliance worn at night corrects the problem in as little as three months. If you case is severe, we may recommend you to a trusted specialist whom we will work closely with to ensure thorough results.
NTI
The NTI is a small, oral appliance similar to a mouthguard that effectively provides migraine and headache relief. The appliance works by repositioning the jaw joints and reducing facial tension while you sleep. With the NTI appliance, many patients begin to notice a difference after just one night.
Headaches . . . The real pain in the neck.
Just about everyone has had a headache at some point in his or her life. Severity of headaches ranges from mild discomfort in the temple area to head-thundering, eyesight-disturbing migraines that never seen to go away. The public accepts headaches as part of everyday life, but this could not be further from the truth.
The cause of headaches is often untreated or misdiagnosed. Chronic headaches are not normal and you should see Dr. Hernandez immediately for a thorough diagnosis if you have chronic pain. He can perform a thorough diagnosis to determine if TMJ disorder is causing your headaches.
When you come in for your headache relief appointment, Dr. Hernandez will evaluate your temporomandibular joints, teeth, and the muscles of the head and neck involved with mastication. Many times, we find that a disharmonious masticatory system and TMJ disorder are the source of chronic headaches and facial pain.
If you suffer from TMJ, it means that your joints are constantly being pulled out of socket by your facial muscles. Your jaw and the surrounding muscles are in a constant state of tension, causing headaches, facial pain, and other problems.
We will also thoroughly examine your teeth. When teeth do not come in together evenly, they break, the bone support collapses, and the jaw joints deteriorate. If left untreated, an improper bite can cause tooth fractures, tooth sensitivity, and, eventually, tooth loss.
Once we have diagnosed your condition, we will recommend the best therapy for your unique case. Treatments range from oral splints and tooth rebuilding to bite equilibration and joint surgery. By remedying the underlying cause of your headaches, we provide permanent relief for chronic headaches.
If you or someone you know needs headache relief, call the Advanced Center for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry today. Dr. Hernandez provides Miami, Miami Beach, Pinecrest, Coral Gables, and South Miami residents with comprehensive care for healthy living. The difference could be living pain free.
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