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435 N. Bedford Drive Suite 405 Beverly Hills, California 90210 Ph: 310-271-7727
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| TMJ Syndrome |
Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problem. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, and the TMJ headache is a tension type of headache. It is often described as a feeling of wearing a hat two sizes too small, with pain in a ring around the head, or as a migraine headache.
There are a few TMJ-related causes for tension headaches. Constant contraction of muscle fibers within a muscle, create tension, pressure or a tight feeling in the face and head, but constant tight muscle fibers prevent or reduce blood flow to that area. The body sends more blood to the areas and this can result an increase in general blood pressure to the muscles and head, sometimes referred to as vascular headaches. Clenching and grinding the teeth, which are TMJ symptoms, produce pain from the muscles in the head, which is a headache.
Unfortunately, these headaches can be so frequent or severe that they are frequently misdiagnosed and treated as migraine headaches. The pain from muscle headaches can be blocked with medications, or nerves cut with brain surgery or muscles somewhat relaxed with muscle and psychological therapy, but the cause of the disease and damage from the bad bite, malocclusion, will persist. Side effects with medications, complications from brain surgery, and limited results with muscle or psychological therapy do not correct the source of the problem. Neuromuscular dentistry ensures the muscles are happy because they do not have to work hard positioning the teeth to a strained bite.
By putting the temporomandibular joint back into alignment and placing the jaw into its optimal position, neuromuscular dentistry can alleviate most headache problems related to TMJ, muscle, nerve and joint disorders. Please contact us to speak with Dr. Cohen.
TMJ Syndrome
TMJ syndrome also known as Temoromandibular joint disorder, TMD or simply TMJ is defined by Wikipedia as “an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible to the skull. The disorder and resultant dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment.”
TMJ Symptoms
TMJ symptoms can include headaches, face or neck pain, chipped, worn or broken teeth, clicking or popping in the jaw, and congestion or ringing in the ears. Some people may experience constant pain while others may have no symptoms. TMJ syndrome is more predominant in women than men, but can occur in just about anybody.
Initial TMJ Consultation
The initial consultation for TMJ syndrome is usually about an hour long. The dentist will have the patient fill out a questionnaire with a variety of question including a list of various symptoms related to TMJ, how long they have had the symptoms, other related symptoms, any family history of TMJ syndrome, and any history of teeth clenching or grinding.
Preparation Work
If a diagnosis of TMJ syndrome is indicated, the dentist will decide what the best course of treatment will be. Sometimes a icat scan, mri , or xrays will be indicated. This is done to determine if any structural damage has taken place, and gives the dentist a baseline for future comparisons. Usually impressions of the mouth are taken so that the dentist can make models of the mouth to further explore the teeth relationship to each other. Often times TMJ syndrome can be traced to a bad bite or malocclusion.
Treatment of TMJ Syndrome
Treatment of TMJ syndrome will vary, depending on the patient and the philosophy of the dentist. It often will include fabrication of either a nightguard or orthotic appliance, possibly massage therapy, heat or cold therapy, medication if necessary, the use of a Transcutaneous electrical neural stimulator (TENS) unit, adjustment of the bite, and possibly orthodontics, surgery or complete reconstruction of the bite.
How long is each TMJ visit?
After the initial diagnosis of TMJ syndrome, the dentist will determine the course of treatment. Depending on which treatment the dentist decides on appointments will range from 30 minutes to 1 and a half hours.
How many visits are necessary?
The number of vistis to treat TMJ syndrome will depend on the type of treatment done. Often the average patient will see the dentist once or twice a month for 3 to 6 months, or until symptoms have improved significantly. Every patient with TMJ syndrome responds differently, so some patients take more time than others.
Causes of TMJ Syndrome
A poor bite or Malocclusion is usually the cause of TMJ Syndrome. This can cause an imbalance in the relationship of the upper jaw to the lower jaw. This unnatural position results in straining of the muscles. The muscles try to compensate for this and eventually start to spasms, resulting in pain that can eventually spread to the head and neck, the most common symptoms of TMJ syndrome.
Alternatives to treatment
Unfortunately there are not a lot of options in the treatment of TMJ syndrome. Some cases can be so severe that they may need surgery, though this is a last resort. Generally, the therapy described above is successful in a high percentage of cases.
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The Dental Sedation Center - 435 N. Bedford Drive Suite 405 Beverly Hills, California 90210
Phone: 310-271-7727
Copyright © 2010 A. Patric Cohen The content of the website is provided for Informational purposes only and not intended as formal medical advice.
Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentistry provided by LVI Cosmetic Dentist Dr. A. Patric Cohen - Los Angeles
CA including Westwood, Santa Monica, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, WLA,
Hollywood, Cheviot Hills, Brentwood.
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