Information from Trained TMJ Dentist in Phoenix and Scottsdale
What is TMJ?
There are a lot of different names for this condition. Terms such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) dysfunction, TMJ syndrome, TMJ disorder and myofascial pain (MPD) dysfunction.
MPD is a larger more encompassing term as it contains three components. The first component is structural and is represented by the jaw joint itself. The second component is emotional, mostly tension and stress, both from internal and external sources that can trigger or magnify the structural imbalance. The third component is biochemical changes which are established through body adaptation to chronic pain. The effects of this chronic pain can be changes in glands (thyroid, hypothalamus and pituitary), hormonal, and the circulatory system to name a few. Chronic pain in the body can lead to fatigue in the different body systems and lead to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, ulcers and other problems. The result of this chronic pain, which can establish itself in as quick as 6 months from the onset of acute pain can prolong or take the place of the condition that originally caused the problem.
Of these three components, we will talk about primarily about the structural component or the TMJ itself. The structure of the jaw joint, located in front of your ears, is composed of the bone itself, tendons, ligaments, muscles and nerves. It is not a captured joint like your hip or elbow but consists of a bone held against the base of your skull with a cartilaginous disc between the two bony surfaces. The joint is stabilized by ligaments that allow flexibility of movement in all three directions.
Sometimes this joint, due to growth and development abnormalities, bad tooth arrangements, dental disease and trauma can cause a structural imbalance. Normally this joint is only loaded when you swallow or chew but in cases where there is a large emotional component, you can over-ride the resting position of the jaw and force it into a loaded position. If the imbalance is severe enough, the joint will break down and you will develop TMJ symptoms.
How is TMJ treated?
There currently are two approaches to treating TMJ. The first is based on a psycho-somatic philosophy that suggests the emotional component is the main cause of the problems and is usually treated by such things as a mouthpiece, tranquilizers, anti-depressants, muscle relaxers and relaxation techniques (meditation, yoga ).
The second approach takes a more structural basis believing that if there is a structural imbalance between the jaw and your skull, there will be stress placed on the joint itself and the tendons, ligaments and muscles that surround the joint. This will ultimately cause the joint to breakdown physically (osteo-arthritis) and cause soft tissue damage and pain in the head, neck, ears, shoulders, back and chest. At Dr. Foreman’s office we believe this is the appropriate way to treat TMJ problems.
Is Dr. Foreman a specialist in treating TMJ?
There is no recognized specialist for treating TMJ by the American Dental Association. TMJ problems are treated by the general dentist if he or she believes they have the training and expertise to do so. Dr. Foreman, himself a former sufferer from TMJ, has spent hundreds of hours of additional training, since 1980 in learning techniques, from the United States and Internationally, which have proven successful in resolving these issues.
He has found that a neuro-muscular approach has proven the best at treating TMJ problems. This very sophisticated computer software records muscle activity and jaw position to locate the best position for your jaw. Typical appointments at Dr. Foreman’s office will involve the following:
- A consultation to discuss and review your medical and dental history related to your TMJ symptoms.
- A clinical examination to record tenderness in the head and neck muscles, your TMJ and related dental conditions.
- Cone beam CT scan of your whole head including your TMJ
- Plaster casts of your teeth for up-close analysis
- Use of TENS to relax the muscles of your jaw
- Computer analysis of your jaw movements and muscle activity
- Recordings of the jaw joint sounds
These different topics are explained in more detail in the booklet, “Solving the Pain Puzzle: Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome” provided by Dr. Foreman.
