Our office offers you a full range of services. Special equipment we utilize for TMJ and/or sleep disorders provides us more accurate diagnoses and treatment include:

• Electromyography (records jaw function in functional and relaxed states)
• Joint Vibration Analysis (to detect jaw joint sounds)
• Pharyngometer & Rhinometer (to measure airway capacity for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea)

Each staff member regularly attends continuing education programs to stay abreast of advances in dentistry. In fact, every staff member holds either a TMJ Assistant or an Advanced Level TMJ Assistant certification. They have combined experience of 48 years.

Do you suffer with headaches, dizziness, jaw fatigue, earaches or neck and shoulder stiffness? It may be TMJ disorder. This is a jaw joint disorder that can be caused by a variety of factors. Pain complaints may involve the chewing muscles, the jaw joints or even the teeth. Our office provides state-of-the-art computerized technology for diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders.

The TM joint connects the lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. This is all held together by muscles and ligaments. When everything functions properly, the lower jaw is in the correct position. When there is a problem, headaches, neck, facial pain and even upper back pain can be the result. Many times TMJ symptoms masquerade as many other conditions - especially migraines. People may search for answers from many health professionals for years before learning that a specially trained TMJ dentist is usually the primary care giver in these cases.

When the disc in either TM joint is displaced upon opening and closing, the disc goes either forward or backward as the jaw opens and closes. Even mild displacements can cause a clicking or popping sound in the jaw joint. For those people who clench or grind their teeth at night, the muscles get sore and tense which may cause pain and/or headaches or neck stiffness.

Symptom Checklist
If you think you may be suffering from TMJ disorder, here is a simple checklist of the most common symptoms. If you experience one or more of these conditions, call us as soon as possible for a screening:

Headaches Facial Pain Limited opening of the jaw Dizziness Jaw clicking, popping or grating

Difficulty closing teeth together Jaw goes to one side when opening Ear pain. ringing or stuffiness Neck pain Blurred vision or pain behind eyes

Yes, it is hard to believe that symptoms which include eyes, mouth, throat, ears, jaw and neck are associated with TMJ disorder. There is a connection between TMJ and sleep disorders. The signal for this can be swallowing difficulty. It is imperative that you be screened by a dentist trained and experienced in these disorders. We have the special education and experience needed to properly diagnose and treat TMJ and snoring/mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Causes
So many people are misdiagnosed with migraine headaches when, in fact, they are experiencing a TMJ headache. Headaches or pain in the neck, jaws and/or teeth can be caused by a bad bite. A whiplash injury, fall, intubation procedure (when tube is placed down the throat for surgical procedures), or natural child birth (when birthing partner is pulling on your jaw from behind) can force the bite to be misaligned. An imperfect bite can, over time, result in tension in the muscles of the face and jaw which, when worsened, become painful.

Treatment
We believe strongly in conservative, non-surgical treatment for TMJ Disorders. The most common treatment suggested is usually an oral appliance (also known as an orthotic or splint). Benefits of oral appliance treatment include:

• (1) non-invasive treatment
• (2) easily accepted by patients
• (3) significant reduction or elimination of symptoms

The orthotic helps eliminate muscle spasm and pain which occur with bite imbalance. An orthotic also stabilizes the jaw joint to allow for healing. The orthotic helps balance the bite so the teeth, muscles and joints all work in harmony -- without strain or pain. First, the focus is on addressing the pain and second we work to help patients regain full function. You are also taught self-care techniques to improve your condition between treatments.

Unfortunately, if you ignore TMJ, it doesn't go away but only gets worse. We believe in offering more than a band-aid approach of putting patients on muscle relaxants or pain medications which only result in temporary relief. Our focus is to address the jaw joint factors related to the pain by restoring proper function and improving overall health.

Supplemental treatments and physical medicine therapies may be suggested. Pain complaints may involve the chewing muscles, jaw joints or even the teeth. Modalities we incorporate in treatment when necessary include:

• Custom orthotic (splint)
• Laser therapy
• MRI's & CT scans
• Physical Therapy referral
• Stress Management
• Nutritional Counseling
• Behavior Modification
• Self-Help Information

Once the proper bite position is established, sometimes other services are needed such as building crowns, orthodontics or a permanent appliance (known as Phase II TMJ treatment). Our practice philosophy is a conservative, non-surgical approach to treatment. Surgery is a last resort and only needed in about 3% of all cases. Early treatment is critical as well as good patient participation. With the proper treatment and self-participation, most patients can be treated successfully.