Did you know that as many as 90% of all headaches are considered "primary headaches", which very frequently are caused by the syndrome known as TMJ Disorder? More than 23 million people suffer from chronic headaches, which force them to miss more than 157 million workdays a year.

Suffer from Frequent Headaches and Migranes?

However, more than half of all sufferers never see a doctor, mistakenly believing that there is no treatment. Family Dental Care uses the latest neuromuscular therapy techniques to accurately diagnose and effectively treat TMJ Disorder and its symptoms permanently.

The term "TMJ Dysfunction" describes an imbalance in the relationship of the jaw to the skull. This imbalance causes two problems for those that suffer from it. First, it leads to improper alignment of the Temporomandibular Joints (TMJs) which connect these two bones. Secondly, it creates disharmony in the muscles which attach to the bones. The cascade of painful symptoms that arise solely from these two problems is staggering to most people.

Although most times the pain is not actually in the TMJs themselves, you can feel your own by pressing your fingers just in front of your ears and opening and closing your mouth.

How does TMJ cause the symptoms of headaches, facial pain, etc..

Misalignment of the jaw and disorder in the joints causes the symptoms of TMD in two ways:

• First, around the temporomandibular (TMJ) joint itself are nerves and blood vessels that lead to other areas of the head and neck. When the TMJs and jaw are misaligned, it creates excessive pressure on these nerves and blood vessels and pain is perceived as coming from where they eventually lead to (i.e. head, neck, shoulder, etc.) This is what confuses most of those that suffer because the problem isn't in the actual area of the pain. This is the same mechanism by which a problem in the joints of your spine can lead to numbness or pain in other regions of the body such as your hands or feet.
• Secondly, TMD can cause these symptoms by disrupting the balance of the muscles associated with the jaw and skull. The jaw has a precise optimal position for creating balance and harmony in the muscles that attach to it. If this balance is disrupted, as is the case in TMD, these muscles become irritated and overly active eventually leading to muscle fatigue and spasms. Muscles that are excessively fatigued and spasming can be very painful and lead to the cascade of physiological problems and symptoms discussed earlier.

TMJ Symtoms

• Headaches/Migraines
• Facial Pain
• Ear ringing, pain, or stiffness
• Jaw clicking, popping, or pain
• Limited jaw movement
• Neck and Shoulder pain
• Sensitive or sore teeth
• Worn or cracked teeth
• Tingling or numbness in fingers

Causes of TMJ/TMD?

Those that suffer from TMD have an improper jaw-to-skull relationship caused by malocclusion (a bad bite). This "bad bite" can be caused by excessive wearing down of teeth due to clenching or grinding of the teeth (bruxism), a traumatic injury such as a car accident, or simply a naturally improperly positioned bite.

Treatment of TMD

Family Dental Care uses state-of-the-art technology to properly diagnose your problem and determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs. Typically the first course of action and immediate concern of the patient is to relieve muscle spasm and pain. The four most typical approaches are outline below:

• Coronoplasty/Equilibration
  Coronoplasty is smoothing and reshaping the enamel of the teeth to correct your bite. It is a simple procedure that does not require anesthesia and can be used when the bite is only slightly misaligned.
• Removable Overlay Partials
  These are permanent orthotics that usually fit over the back teeth and are designed to maintain an aligned bite.
• Reconstruction
  This approach involves making the teeth higher by using crowns. This permanently realigns the bite and provides structural support for the jaw.
• Orthodontics (Braces)
  When the teeth are healthy they may be moved to the optimal position using braces.

Relieve your TMJ Today

Contact Dr. Ainley and Family Dental Care today to get relief from the painful symptoms of TMJ/TMD. You can also take advantage of our convenient new feature, allowing patients to Schedule Appointments Online!