Alleviate Pain and Other Symptoms
A person with healthy temporomandibular joints (TMJ) may never think about these two large, complex joints. However, an imbalance in one or both of the TMJ can create significant pain and other nagging symptoms. Improperly seated joints, inflamed tissues, and irritated nerves combine to cause craniofacial pain ranging from mild to debilitating.
The Anatomy of TMJ
“Temporomandibular” refers to thtemporal bone of the skull and “mandibular” refers to the mandible, or lower jaw.
“TMJ” or “TMJs” are the two joints that connect the mandible to the skull, and the TMJ complex includes all associated connective tissues, ligaments, nerves, and muscles.
The TMJ are the most complex joints in the human body. These hinge joints allow the jaw to open and close the mouth, and move the mandible side to side, back and forward.
We use our TMJ all the time, when we are eating, yawning, talking, making facial expressions, breathing, and even when resting. These joints get a lot more use than other joints in our bodies, which means that they can wear out faster.
The mandible is also the only bone in the body which uses TWO joints, one on the right side and one on the left side!
A fibrous membrane encapsulates the joints, and an extension of this membrane exists between the bones. This extension is called an articular disc, and it separates the joint into two parts, each with a synovial membrane. The articular disc is made of highly enervated retrodiscal tissue.
Temporomandibular joints become progressively painful when the disc is displaced and retrodiscal tissue becomes irritated, inflamed, and in some cases, begins degenerating.
Symptoms of TMD
“TMD” stands for temporomandibular joint disorder or dysfunction.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, our doctors can evaluate you for TMD:
- Morning headaches or migraines
- Tenderness, pain in the jaw
- Clicking or popping jaws when moved
- Pain in one or both joints
- Pain when chewing
- Difficulty chewing
- Inability to close the mouth
- Inability to fully open the mouth
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Ringing or painful ears
- Pain in the cheeks, tongue, teeth, and/or throat
Our Initial Exam for TMJ Patients
If you have x-rays, mouthguards, or oral splints, please bring them to your initial visit. Please also complete your new patient forms and bring them with you.
After you submit your records and paperwork at the reception area, one of our assistants will escort you to your own private operatory, where you will meet Dr. FischerHahm. The doctor will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, soft tissues, face, neck, and jaw joints.
If further diagnostic information is required, the doctor will order appropriate records and tests, like a cone-beam 3D x-ray (CBCT), a 2D panoramic x-ray, and/or intraoral images, if you did not bring current diagnostic radiographs with you.
X-rays and images are an essential part of patient records. They allow our doctors to get a complete picture of the inner workings of your skeletal system. With x-rays, diagnosis and treatment plans can be personalized to your unique physiology.
Should Dr. FischerHahm determine that you suffer from TMD, he will advise treatment.
Innovative TMD Treatments
Dr. FischerHahm and our team offer these non-surgical treatments for TMD therapy:
- Co-therapies or Combination Therapy: any two or more of the following treatments
- Deprogrammer: an oral splint
- Botox or Xeomin: temporary, muscle paralyzing injection
- Equilibration: dental work to improve occlusion (how upper and lower teeth fit together)
- Myofunctional Therapy: similar to physical therapy, but for the mouth
- Dry Needling: a physical therapy treatment similar to acupuncture
- Wet Needling: dry needling with the addition of an analgesic injection
- Fotona Laser photobiomodulation: reduces swelling and pain
- PRF: platelet-rich fibrin injection
Call Now for Your TMJ Evaluation
If you experience progressively worsening symptoms or your physician or dentist has suggested a TMJ analysis, Call Napa Family Dental at 505.323.7700 or Rio Rancho Smiles at Call: 505.994.9693 to schedule a comprehensive TMJ evaluation. We’ll use the latest technology for precise, accurate diagnosis and effective, non-surgical treatment.