What causes TMD?
Although the exact cause of TMD is not known, pain usually occurs as a result of a misaligned bite, called ‘malocclusion’. An improperly aligned bite places a strain on the temporomandibular joint when you chew, swallow, talk and yawn. Soon, pain and other symptoms develop and, as a group, these painful symptoms are known as TMJ.
What is a misaligned bite?
A healthy bite allows teeth to meet normally with no strain on the jaw joint. Poorly aligned teeth causes additional strain as you chew, swallow and talk. Over time, this slowly affects jaw muscles and ligaments. As your muscles struggle to correct the misalignment, tension builds, and inflammation erupts, causing pain.
What are the symptoms of TMD?
- headache
- facial pain
- neck and shoulder pain
- ringing in the ears
- jaw popping
- dizziness
- sore, chipped, broken, or worn teeth
- limited jaw movement
- snoring
- teeth grinding
- frequent ear infections
- airway restriction
How is TMD diagnosed?
Neuromuscular dentistry, a specialized field of dentistry, uses relaxed muscle positions of the head and neck to return your jaws to the most functional and comfortable location. The process is fairly simple for dentists like Dr. John Krasowski who are trained in modern neuromuscular dentistry techniques.
How is TMD treated?
The goal of treatment is to alleviate your pain, increase your comfort, and manage your TMD long-term. Using sophisticated measurement tools, the extent of your malocclusion is determined, and your jaw’s optimal position is decided. An orthotic is designed and worn for several months to assist the jaw in stabilizing your bite and maintaining this new, more comfortable position. In some cases, crowns, porcelain onlays and veneers may also be used for the best results.
Are you suffering needlessly? Please contact Dr. John Krasowski today for a professional evaluation of your symptoms and a trustworthy solution to ending your pain. We can help TMJ patients in the Wausau, Rhinelander, and Stevens Point, Wisconsin areas.
