TMJ Disorder? Time to See the Dentist

Pain and discomfort on any part of the body may not be a daily occurrence but when it does, rarely does a person immediately head out to the hospital to have it diagnosed by a doctor. Often, we resort to readily available over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve ourselves of common nuisances such as headaches, sinus congestion, throat irritation and tooth aches, but when all of these symptoms appear altogether along with difficulty swallowing, ringing and the ears and generally, pain in the face extending to the neck and shoulders, it may indeed be time to see a physician, specifically, the dentist.

This is because the dentist is just the person you need to confirm if you have a TMJ disorder (TMD). Judging from the simultaneous symptoms, the dentist will also review your medical history and conduct a comprehensive oral examination to determine your condition with the objective of providing treatment and relief from the pain and discomfort you are experiencing. Particular attention will be directed to the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) to check for tenderness, limited motion and a popping or clicking sound when you move the jaw. Additional lab tests like an X-ray, MRI or CT scan may be requested to view the entire jaw, teeth, and facial muscles and make a complete and accurate diagnosis.

Once it’s confirmed, you can immediately get treatment for your TMJ disorder. Dr. David A. Smith of the Really Smile Dentistry clinic in Indiana uses neuromuscular dentistry techniques to apply quick but long-lasting solutions to your TMJ problem. Neuromuscular dentistry is the latest TMJ disorder treatment philosophy that uses ultrasound, magnets, surface electrodes and ultra-low frequency electrical stimulation to determine the physiological rest position of the jaw before proceeding with orthodontics or dental work to correct the jaw misalignment. It is a good alternative to surgery and an additional option apart from conservative methods.

There are only a few dentists like Dr. Smith who practices neuromuscular dentistry so to get immediate relief from your TMD symptoms and long-term treatment from this disorder, call his Carmel, IN dental clinic now at 317-451-4050 to secure an appointment.