neuromuscular dentistry

Can Your Jaw Joint Be The Source Of Other Pains?

By on May 9, 2016

Have you ever found yourself searching the internet for “causes of jaw pain?” How about TMJ pain, jaw popping, pain when chewing, or any other discomfort or difficulty in using your jaw? You’re not alone – around 15 percent of adults have some form of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder (TMD).

You might be wondering if TMJ pain can cause problems for other areas of your body, and the answer is undoubtedly yes. Aside from headaches and dental pain there are some severe problems that can result from untreated TMD. At Really Smile Dentistry we want to help you find TMD relief not only for the sake of your smile, but for the sake of your health and quality of life as well!

Understanding TMJ/TMD

Your TMJ is the spot where your jawbone meets your skull. If aligned properly it can function without problems for life, but that isn’t always the case. Changes in your bite, an injury, arthritis, a bad bite, or any number of other issues can change the way your jaw fits into your skull, and when that happens your TMJ isn’t sitting right.

When your jaw joint isn’t allowed to move like it naturally does it gets seriously painful. It pops, clicks, locks, and sends waves of pain shooting through your face, neck, and back. The longer it’s left untreated the worse it can get too!

From Bite To Body: Feeling TMD Everywhere

Referred pain is a condition where a problem in one part of the body is causing discomfort somewhere else. Take a bad foot for example: you might not be walking right, which causes pain in your hip and back as well.

It’s the same with your jaw – if it’s not allowed to function properly you WILL feel it elsewhere in your body. Where, when, and how severe it happens will vary from person to person, but the pain will come eventually!

Muscles: Just Like Dominos

Don’t think of a muscle as an isolated element of your body: think of each one as a puzzle piece that relies on all its neighbors to make things work right. When something goes wrong with a particular part of the body, like your jaw joint, it throws the muscles around it into disarray. They’re forced to adapt by acting in irregular ways, which in turn forces other muscles to change their behavior as well.

Before you know it you’re experiencing pain in your jaw, your temples, your neck, and your back – all because your jaw joint isn’t working right! The spread and severity of pain can come and go with your TMD symptoms, but all that stiffness and pain is maddening!

Feeling Unnerved?

All those facial muscles surrounding the TMJ are also near a lot of nerves as well. When your jaw is out of alignment and your muscles are feeling irritated or stressed you can end up causing problems for your nerves as well!

Plenty of TMD patients have reported numbness and tingling in their face, neck, chest, and arms because of their jaws, which can be absolutely terrifying.

It Taps Into Your Spine Too

Stiff sore muscles cause a lot of fatigue and strain on other body parts. In the case of your back and neck that strain can result in posture problems because of the way your jaw is pulling on the muscles of your neck and face.

Over time you can develop poor posture, constant backaches, and a strained neck – all because of your jaw joint! It’s hard to believe that such a simple sounding problem can do so much, but that just goes to show you how connected every part of the body is!

Getting Relief For TMJ Pain

At Really Smile Dentistry we use a series of advanced diagnostic tests to measure your jaw function and prescribe the best treatment for your unique case. From 3D imaging and X-rays to bite tests and visual exams, we’ll be able to expertly diagnose you and get you the help you need.

We specialize in neuromuscular dentistry at our Carmel office, a process by which we find how each part of your jaw and its muscles is acting incorrectly in order to fix it permanently. Using a variety of treatments we aim to eliminate your TMD, not just treat the symptoms.

We’re confident that we can deliver permanent, effective relief to your TMJ pain. All you have to do is pick up the phone and call us at 317-451-4050 or you can request an appointment online. We hope to see you soon!

Jaw Pain: What’s The Best Solution?

By on January 25, 2016

Have you ever woken up with a throbbing pain in your jaw? How about suffering from headaches, stiff facial muscles, and difficulty chewing? All of those problems are symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD.

We’ve treated a lot of patients at Really Smile Dentistry who’ve suffered from pain in their temporomandibular joints, or TMJ. The joint that hinges your jaw is a simple contraption but things can still go seriously wrong with it. In many cases the symptoms can be treated and relief can be found through oral appliances designed to manage discomfort. But do you want to simply treat your pain without ever finding a real cure?

TMJ Pain: What Causes It?

There are a lot of different causes for pain in your TMJ. In many cases it’s related to things you can’t control, like arthritis, a slipped cartilage disc in the joint, or physical defects with the shape of your jaw. Those problems don’t all happen independently, however, and it’s usually the case that you’re suffering from pain because of an underlying condition that’s stressing your muscles.

Have you ever had a sore shoulder that just wouldn’t feel better no matter what you did? You may have thought it was a pinched nerve or something serious, but in most cases it’s simply a case of your muscles being used incorrectly. A lot of people experiencing chronic pain in their shoulders have it because they sit incorrectly, slouch, have bad posture, or simply pull a shoulder up toward their neck when stressed or using the computer.

Pain in your TMJ is a lot like that: it can be caused by underlying issues but often times it’s simply a case of bad muscle use. While you can usually notice if you have poor posture or aren’t sitting at the computer correctly it’s hard to tell when you aren’t using your jaw muscles right: they aren’t exactly visible or easy to notice!

In those cases you can still find relief from a sleep guard or other oral appliance that helps your mouth relax, but that isn’t the whole picture. You’ll feel better but it might just be temporary, or it might not even address what’s really going on: years and years of bad bite behavior that’s resulted in poorly trained muscles!

Neuromuscular Dentistry: Retraining Your Brain For Success

We practice an advanced form of dental manipulation at our Carmel office called neuromuscular dentistry. It might sound complicated but the principle is really simple: your brain isn’t used to using your jaw muscles correctly so we need to retrain it just like we would in any other kind of physical therapy.

It starts with a series of comprehensive exams designed to determine just what’s going on in your jaw. In many cases we might find out that you’re biting incorrectly, favoring certain parts of your mouth, or suffering from any other kind of muscular problem you can think of.

If you’re a candidate for neuromuscular dental therapy we’ll probably do a lot more digital imaging and testing as well. We want to get a complete look at your jaw, teeth, muscle structure, and face shape so that we know precisely how to treat you!

We’ll follow up your initial assessment with the development of an oral appliance that you’ll wear pretty much all the time for the first period of treatment. The device will hold your mouth in a comfortable, neutral spot that will teach your brain a new “home position” for your jaw. Once you’re used to where your jaw should be sitting comfortably we’ll start the next phase of your treatment and work on your bite itself.

Over time we’ll completely change the way your jaw functions, and in the vast majority of cases patients experience complete and long-lasting relief from TMJ pain. Treatments that go along with neuromuscular dentistry can also include orthodontics and other jaw-adjusting therapies. In some patients the bone position or teeth alignment needs to be adjusted as well.

Don’t Settle For Relief: Get The Cure!

You don’t need to settle for simply relieving pain and discomfort with oral appliance therapy. Let us get to the root of your problem at Really Smile Dentistry so that we can have you living comfortably without the need for continued treatment!

To find out what’s causing your pain and determine if neuromuscular therapy is for you call our Carmel office today at 317-451-4050. You can also request an appointment by filling out our online form. We look forward to seeing you!

Improve Your Look Without Surgery!

By on July 1, 2015

When it comes to your appearance, your Really Smile dentist (in Carmel, IN) can do a lot for your smile and the look (and health) of your teeth. Of course, your appearance isn’t just about how good your teeth look; there’s a whole face surrounding your teeth!

Over the years, you might have noticed that your face has begun to sag, and your chin and nose even seem to be getting closer together. This is a natural part of aging, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. The facelift is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, but many people have misgivings about actually going under the knife to improve their appearance.

What if we told you your dentist could make you look years younger without surgery? Your Really Smile Dentist can give you a whole new “lease on youth” with a non-surgical facelift.

What is A Non-Surgical Facelift?

A conventional facelift is an intensive surgical procedure. To eliminate wrinkles and sagging in the face, a plastic surgeon removes “excess” skin from your face and neck, then tightens the skin and tissues that remain.

Sounds pretty gruesome, doesn’t it? The good news is you don’t have to go under the knife! Instead of surgically altering your body’s tissues, we focus on how improvements we can make to your teeth, jaws, and the structures of your face to improve your appearance.

What is the Relationship Between My Teeth and the Look of My Face?

Your teeth are an important part of your anatomy; they play a role in the digestive system (chewing and grinding food), and they also part of what makes you look like you.

Have you ever sat on a wobbly chair? It makes you keep an odd posture to stay upright and It’s not very comfortable. It’s usually because one leg is somewhat shorter than the others, or is missing a foot pad. In a restaurant, your waiter might fix the problem with a book of matches.

Your teeth and face operate on a similar principal. Your teeth are the “legs” of the chair, but over time, your teeth become worn and sustain other damage that affects how they are aligned. If your teeth get sufficiently misaligned due to wear and damage, your face will slowly develop that “collapsed flan” look that is considered a characteristic of extreme old age.

How Does It Work?

Your dentist will need to examine your teeth, face, and other important anatomical structures to determine exactly where the problem areas are. Your dentist will use a number of interventions to create a specific treatment plan just for you. Your Really Smile Dentist is not just a great dentist, but is also a specialist in neuromuscular dentistry. Neuromuscular dentistry is a discipline within dentistry that focuses on how the alignment of the jaws and teeth affect other bodily systems, including the appearance of the face and the maintenance of its shape. This expertise allows us to approach cosmetic dentistry from a holistic, or “whole-face” approach.

While the procedures your dentist might use to resolve your specific issue vary, none of them require invasive surgery; this means healing time is short (if any at all) and you’ll be able to re-enter the world with a beautiful new face without ever setting foot in an operation hall!

Want To Improve Your Looks Without Surgery?

Your Really Smile team is ready to help! We offer a range of cosmetic and general dentistry procedures and services to help you achieve your best look without surgery. Call us for a consultation and learn how we can can help!

Dial 317-451-4050, or click here to reach our online appointment form to book your visit now!

Sleep Apnea: How to Address Your Problem

By on June 21, 2015

Sleep apnea has less effect on your sleep than it does on your waking life. Sleep apnea can cause you to have difficulties at work, cause frequent headaches, dry mouth and sore throat, prevent you from thinking clearly, and can even put you in serious danger, because sleep apnea sufferers tend to nod off at inopportune times, such as when driving a car.

It also makes you snore like a jalopy without a muffler, disturbing the sleep of others. In fact, that’s one of the most common reasons people come into our practice seeking a sleep apnea diagnosis and if necessary, treatment. We can’t tell you how many times we’ve heard something like, “My spouse is tired of sleeping on the couch (he/she says she can hear me snoring there, too)…”

Your dentist at Really Smile (conveniently located in Carmel, IN and serving all Indianapolis) can provide you with an accurate diagnosis, and get you the help you need.

How Does A Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?

If you have a complex problem (such as central sleep apnea, which is an issue with brain signals failing to reach the respiratory muscles), we have partnerships with sleep specialists in the area who can provide solutions.

However, most sleep apnea cases are the type known as obstructive sleep apnea, which your dentist can treat with a specialized piece of equipment called an oral appliance. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by your tongue and oral tissues essentially “falling out of place” while you sleep, obstructing the normal flow of air that your body and brain need to function properly. An oral appliance is a device that is similar to an athletic mouthguard and is worn while you sleep. The oral appliance keeps your tongue and oral tissues in the right placel this prevents the obstruction and keeps the airway open.

An oral appliance is custom made specifically for your mouth. You will find it very comfortable to wear, especially if you have been treating your sleep apnea with a CPAP machine (which requires the use of an uncomfortable face mask and a loud air compressor which can disrupt the sleep you need to function normally).

Is There Anything I Can Do to Address My Sleep Apnea Symptoms?

There is a strong connection between sleep apnea and lifestyle. By changing a few bad habits, you can see a significant drop in the frequency and severity of your symptoms, especially in combination with an oral appliance.

Sleep On Your Side

It isn’t the most common way people sleep, but if you sleep on your back (in the supine position), it can make sleep apnea symptoms worse for you. To train yourself to sleep on your side, attach a sock (with a tennis ball inside it) and sew or pin it to the back bottom hem of the shirt or top you sleep in. This will keep you from rolling over into the position you’re used to, and you’ll be sleeping on your side in no time!

Commit to Weight Loss

Sleep apnea is very common for those who are very overweight or obese. However, studies have shown that by losing 10% of your bodyweight, you can see your symptoms reduced in severity by 30%! For instance, if you weigh 300 pounds, losing 30 pounds is all you need to do to improve the quality of your sleep. 30 pounds might sound difficult, but with proper diet and a good exercise regimen, you’ll be surprised at how fast the pounds will come off!

Drink Less Alcohol

Consuming alcohol, even in moderation, can worsen sleep apnea symptoms. Alcohol weakens your muscle tone, and that includes the muscles you need to breathe. Lowered muscle tone will make the obstruction worse, which makes your symptoms more severe.

This also applies to sleep medications and other relaxants you might take. Consider talking to your doctor about changing your medications if possible, or at the very least to get a better understanding of how these relaxants affect your specific physiology.

The effects of alcohol and other relaxants on sleep apnea get worse the older you get, so if you’re getting on in years (on the outside, at least) it may be worth your while to curb your consumption (again, even if you drink responsibly).

Quit Smoking!

We saved this one for last, because it is the biggest. Smoking causes all kinds of problems, and if you have sleep apnea and you’re a smoker, you are putting yourself through all kinds of additional misery:

Heart Issues

Smoking increases the severity of cardiovascular issues you already have. Your heart health and sleep apnea are directly linked: the worse your cardiovascular health, the worse your sleep apnea symptoms will be.

Inflammation

Smoking will cause inflammation in your upper airway, which can increase the severity of your sleep apnea symptoms by a considerable margin.

The Effects of Nicotine

Nicotine, the chemical in cigarettes that makes them addictive, is sometimes thought of as relatively benign (besides the addiction part; it’s the smoke that causes all the problems, right?). However, nicotine can effect your upper airway muscles, which are a critical component of your respiratory system. This will worsen your sleep apnea symptoms.

If you smoke but have tried quitting before, you know just how bad nicotine withdrawal can be. People fail to quit smoking because the withdrawal symptoms are just too much!

Nicotine’s hold on your body is very strong. Smokers will know that only after a few hours without a cigarette, withdrawals can kick in, and you need to satisfy the addiction. This cycle doesn’t stop just because you’re sleeping! You can still have withdrawals even while you’re asleep, and this can worsen the overall effect that sleep apnea has on your health and your life. In fact, strong correlations between sleep apnea and failing to give up smoking have been made. This means that sleep apnea will actually make it harder to quit smoking!

I’m Ready to Take On My Sleep Apnea!

If you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, give us a call and set up an appointment for a consultation with your dentist. We can diagnose your problem and provide the help you require to finally make getting to sleep a snooze.

Call now! Dial 317-451-4050 or click here for our online appointment form.

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