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TMJ Questions

What is TMJ?

TMJ may be used to refer to the temporomandibular joint, the joint between the jaw and the skull. You have two of them, located on either side of your head. More commonly, and the way we use it here, TMJ refers to problems with this joint, what is called temporomandibular joint syndrome and temporomandibular joint disorder. Sometimes, people use the abbreviation TMD to refer to the disorder.

Do I have TMJ?

It is impossible to say whether you have TMJ without a comprehensive exam, but there are some TMJ symptoms to look out for, including:

• Headaches
• Tooth, jaw, or face pain
• Clicking, popping, stiffness, or slipping of the jaw joint
• Ringing in the ears
• Pain in the neck and upper back
• Tingling and numbness in the arms

If you have several of these symptoms, it is more likely that you have TMJ. If you have gone to a doctor about these problems but not received good treatment, a neuromuscular dentist may be able to help.

How does TMJ relate to neuromuscular dentistry?

Neuromuscular dentistry is the study of the whole-mouth system of the bite, including not only the teeth, but also the muscles and the nerves and how all the parts work together to give you an optimal or sub-optimal bite. As a result, neuromuscular dentists focus a great deal on TMJ diagnosis (i.e. identifying problems with the bite) and TMJ treatment (remedying problems with the bite).

Will TMJ treatment alleviate my symptoms right away?

TMJ treatment is a sequential process, working to relieve your TMJ symptoms right away and prevent their return using the least-invasive means possible.

TMJ treatment begins by seeking to alleviate your symptoms, including pain you may be experiencing right now. We can do with what is known as TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), a kind of electric massage that works your muscles into a relaxed state. Once your muscles are relaxed, we can begin to evaluate your bite to determine an appropriate course of treatment. For some people, regular TENS treatments are enough to reduce TMJ symptoms to a manageable level.

What is the next stage of TMJ treatment?

After your muscles have been relaxed, it will allow Houston Houston neuromuscular dentist Dr. Nab to evaluate your bite to determine the position of maximum rest, the position at which your mouth's muscles, bones, nerves, and teeth are in maximum harmony. At this point Dr. Nab will design an orthotic (mouthpiece) that will hold your jaw in this position. Normally, you will wear this orthotic while you sleep, which will give your muscles sufficient rest that they will stop contributing to TMJ symptoms.

Will I need bite reconstruction to complete my TMJ treatment?

For most people, the orthotic is comfortable to wear and treats their TMJ symptoms. However, some people may forget to wear the orthotic, may find it uncomfortable, or may not get good results, and these people may require reconstructive dentistry to reposition and build up the teeth so that their bite naturally fits together in the position of maximum rest. This may include orthodontics, dental crowns, dental implants, and other restorative dental procedures.

Why should I choose Midtown Dental for my TMJ treatment?

Not all dentists are neuromuscular dentists, and few in the Houston area have Dr. Nab's level of training and experience. And our staff is also highly trained with considerable experience, so that from your first contact through your ongoing follow-up treatments you will always be treated with the highest level of professionalism.

To learn more, please call or email us today to schedule your TMJ consultation. Serving all patients in Houston, Sugar Land, Galveston, Humble and Katy, Texas.