TMD Symptoms

Tempromandibular joint disorder TMJ or TMD is commonly misdiagnosed because most people (including many doctors) are not familiar with the disorder and its associated symptoms.  Dr. Stanosheck’s advanced training in neuromuscular medicine allows him to effectively treat TMJ sufferers.  Many times, neuromuscular treatment can be a permanent, effective solution to a lifetime of pain, pain medication and unsuccessful treatment.  Some of the symptoms of TMJ or TMD may include:


Headaches
There are many different types of headaches including sinus, cluster, tension and migraine.  Tension headaches are the most common.  Accounting for 90% of all headaches, they often originate in, or pain is referred to, the muscles of your forehead.  If the headache only occurs occasionally, it can be controlled with pain medication.  If the headaches persist for a long period of time or occur with regularity, it is important to discuss this with your dentist.

Facial Pain
Muscles constantly under tension from a bad bite can cause the face and jaw joint to be sore and tender.  If the bite is not corrected, the muscles may remain sore for a long period of time.  These tense muscles do not get a chance to rest and get the proper circulation they need.  This lack of oxygen and accumulation of metabolic waste can cause pain (headache).

Clicking, Popping or Grinding in the Jaw Joint
The noises heard in the jaw upon opening and closing is an indication of damage to the TMJ disk.  The misalignment of the bite can cause destruction to the joint and associated disk.

Broken, Worn, Chipped or Loose Teeth
Abnormal tension and spasm in the muscles of the head and neck can cause you to grind your teeth.  Many times this grinding happens at night.  Not only is it destructive to the teeth and jaw joint, it can drastically affect your sleep pattern.

Ear Congestion or Ringing in the Ears
Constant spasm of the associated muscles of the head and neck due to a bad bite can cause constriction of the Eustachian tube.  This may lead to ringing, dullness or hollow sounds in the ear.
Many other symptoms are associated with TMJ or TMD.  They may include:

  • Limited Opening
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty Swallowing
  • Tender or Sensitive Teeth
  • Difficulty Chewing
  • Neck Pain
  • Back Pain
  • Postural Problems
  • Hot and Cold Sensitivity
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Bell’s Palsy
  • Nervousness/Insomnia

Many times getting the bite right and correcting the TMJ will alleviate all of these symptoms.  Effective treatment begins with stopping the muscle tension and spasm, repositioning the jaw with advanced technology and therapy, and permanently placing the jaw into a physiologic rest position.
Dr. Stanosheck is one of few dentists in Omaha and Lincoln who utilizes Neuromuscular Dentistry and state-of-the-art technology to successfully treat TMJ and its associated symptoms.

TMJ or TMD Treatment in Omaha, Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska

The goal of TMJ or TMD Neuromuscular treatment is to place the bite where the muscles that control jaw position are at their best for optimal function and comfort.  Many Neuromuscular patients report relief from long term pain almost immediately.  Diagnosis will include such technology as:


Sonography: Special equipment is utilized to determine the frequency and amount of noise your TMJ produces

Electromyography: Utilizes electromyographs (K7 unit) to accurately record muscle electrical output while the jaw is working and at rest.

Jaw Tracking: With the help of the K7, we can accurately track and record the optimum jaw trajectory during work and rest.

Tomography or MRI: Special x-rays to determine proper position of the TMJ before and/or after treatment.  In conjunction with the K7, they also determine the condition of the TMJ.

TENS Stimulation: Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation.  The TENS unit is used to relax tense muscles to their true resting state and establish the bite at this position.  The TENS is also a method to achieve drug-free relief of pain of muscle origin.

Neuromuscular Orthosis: An orthotic is a temporary repositioning device fabricated from the recorded rest position.  This device slowly allows healing in the TMJ and associated muscles.  Most patients report immediate relief of symptoms following Neuromuscular Orthotic therapy.
Once healing has taken place in the TMJ, permanent positioning of the jaw may take place through bite adjustments, crowns, bridges, implants or orthodontics.  During treatment, special attention is made to maintain your new, relaxed and healthy jaw position.