What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint that connects your upper and lower jaw. When there is a malfunction in the joint it causes a cycle of pain and spasms that can disrupt someone’s ability to function normally.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
- Pain in the face and neck
- Teeth being worn down
- Clicking and popping of the jaw joint
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- Ringing in the ears.
What is a TMJ Dentist?
There is no recognized dental specialty in TMJ, therefore no dentist can accurately call themselves a TMJ dentist. However, the dentists at Burba Dental have been treating TMJ for over 40 years. Combine their experience with their impeccable credentials and you can see why some consider them TMJ Dentists.
Treating TMJ Disorder
Many dentists are uncomfortable treating TMJ disorder, because it is so complex and requires highly specialized skills and equipment. And the first difficulty a dentist faces is determining exactly what is wrong and what is causing the pain. To address this, at Burba dental, we have invested in the T-Scan Occlusal Analysis System by Tekscan. This system uses a highly sophisticated piece of diagnostic equipment, the T-Scan sensor. You bite down on the T-scan sensor. The computer analyzes all your bite data and displays it graphically. That data is extremely helpful in determining the cause of your problem. We then use that information, to help set up your treatment plan.
Treatment is usually done in two phases. Phase one is to get you out of pain. This can be done with moist heat, pain medications, or a temporary orthotic that we’ll adjust as necessary. Phase two is a long term solution, and treatment varies from case to case. Sometimes a long term orthotic is used to move a displaced disc into its correct position. Other cases may need some dental work such as implants, crowns, or bridges to restore your bite to normal. In the most severe cases, there may need to be a full mouth reconstruction.
Each case is unique. If you’ve been suffering from TMJ disorder, you may contact our office to request an appointment and we’ll get you on the road to recovery. If you have questions about what we could do for you, you could schedule a complimentary consultation to ask those questions before committing to a comprehensive examination.
