TMJ
Dalton, GA
"Dr. Im is the only one who cured my migraine headaches. I had been to several doctors including neurologist, neurosurgeon, internist, family doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist, and other dentists. I am a new man. And my teeth look fabulous!!! Thank you." -John
TMJ refers to temporomandibular joint disorder. The temporomandibular joint is the joint on either side of the jaw, where it connects to the skull. This joint has a complex range of movement in many different directions that allows it to perform all its functions in eating, speaking, breathing, and more. Unfortunately, with the constant demands on it, the joint can sometimes suffer major dysfunctions from relatively minor causes, such as a light bump to the jaw or misalignment of your teeth.
When this happens, the effects can be surprising, far-reaching, and serious. They can be very hard to track back to their original cause, especially for doctors who are not trained in identifying TMJ. If you have been to your doctor (or doctors) many times for a number of diverse symptoms, but have not gotten good results, TMJ may be the cause. Dr. Patrick Im has received training in neuromuscular dentistry and has experience diagnosing and treating TMJ. He may be able to help you as he has helped so many of your Dalton, Georgia neighbors.
TMJ Symptoms
TMJ has sometimes been called “the great imposter” because its symptoms vary dramatically from person to person and can be felt as far away as the fingers and toes. The most common TMJ symptoms include:
- Pain in the jaw
- Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
- Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Headaches
- Facial pain
- Ear aches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Neck pain
- Upper back pain
TMJ results in many types of pain because of the jaw joint’s proximity to many of the nerves that carry pain signals to the brain. When the jaw joint is dysfunctional, it can irritate and inflame these nerves, causing pain. TMJ headaches are common, and all types of headaches, including migraines, can be caused or worsened by TMJ. TMJ causes pain in the neck and upper back because the jaw muscles work in cooperation with the neck muscles to hold the neck vertebrae upright and straight. When your jaw joint is dysfunctional, the jaw muscles can pull the neck out of alignment, which can have impacts all the way down your spine.
TMJ Diagnosis
Dr. Im has the training, tools, and experience to diagnose TMJ. He trained at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies where he learned about the variability and range of TMJ symptoms.
Dr. Im also uses the K-7 diagnostic system to gain objective, scientific evidence about the function and movement of your jaw joint. He can also determine the activity level of your jaw muscles to determine whether they are being overworked to the point of dysfunction.
Dr. Im has helped many TMJ patients find relief when doctors and other dentists were unable to identify the source of symptoms. He may be able to help you.
TMJ Treatment
Once your TMJ has been diagnosed, the first goal is to relieve your pain. Often, this is done using an electronic massage that relaxes your jaw muscles. You will likely notice immediate relief from most or all of your TMJ symptoms. This may be all the treatment you need. In minor TMJ cases, regular relaxing massages can allow your jaw joint to slip back into proper alignment.
Most people, though, receive treatment with an oral splint, similar to a sports mouthguard, but worn at night. This orthotic holds your jaw in proper position to allow your muscles to relax so they will not interfere with the function of nearby systems.
In a few cases, surgery may be necessary for you to experience maximum relief from TMJ symptoms.
Put Suffering behind You
If you are a TMJ sufferer, there is no reason why you should endure your symptoms another day longer than necessary. Please contact Beautiful Smiles by Design in Dalton, Georgia to schedule an appointment with neuromuscular dentist Dr. Patrick Im today.