TMJ Questions

San Diego, La Jolla and Poway

San Diego Cosmetic Dentistry - TMJ FAQWhat is TMJ?

It’s a misaligned jaw. The jaw joints are just in front of the ears, and you can feel them by opening your mouth with a finger placed in front of each ear. These are delicate joints and can be knocked out of alignment through an accident, or gradually pushed out of alignment by misaligned teeth or tooth grinding. They are ball-and-socket joints with a cartilage pad in between to keep the bones from rubbing against each other.

What causes TMJ?

The exact causes are not known, but it can be triggered by trauma, such as whiplash from a car accident, or by improper dental work you have had in the past. Many people suffer with TMJ from early childhood, while others do not experience any symptoms until much later in life.

Can TMJ be prevented?

Maintaining good posture, avoiding damaging oral habits (pencil chewing, etc), and seeing a qualified neuromuscular dentist for all of your dental needs can help prevent TMJ.

Can TMJ be successfully treated?

Yes, but first it has to be successfully diagnosed. Many TMJ sufferers don’t think to visit a dentist. They visit a series of doctors and take a series of medications, but their painful symptoms remain. A qualified neuromuscular dentist like Dr. Coleman has the mindset, the training, and the equipment to diagnose TMJ and treat it successfully.

I have been in pain for years. How long will it take for me to experience relief?

Many patients experience relief after their first Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (TENS) session. TENS treatments relax over-worked (hypertonic) muscles, perhaps for the first time in many years.

If I have TMJ am I still a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?

Yes, but we need to address the TMJ first. One of the problems caused by TMJ is repetitive damage to dental restorations.

If you believe you have TMJ and are interested in cosmetic dentistry, discuss this with Dr. Coleman so that together, you can plan the healthiest and most effective course of action.

Is TMJ fatal?

TMJ itself is not fatal, but the symptoms can lead to serious or life-threatening medical conditions and dependence on prescription drugs. Many people with TMJ suffer from depression due to chronic pain, some to such an extreme that they take their own lives.

Is TMJ therapy painful?

No. In fact most people enjoy the TENS sessions.

The Coleman Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, serving San Diego, La Jolla, and Poway, brings together the most advanced technology and techniques available in cosmetic dentistry , neuromuscular dentistry and general dentistry for your dental care. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary cosmetic dentistry consultation.


 

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