Understanding TMJ/TMD Disorders
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ/TMD) can cause a wide range of symptoms that affect not only the jaw but also the entire head, neck, and spine. Patients suffering from TMJ/TMD often experience chronic pain, headaches, jaw clicking or popping, difficulty chewing, and even issues with posture. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, making it crucial to seek specialized care.
TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction) is a chronic degenerative condition that can take years to develop. It’s caused by a structural imbalance of physiology between the jaw and the skull. Physiologic dentistry uses the principles of physiology to resolve TMD, sometimes known as TMJ. This includes symptoms such as pain, tension or spasms of the head, neck or jaw, broken fillings, broken or chipped teeth and worn teeth. If you suffer from TMD we can help you understand options for care – from adjusting your bite, to orthotics or orthodontics, to restoring your teeth to their correct position with advanced smile design.
TMJ & TMD Symptoms
When the jaw is misaligned both the hard and soft tissues are affected and many physiological problems can result, such as:
- Headaches or migraines
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint
- Bruxism (grinding of the teeth)
- Jaw pain
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Tingling fingers
Meet Dr. Nika: For your TMJ/TMD treatments
Dr. Nika is a distinguished Fellow of the renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), where she achieved her Fellowship in 2024. Her extensive training at LVI, one of the world’s leading institutions for advanced dental education, equips her with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in both aesthetic and functional dentistry. Dr. Nika’s expertise is particularly focused on the physiological connections in patients with TMJ/TMD, making her uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat these complex disorders.
- Initial Consultation:
- Dr. Nika begins with a detailed consultation to understand your symptoms, medical history, and any concerns you may have. This discussion is critical to identifying potential underlying causes of TMJ/TMD.
- Comprehensive Examination:
- Dr. Nika conducts a full examination of your jaw, teeth, and bite alignment. She also assesses the muscles in your head, neck, and shoulders, and checks for signs of jaw misalignment, teeth grinding, or clenching.
- Advanced Diagnostic Tools:
- Utilizing advanced technology in our clinic, Dr. Nika can gain a detailed view of the temporomandibular joints, the condition of the jawbones, and the surrounding tissues. This allows her to pinpoint the exact nature of the TMJ/TMD disorder.
- Orofacial Myofunctional Assessment:
- Dr. Nika also evaluates orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) that might contribute to TMJ/TMD symptoms. This includes an assessment of tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and any dysfunctions in the face, mouth, or throat that may be exacerbating your condition.
Using state-of-the-art technology we determine if your symptoms are caused by malocclusion with your bite and if so, what your optimal position is. The painless procedure involves using computerized medical equipment that measures facial muscle activity and health. Tracing instruments record jaw movements and specifically locates the ideal jaw position where your bite is most comfortable.
Electromyography is used to measure your jaw’s muscle function in both its stressed and relaxed positions, and also measures the jaw-to-skull relationship to see if there’s a structural imbalance. Sonography records jaw joint sounds to detect any abnormalities. Additionally, x-rays of the jaw and neck may be taken to help evaluate the position of the temporomandibular joint and alignment of the cervical spine further assessing physiologic health.
Treatment: Tailored for Long-Term Relief
Dr. Nika’s treatment plans are customized to address the specific needs of each patient, with a focus on long-term relief and overall health improvement. Her multidisciplinary approach ensures that all contributing factors are considered.
- Orthotic Appliances:
- Depending on the diagnosis, Dr. Nika may recommend a custom-made orthotic appliance. These devices help to realign the jaw, reduce pressure on the temporomandibular joints, and alleviate pain.
- Physical Therapy:
- Dr. Nika may collaborate with physical therapists to provide exercises that strengthen the jaw muscles, improve posture, and relieve tension in the head, neck, and shoulders. This holistic approach aids in restoring normal function and reducing TMJ/TMD symptoms.
- Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy:
- For patients with orofacial myofunctional disorders, Dr. Nika offers targeted therapy to correct tongue posture, improve swallowing patterns, and address any related speech or breathing issues. This therapy can be crucial in managing TMJ/TMD symptoms and preventing recurrence.
- Advanced Physiologic Treatment:
- Dr. Nika’s expertise in airway health and physiologic treatment means she can address underlying issues such as sleep apnea or breathing difficulties, which often coexist with TMJ/TMD. By improving airway function, she helps patients achieve better overall health and well-being.
- Aesthetic and Functional Dental Treatments:
- For patients whose TMJ/TMD is linked to dental issues, Dr. Nika offers advanced aesthetic and functional dentistry treatments. This may include bite correction, dental restorations, or cosmetic smile design to ensure that your teeth, bite, and jaw work harmoniously together.
RELIEVING MUSCLE SPASM AND PAIN
Our immediate concern is to provide you with some relief from your symptoms. We do this by using ULF-TENS (Ultra Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation) to gently massage your head, neck and jaw muscles. The rhythmic pulsing relaxes your muscles by increasing blood flow and pumping out waste products. ULF-TENS also helps with pain relief by stimulating the body’s production of endorphins, our own natural anaesthetic.
STABILIZING YOUR BITE
A temporary plastic device, known as an orthotic is worn over your teeth. The orthotic allows us to make easy adjustments to your bite without adjusting your teeth until your bite is stabilized. Once symptoms are relieved and the bite has been stabilized, we move on to the next step and permanently adjust the bite to the correct position.
LONG TERM MANAGEMENT
There are a variety of ways to correct your bite in a more permanent way, from orthotics or orthodontics, to restoring your teeth to their correct position with smile design or Full Mouth Restoration.
Why Choose Dr. Nika for TMJ/TMD Treatment?
Dr. Nika’s dedication to continuous learning and her commitment to patient-centered care make her a leader in TMJ/TMD treatment. Her Fellowship from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) reflects her advanced expertise and the comprehensive approach she brings to every patient. At Nia Dental Studio, you are entrusting your care to a dentist who is not only highly skilled but also deeply compassionate, ensuring that you receive the best possible treatment for lasting relief from TMJ/TMD.
Schedule A Consultation Today!
If you’re interested in learning more about TMJ/TMD treatment please contact us for a consultation at 705.302.0428 or schedule a consultation via our contact us form here. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.