For those suffering from TMD, relief begins with a proper diagnosis, understanding of the underlying causes and often trying the more conservative methods first before considering surgical intervention.
If you feel you may be suffering from TMD, contact us today for more information!
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Please watch this informative video from Spear Education
Occlusal equilibration is a gentle procedure that allows your lower teeth to contact your upper teeth very evenly all the way around your mouth.
The goal of this treatment is to create a “solid bite” that prevents stress on individual teeth and reduces stress on the jaw muscles and jaw joint.
What’s involved? Dr. Todd Britten selectively and precisely reshapes the tiny bumps and valleys of the biting surfaces of individual teeth. Anesthesia is generally not needed, as this procedure is typically pain-free!
We will discuss the need to replace any dental work “that is too big for your bite”, before we begin the equilibration. The adjustments made to your teeth are generally too small to see any change in their appearance.
One or more of the following signs of an active dental problem are present:
1) Temporomandibular joint pain
2) Muscle-tension headaches around the sides of your head or around the jaw joint
3) Severe wear of your natural teeth
4) Loose teeth
5) Chipping teeth
6) Gum recession and other associated problems.
7) Grooves and chips forming at the gum line exposing root surfaces
Our occlusion (bite) forces are evenly distributed among all of our teeth. When something occurs to alter a healthy occlusion; like loss of a tooth, clenching and grinding, occlusal trauma can occur. There are several signs and symptoms of occlusal trauma including, wear or chipping of the teeth, sensitive crevices on the teeth, gum recession, shifting teeth, tender muscles, headaches, or a “popping” sound when opening and closing your mouth. This trauma places excessive pressure on teeth and these forces can contribute to bone loss and result in the loosening of the teeth. The goal of occlusal therapy is to create an even distribution of these forces allowing the bone and ligaments to heal. This is done by an occlusal adjustment or equilibration to divide the biting pressure evenly across all of the teeth by reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth and eliminating spots of excessive pressure when the teeth are brought into contact. The use of an occlusal night guard may be needed to control the pressures generated by clenching and grinding. This critical procedure will help ensure optimal results, both immediately and long-term.
Is an uneven bite be related to gum disease?
Absolutely! Biting unevenly on the teeth would have the same degenerative effect that hopping around all the time on one leg would have to your hip. Studies have shown that bacteria pockets and bone loss is significantly deeper on teeth with uneven biting trauma. Recreating biting harmony helps the jawbone heal and maximize results to periodontal therapy.
For more information, visit our website at www.brittenperio.com
Headaches, neck pain, and frequent jaw tenderness or popping are signs you may be suffering from a TMJ condition.
What is the difference betweenTMJ and TMD?
The TMJ, or temporomandibular joints, are the two joints on each side of the face that connect the jaw to the temporal bone of the skull. Each temporomandibular joint has a disc located between a ball and socket. The disc provides padding for chewing forces while enabling the jaw to open wide and glide and even rotate. The TMJ work together during chewing, speaking and swallowing. They control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side. When the TMJ is not functioning properly, it is known as TMD. TMD is a disorder which includes any problem that prevents the joints, jaw muscles, ligaments or jaw bone that work to open and close your mouth from working properly.
A disruption in this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from may result in a painful TMJ disorder. TMJ disorders (or TMD) can be caused by arthritis, jaw dislocation or injury, tooth and jaw alignment or can be complications due to muscle tension stress and tooth grinding. During a TMJ exam, your dentist will evaluate the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping, creaking and discomfort . Depending on the severity and cause of any irregularities, the dentist may refer you to a physician or another dental specialist. There are many options for treatment of TMJ, ranging from very conservative treatments to more invasive surgeries. According to the American Dental Association, the “National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends a “less is often best” approach in treating TMJ disorders”.
Treatments for TMD include:
– a soft diet (avoiding chewing gum or nail biting)
-simple pain care such as warm compresses, over the counter anti-inflammatory medications (Nsaids, ibuprofen)
– Relaxation techniques for jaw tension , such as help for stress reduction, meditation or biofeedback.
-physical therapy for jaw exercises or jaw massage. Physical therapy may also include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) to use low-level electrical currents to relax joint and facial muscles and provide relief or laser therapy.
-prescription medications for muscle relaxers, pain relief, or anti-anxiety medications,
– a night guard or bite splint to decrease clenching or grinding of teeth.
– sometimes an evaluation and adjustment of a person’s bite by their dentist can help.
-orthodontic treatment may be recommended to change jaw and teeth alignment for a more favorable position for TMJ health.
In extreme cases, surgical intervention may be advisable for TMD treatment. While other joints in our bodies can be treated by complete rest or isolation with a cast or splint… this is not easy with our jaw! Eating and speaking are so important in daily life! For those suffering from TMD, relief begins with a proper diagnosis, understanding of the underlying causes and often trying the more conservative methods first before considering surgical intervention.
If you feel you may be suffering from TMD, contact us today for more information. 727-586-2681
