TMJ - Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

 

 

"I had been to many dentists but continued to experience TMJ symptom.  I had a horrible pain from a popping feeling in my lower jaw.  In addition to experiencing TMJ, I was not comfortable with my smile.  I smiled with a partial smile."  "I love my new smile and am not experiencing any TMJ symptoms.  Now I am free to be Dianne - I can smile now!  I receive compliments on my smile all the time.  I have not experienced dentistry like this before!"  - Dianne

 

  

TMJ can be very dibilitating but the good news is that there is a solution to conquering this terrible dysfunction.  Neuromuscular Dentistry is a revolutionary TMJ treatment that combines structural stability with muscular re-education to achieve the ultimate healthy bite that eliminates the symptoms of TMJ.  "I am proud to announce that we have had a 99% success rate in the noon-surgical treatment of TMJ for over 25 years."  - Dr. Jeff Colquitt

 

 

TMJ symptoms may include one or more of the following:

• Headaches
• Pain in the jaw areas
• Clicking/popping sounds with jaw movement
• Snoring
• Dizziness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Grinding or clenching of teeth
• Stiff/sore neck/shoulder muscles
• Toothaches/sensitive teeth unrelated to cavities or gum disease
• Pain or stuffiness in the ears
• Abnormal tooth wear or a loss of tooth enamel

  

 

HOW DR. COLQUITT'S TEAM CAN HELP

 

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, called TMJ Dysfunction, is a term used to describe many problems and symptoms in the jaw joint, head and neck areas.  More than 45 million Americans suffer from symptoms associated with TMJ Dysfunction.  Many of you may grind or clench your teeth at night and/or during the day.  Your bite or occlusion may be abnormally altered due to bone growth or tooth malalignment.   Traumatic injuries, such as a car accident, may cause a "whiplash" of the jaw joints, head, neck and back, thus altering proper function of the bite.  Years of poor posture and/or cervical structural problems may result in abnormal mechanics of the jaw and dysfunctional bite alignment.  Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent deterioration of your TMJ joints, thus avoiding more severe and disabling symptoms in the future.

 

Dentistry is an important component in the treatment of TMJ Dysfunctioin.  Dr. Colquitt has over 25 years of specialized TMJ training in facial anatomy, jaw function, the bite relationship, head and neck muscle activity in relation to the jaw joint, and neurological and vascular associations. 

 

Dr. Colquitt's comprehensive examination includes a medical/dental history and muscle palpation and range of motion studies of the muscles of the head, neck and jaw, along with X-rays, analysis of nutrition, exercise, sleep habits, blood studies and stress management depending on your situation.  Computerized neuromuscular Myotronic studies are often used, as well, by Dr. Colquitt to analyze the function of your jaw in relation to your head and neck muscle activity and to precisely pinpoint the "balanced" occlusal position for you.  Because the jaw and neck muscles are directly connected to the bones of the jaw and neck, they are major players in TMJ dysfunction and must be addressed if a complete resolution is to occur. 

                                                                                                

From these neuromuscular studies, Dr. Colquitt is able to design a custom orthotic just for you to help reposition and relax your jaw.  The orthotic creates the optimal environment for healing to take place.  Since the degree of healing and repair are individual characteristics, the relief of the signs and the symptoms will vary from partial to total.  (Physical therapy, massage therapy, exercise, biofeedback, stress management, psychological counseling or other rehabilitative interventions are also considered during the TMJ treatment process.)  The length of time the orthotic is worn is approximately 6 months.   

 

After you have successfully completed the orthotic program with symptoms under control, one of a combination of treatments will be recommended to complete your TMJ rehab.  Some of these treatments may include:  simple bite adjustments/equilibrations, orthodontics, restorative dentistry, physical therapy, and/or surgery referral.  Our ultimate goal is to adjust your jaw alignment permanently to help correct TMJ abnormalities long term, not short term.

                                                                                              

We look forward to helping you with your TMJ problems.  It is our excellent success rate and happy clientele that continue to give us confidence that we make a difference in TMJ rehabilitation.  We are excited to assist you take control of your TMJ symptoms and improve the quality of your life. 

 

  

 

 

 

"Now there is no popping or clicking in my jaw and I have never had a migraine headache again." - Pamela