Neuromuscular Dentistry and TMJ
Cosmetic Dentist serving Raleigh, Cary, Durham and Chapel Hill, NC.
J. Steven Baker, DDS, LVIF
If you’re experiencing unexplained problems like jaw soreness, popping of the jaw joints, or headaches, you may very well be suffering from a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problem. TMJ, also called TMD for Temporomandibular Disorder, affects millions of Americans and goes widely undiagnosed.
Neuromuscular dentistry is a highly specialized area of dentistry that focuses on solving a variety of symptoms by restoring a proper dental bite. Dr. J. Steven Baker is one of only a handful of neuromuscular dentists in Raleigh who offer diagnosis and treatment for these conditions.
Symptoms of TMJ
- Recurring headaches
- Pain behind the eyes
- Dizziness
- Earaches
- Tinnitus (ringing of the ears)
- Grinding of the teeth
- Frequent jaw clenching
- Neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Numbness in the fingers
- Muscle spasms
What begins as minor soreness can develop into a very painful condition that causes chronic tension headaches and jaw soreness. Pain may graduate from the mouth and head area to the neck and shoulders, eventually affecting the muscles of the arms and hands.
Good mouth function is dependent upon the relationship between the muscles, jawbones, and jaw joints. There are many reasons why you may be experiencing a TMJ dysfunction, from genetic to environmental. Dr. Baker and his neuromuscular dentistry team use a series of technologically advanced tests to help determine the cause or causes, including the K7 Evaluation System, to diagnose TMJ-related problems.
Once the cause of your uneven bite is discovered, treatment to restore a well-fitting bite can begin. If the jaw joints are displaced, or the problem lies with weak or uneven muscle tissue, use of an orthotic appliance may be a solution. If other solutions are not successful, surgery can be very effective.If you think you may be experiencing a TMJ problem and need TMJ treatment, please schedule a neuromuscular dentistry personal consultation with Dr. Baker today. As an experienced Chapel Hill Neuromuscular Dentist, Dr. Baker will listen to you and give you a comprehensive TMJ exam. You don’t need to suffer that pain indefinitely.
