What is TMJ Dysfunction (TMD)?

The term “TMJ Dysfunction” describes an imbalance in the relationship of the jaw to the skull. Dr. Hannah uses state-of-the-art technology to determine if your symptoms are caused by malocclusion and if so, what your optimal jaw position is. Dr. Hannah uses computerized jaw tracking instruments to record jaw movement, resting position, and path of closure. Electromyography is used to measure your jaw’s muscle function in both its stressed and relaxed positions, and will also measure the jaw-to-skull relationship to see if there is a structural imbalance. Sonography is used to record jaw joint sounds to detect any abnormalities. Additionally, x-rays of the jaw may be taken to help evaluate the condition and positioning of the joint.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF TMD:

Headaches/Migraines Facial pain Ear ringing, pain, or congestion Jaw clicking, popping, or pain Limited mouth opening Neck and shoulder pain Sensitive, sore, or cracked teeth Vertigo or dizziness  Tingling or numbness in fingers

TMJ / TMD Treatment

Once Dr. Hannah has diagnosed you with TMD, he can determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs. Typically treatment will follow three steps:

1. Relieve muscle spasm and pain.
   The immediate concern for Dr. Hannah is to provide relief of your symptoms. The best way to do this is by using a technology called ULF-TENS. ULF-TENS stands for Ultra Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation, but don’t let this term intimidate you. Basically, ULF-TENS is a way to relax muscles with a gentle massage of the muscles. The rhythmic pulsing relaxes the 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, the body’s natural anesthetic.
2. Stabilize the bite.
   Often for this step a temporary device, known as an orthotic is worn over the teeth. The orthotic allows Dr. Hannah to make easy adjustments to the plastic without adjusting the teeth until the bite is stabilized. Once symptoms are relieved and the bite has been stabilized, Dr. Hannah will move on to the next step and permanently adjust your bite to the correct position.
3. Long-term management.
   There are a variety of ways to correct your bite in a more permanent way. Four of the most common of these approaches are outlined below:

• Coronoplasty/Equilibration
  Coronoplasty is smoothing and reshaping the enamel of the teeth to correct your bite. It is a simple procedure that does not require anesthesia and can be used when the bite is only slightly misaligned.
• Removable Overlay Partials
  These are permanent orthotics that usually fit over the back teeth and are designed to maintain an aligned bite.
• Reconstruction
  This approach involves making the teeth higher by using crowns. This permanently realigns the bite and provides structural support for the jaw.
• Orthodontics (Braces)
  When the teeth are healthy they may be moved to the optimal position using braces.