Why choose a neuromuscular dentist for your TMJ disorder, head, neck, and jaw pain?
TMJ disorder is a chronic condition that can cause significant facial pain, limited jaw mobility, headaches, and a host of additional symptoms. If you struggle with this condition, it is important to seek timely, expert care. Although many practitioners offer TMJ disorder treatment in the form of a night guard, neuromuscular dentists undergo advanced training that focuses exclusively on this condition. Thus they can offer the latest diagnostic and treatment options.
Dr. Peter Noto is one of just a few trained neuromuscular dentists in the state of Illinois. He offers a wide variety of treatments and will carefully tailor your care protocol to your specific needs. To learn more about neuromuscular dentistry and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Noto, contact Gallery Dental of Oakbrook online or call (630) 620-8300.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder affects the temporomandibular joints, the joints that connect the jaw to the skull. The condition may be the result of inflammation in the surrounding muscles or damage to the jaw joint itself. Although it is sometimes difficult to determine the origin of a patient’s TMJ disorder, common causes include:
- Bruxism (chronic jaw clenching and grinding)
- Bite misalignment
- Facial trauma
- Whiplash
- Arthritis
With so many different causes, the condition is quite common, affecting an estimated 5 to 12% of the population. Surprisingly for a chronic condition, it is quite prevalent among younger patients between the ages of 20 and 40. Women are more likely to suffer from TMJ disorder than men, although it affects both genders.
Why Is It Important to Treat TMJ Disorder?
Chronic inflammation in the jaw can cause a range of symptoms including:
- Jaw pain
- Ear pain
- Chronic headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Difficulty opening or closing the jaw
- A clicking noise when opening or closing the jaw
Left untreated, TMJ disorder can worsen, dramatically affecting oral function and quality of life.
What Is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
Rather than focusing on the symptoms, neuromuscular dentists treat TMJ disorder at its source. By correcting the underlying jaw misalignment, a neuromuscular dentist can eliminate discomfort and prevent further damage to the joint. Trained practitioners focus on helping patients achieve relaxed facial muscles, and they look at the role that gravity plays in the natural position of the jaw.
Neuromuscular dentists also use advanced diagnostic technology, such as the Myotronics K7 Evaluation System. This system measures electrical activity in the muscles while in motion and at rest. It also uses ultrasound imaging to evaluate the joint and nearby soft tissues. In this way, it can determine the exact position of the jaw and the degree of correction needed.
Following diagnosis, neuromuscular dentists offer a variety of treatments. Dr. Noto begins with the most conservative options, and he provides continuous monitoring and care until his patients achieve optimal results.
Schedule an Appointment with a Experienced Neuromuscular Dentist
There is no reason to suffer from chronic jaw pain and a diminished quality of life. Schedule your TMJ disorder evaluation today and experience the difference that advanced, specialized training can make in your care. You can reach our Oakbrook Terrace office online or call us at (630) 620-8300.