TMD/TMJ
 

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Boulder general dentistry
(303) 443-4417
1636 16th Street
Boulder, CO   80302
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Jaw pain can be a painful problem. It can also be a sign of larger medical problems. If you are experiencing jaw pain in the Boulder or Louisville, Colorado area please contact Dr. Birnbach for a consultation. With general dentistry, Dr. Birnbach can diagnose the cause of your jaw pain and help you explore solutions.

TMJ/ TMD Treatment

In Boulder, Colorado


Jaw Pain and Headaches [TMJ/TMD] – Jaw pain can be caused by a number of factors, including teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism). It can also be the sign of more serious joint problems, specifically temporomandibular joint disorders. General dentistry can help determine the cause of your jaw pain and determine which treatment options may be right for you.

One of the most important parts of your overall dental health is the alignment of your temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joint is the joint where your lower jaw connects to your skull. This joint allows the jaw to move up, down, forward, backward, and side-to-side. The temporomandibular joint also allows the teeth to come together properly.

When the temporomandibular joint becomes misaligned, either through trauma or naturally, it can cause you to develop a range of painful symptoms. This is referred to as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMD). TMD symptoms can include:
  • Tooth Pain
  • Jaw Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Headaches
  • Migraines
  • Chipped Teeth
  • Cracked Teeth
  • Teeth Grinding
  • Teeth Clenching
  • Tingling or numbness in fingers
  • Ringing in ears
TMD symptoms arise because the muscles, tendons, nerves, and other tissues surrounding the temporomandibular joint are under constant strain as a result of the temporomandibular joint being misaligned. They become inflamed and painful.

Treatment – In order to relieve the painful symptoms of TMD, Dr. Birnbach can diagnose and then prescribe a treatment plan to align your temporomandibular joint, thus correcting your TMD symptoms. Dr. Birnbach will begin your diagnosis by taking a detailed patient history. A physical exam will follow.

During the physical examination he will examine the movement of your jaw, and listen for clicking, grating, or popping sounds. Dr. Birnbach may recommend X-rays to fully view the jaw and bite. If necessary, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computer tomography (CT) will be ordered. Using computer technology, he can assess the activity of the muscles of the jaw (EMGs) as well as the optimal position of the jaw (Computerized Jaw Tracking). This is called Neuromuscular dentistry.

If Dr. Birnbach determines you suffer from TMD, he may recommend one of the following treatments:

  • Mouth guard – A splint, or plastic biteplate, is worn to help adjust your jaw to its optimal position. Similar mouth guard devices can be used to prevent grinding, clenching, and other habits that may damage your mouth and cause jaw pain.
  • Dental treatment – Dr. Birnbach can map your temporomandibular joint to determine what its optimal position is. He can use crowns to replace missing teeth and can align your teeth and bite so that your joint is in the best position.
  • Diet change – If you experience significant pain when eating, Dr. Birnbach may suggest a change in diet. Eating soft foods, avoiding chewy or sticky foods, and cutting your food into smaller pieces may help lessen the pain.

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