TMJ

Do you suffer from chronic discomfort including headaches or migraines, soreness in your jaw, painful chewing, or back pain? Have you been to doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other specialists for treatment with no resolution? You may suffer from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder and the solution may come from neuromuscular dentistry.

The small, triangular joints at the base of the jaw, called the temporomandibular joints, allow you to open and close your mouth, as well as enjoy a full range of motion. When those joints are misaligned, the associated muscles and nerves become strained, which can generate a host of unpleasant symptoms, including:

• clicking or grating sounds in the jaw joints
• congestion or stuffiness of the ears
• dental restorations that crack, chip, or break
• facial pain
• limited movement or locking of the jaw
• neck, shoulder, or back pain
• numbness in your fingers and arms
• soreness around the jaw joints
• unexplained loose teeth
• worn, chipped, or cracked teeth

Treatment options

To identify TMJ disorder, Dr. Villaroman will complete a thorough evaluation. If Dr. Villaroman diagnoses you with a malocclusion, he will recommend therapy to correct your bite and alleviate discomfort. Treatment plans may include:

• Dental restorations, including crowns and veneers, that will raise or lower areas of your bite, creating a natural position for your jaw
• an orthotic (either removable or fixed) an appliance worn over your teeth that will comfortably align the jaw and easy any muscle tension. you will wear the device until your jaw "trains" itself to return to the correct position.
• coronoplasty that reshapes the biting surfaces of the teeth with heavy polishing to remove any interference that deflect the jaw as it closes to its optimal biting position
• full-mouth rehabilitation that restores every tooth in the mouth to the optimal size, shape, width, length, and position to correct the bite.

Find out why so many families visit Modesto Smiles for their dental health care. Contact our Modesto or Tracy dental practice today for your one-on-one appointment with Dr. Villaroman. We welcome patients from Modesto, Tracy, and the surrounding communities in northern California.