TMJ dysfunction is a condition wherein the stomathognathic system (the mouth and its supporting structures) fails or has the inability to perform usual and normal function to which the equilibrium of the body tilts toa point of stress and manifests as pain in the referred sense. Referred pain maymanifest as headache, neck pain, shoulder pain to name a few. Patient may feela sense of lethargy at times, or may feel weaker than usual. They may havesymptoms that mimic other conditions such as: trigeminal neuralgia, pinchednerve syndrome or even tumors. Chronic sufferers (those who suffer formonths and years) or those who suffer from this condition without knowing thatthey have TMJ dysfunction are usually one in saying that numerous doctors andspecialists they have consulted but without ease of their pains and sufferings.They usually end up being referred to psychiatrists and have the dubiousdistinction of being a nutcrack or be conveniently branded as a hypochondriac.
But help is at your reach nowadays. TMJ treatment is one specialization in dentistry that has been keenly studied worldwide. Gone are the days that chronic pain sufferers may just have to live with their headaches by toughing it out, be on pain medication throughout life (of course, at the expense of the liver and kidney!), or curse everyone on sight. Family and interpersonal relationships may likely be gravely affected as a result of this condition.
Treatment starts with the initial visit to a TMJ practitioner that is when diagnostics are taken, clinical evaluation of a trained professional is performed, and proper assessment of the patient’s condition, state of mind and frailties are considered. Proper evaluation is critical.
Treatment is always commenced but not concluded with a splint, technically known as a mayofacial orthopedic repositioning appliance. Simply put a device that I have ordered the patient to wear to align and correct jaw malposition. Since the primordial culprit is jaw misalignment.
Splint therapy once in play may be seconded by various adjunctive therapy simultaneously,
the supportive treatment may be as a TMJ practitioner deems necessary.
Since TMJ dysfunction is multifactorial in origin, supportive treatment may differ from one patient to another at different stages of the treatment.
Patient will feel the initial benefit in a matter of days, of course notwithstanding the initial discomfort of wearing the splint. But its all worth the adjustments as the patient feels better minus the headache, tired neck muscles and renewed outlook in life.
Once majority of the symptoms disappear, the second phase of treatment commences. This may take place in the form of an overdenture, porcelain crowns, orthodontic treatment or a combination of those mentioned. These finishing options are suited to the preference of the patient and the available options in the given dentition.
TMJ treatment is basically non invasive and a savior to all chronic pain sufferers of the dysfunction. One has the choice to breakout of its grasp and slavery, or suffer its very unpleasant effect.
Dr. Ronald De Leon
TMJ-Orthodontics
VISIT OUR CLINIC FOR A FREE CONSULT! DE LEON TMJ DENTAL CLINIC
Angeles City
Near Holy Rosary Parish Church
Clinic Hours:
Monday-Saturday 9:00 am to 6:00pm
