TMJ Specialist in Gilbert, AZ

What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)?

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, is a collective term for a range of similar conditions. These ailments are caused by the jaw, jaw joint, or face muscles that move the jaw. TMD patients may suffer continual or intermittent discomfort. These conditions are frequently referred to as TMJ, which refers exclusively to the temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joints connect the jaw bone to the skull.

TMD Symptoms

TMD symptoms may arise from easily identifiable and treatable causes, including sinus infections, tooth decay, or gum disease. Patients with TMD can experience one or more of the following daily:

 

  • Chronic facial pain in the face, jaw, neck, and shoulders
  • Chronic facial pain in or around the ear
  • Limited ability to open the mouth wide
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Uncomfortable bite
  • Swelling on one or both sides of the face
  • Clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth
  • Headaches and neck aches

 

While these are the most common symptoms, TMJ disorders can also result in a variety of persistent pains throughout your body, not only in your jaw. It is critical to seek treatment in order to live a healthy and happy life.

What Causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

Although there are many causes of TMD, common ones include:

  • Trauma to the head or neck
  • Oral habits such as clenching or grinding of the teeth
  • “Bad” bite or missing teeth
  • Arthritis
  • Malalignment of the upper and lower jaws
  • Bruxism
  • Poor growth and development
  • Retraction/amputation Orthodontics

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism, or teeth-grinding, occurs when the jaws are clenched, and the teeth grind against one another. Stress and anxiety are often factors, but sleep disorders, an abnormal bite, and missing or crooked teeth may also instigate this subconscious behavior. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to headaches, a sore jaw, or painful, loose or fractured teeth.

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TMJ Treatment Patient

Junel experienced severe TMJ and shares her experience working with Dr. John A. Garza for treatment.

How Does Dr. Garza Diagnose TMD?

It isn’t enough to diagnose TMD using a standard clinical exam. However, this is only the beginning. In addition to visual observation of teeth, our diagnostic process also involves cone-beam CT scan imaging, specialized x-ray imaging called cephalometrics, and innovative A Biopak technology.

Biopak is three diagnostic tools in one. Using an electrosonograph, we are able to hear the sounds made by the jaw joints. Using a three-dimensional tracking device, we can observe the path that the jaw follows when the mouth opens and closes. This enables us to see if irregular movement is occurring to compensate for an imbalanced bite. Finally, the use of electromyography shows us the true measure of how hard muscles are working to operate the jaw.

TMD Treatment Options

There are several ways in which to relieve the symptoms of TMD. Dr. Garza can also perform treatments that alleviate stress on the temporomandibular joints, thereby decreasing the physical manifestation of symptoms. Conventional approaches to treating TMJ include:

  • Arthrocentesis
  • Stress-reduction exercises
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Low-level-laser therapy
  • Mouth protectors to prevent teeth grinding
  • Consumption of softer foods to allow the jaw to rest
  • Heat/ice packs
  • Avoidance of extreme jaw movements
  • Ozone injections
  • Trigger point injections
  • TP Laser application
  • Cervical Realignment

Dr. Garza conducts his TMD treatment with the objective of stabilizing the physiological bite that we determine using advanced diagnostics. Orthotic devices represent an integral aspect of bite stability because these fixtures actually align the vertebrae in the neck to be in-line with the dental arches so the temporomandibular joints do not have to work so hard to align teeth when you chew. Once the appropriate orthotic device retrains the muscles, controlled arch orthodontics makes these changes permanent by restructuring the jaw and the upper and lower arches of teeth.

Neuromuscular dentistry is capable of correcting many cases of TMD. Dr. Garza believes in non-surgical physiologic rehabilitation of the stomatognathic system (TMJ, cervical spine, posture, airway, and occlusion) to eliminate pain and restore patients to a normal life. Neuromuscular/Physiologic dentistry is advanced care requiring special attention of the properly trained doctor. Dr. Garza brings all of his current skills and training into every case because it is life changing for many patients. We give pain patients their life back!

In phase I, Dr. Garza will find your Neuromuscular harmony and the physiologic rest position. This corrects TMJ dysfunction while idealizing the bite position to support the proper posture of the neck and spine. In phase I, all symptoms and function are addressed. This is done reversibly with temporary acrylic orthotics. Patients do not go to Phase 2 (restorative/permanent) unless Dr. Garza has adequately resolved your pain and dysfunction.

Phase 2 can be CA Orthodontics, Full Mouth Reconstruction (Porcelain crowns) or Coronoplasty (equilibration). The patients seen in these videos are actual patients that have been treated with phase 1 and then phase 2 (all three methods). They are living better lives and you can too!

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Dr. Garza’s TMD Experience

Dr. Garza is a distinguished general dentist who has achieved LVI Fellowship, which demonstrates a strong commitment to advanced patient care. LVI Fellowship is awarded to dentists who have completed a minimum of 278 continuing education hours included in the LVI Core Curriculum. Advanced Functional Restorative Dentistry and Advanced Occlusal and Restorative Principles are an integral aspect of this training that enable Dr. Garza to efficiently address issues related to TMD disorder.

Claudia suffered from TMJ disorder with dislocated discs, Vertigo and Tinnitus, flat worn teeth and a deep bite. After Dr. John Garza placed her orthotic she felt immediate relief.

What If TMD Is Left Untreated?

It is important to obtain proper treatment for TMJ dysfunction. If stress on the jaw and teeth continues, dysfunction may escalate to disruptive levels. Untreated TMD can lead to chronic headaches, including migraines. These symptoms may occur due to the constant increased amount of tension and stress that are carried in your head and neck.

In addition to head and neck pain, TMD can also lead to the degradation of natural teeth. When upper and lower teeth do not fit together, clenching and grinding may result, further exacerbating the stress on the jaw joints. Over time, grinding behaviors can wear down enamel and lead to damage such as chips, cracks, and broken teeth.

Finally, TMJ that is not treated may continue to worsen over time, leading to more intense symptoms and, eventually, to limited jaw mobility.

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Results Of TMD Treatment

Individuals who undergo neuromuscular treatment for TMJ disorder often experience significant resolution of symptoms related to joint stress. Teeth fit together better and, in many cases, the appearance of the face improves as a result of jaw restructuring through controlled arch orthodontics.

Eleanor suffered from neck and orofacial pain and numbness, as well as TMJ Disorder. Dr. John Garza treated this TMJ patient with a custom orthotic that helped improve her symptoms and her smile.

How Much Does TMD Treatment Cost?

The extensiveness of TMJ treatment dictates the final cost of restorative care. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss the particulars of your case. A consultation will enable us to provide you with comprehensive details, including costs of proposed treatment.

Schedule A Consultation

To learn more about TMD or to receive treatment from Dr. Garza call our Gilbert office at (480) 539-7979 and schedule a consultation. Dr. Garza serves patients from Gilbert, Tempe, and surrounding areas in Arizona.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY OR CALL 480-539-7979 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR SERVICES