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Archive for August, 2011

Getting to the Source of TMJ Headaches

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

The chronic headaches that accompany temporomandibular joint disorder—also referred to as TMJ or TMD—can be severe to the point of debilitating and are often confused with migraines.

Although the area where your temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull is roughly the size of a large coin, it features a concentration of muscles, nerves, tendons and bone. Within that network is the trigeminal nerve, which is integral in biting, chewing, swallowing and registering sensation in your face.

Even a slight misalignment of your jaw can impact the sensitive components in this connective region and cause pain to shoot through your head, face, neck, shoulders, arms and back. A misaligned jaw or bite condition may create excessive pressure on these nerves, muscles and joints, and lead to inflammation, swelling and discomfort.

Left untreated, the painful symptoms of TMJ can worsen and contribute to progressive dental problems including premature wear on your teeth, stress on your jaw and gum disease.

The good news is that TMJ is treatable. The experienced Maryland neuromuscular dentists at Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry can diagnose whether TMJ is truly to blame for your discomfort and create a custom treatment plan to correct your individual condition and put an end to your headaches and other nagging symptoms.

If you live in the Laurel, Columbia, Fulton or Silver Spring, Maryland, areas and would like more information about TMJ testing and treatment, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry.

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The Difficulty of Diagnosing TMJ

Monday, August 8th, 2011

Because the chronic, nagging symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMJ or TMD) are shared with a host of other conditions, diagnosing TMJ is a difficult—but not impossible—process.

Most people who suffer from TMJ experience multiple symptoms, including:

  • Headaches
  • Facial, neck, shoulder and back pain
  • Jaw tension and pain
  • Jaw clicking or popping
  • Jaw locking or sticking
  • Earaches or ringing ears
  • Difficulty chewing and swallowing
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers

A number of these symptoms also arise with migraines, arthritis, sinus ailments, gum disease and other conditions, which leads to TMJ being frequently misdiagnosed.

The Laurel, Maryland, neuromuscular dentists at Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ. We utilize a physical examination and the latest technology to pinpoint the source of your TMJ-related pain, determine your proper bite alignment and develop a plan to relieve your pain.

Untreated, TMJ can lead to continuous discomfort as well as contribute to progressive dental problems. A number of treatment options are available, however, and a thorough exam will help determine the best treatment for your condition.

Some TMJ cases are treatable by simply correcting poor dental health habits such as teeth grinding, nail biting, pen chewing or tongue thrusting. Other instances may be treated with the use of transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS), which utilizes mild electrical stimulation to relax your jaw muscles and allow your jaw to settle into a comfortable, natural position.

In TMJ cases caused by more severe bite problems, custom orthotics or other procedures may be necessary.

If you live in the Laurel, Columbia, Fulton or Silver Spring, Maryland, areas and would like more information about TMJ testing and treatment, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry.

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Neuromuscular Testing for TMJ

Monday, August 1st, 2011

Temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMJ or TMD) is a common and often-misdiagnosed condition typically related to bite problems caused by misaligned teeth.

Because TMJ shares symptoms with other conditions including arthritis, migraines and gum disease, the source of discomfort can be difficult to determine. The skilled Maryland dentists at Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry have experience with neuromuscular testing and TMJ treatment. We can accurately diagnose the source of your pain and create a custom treatment plan to alleviate the chronic discomfort associated with TMJ.

In evaluating you for TMJ, we will ask questions about your symptoms and activities that may trigger pain. We will also conduct an examination to look for a misaligned bite and check your jaw’s range of motion.

Using the latest technology allows us to precisely determine your proper bite alignment and test your jaw muscle functionality.

A digital mandibular scan will track your jaw’s resting position and movement, recording your jaw while chewing, swallowing, and opening and closing your mouth. Electromyography will be used to measure electrical activity in your jaw muscles and help assess your muscle function. Sonography allows us to hear the sounds of your jaw in motion, including the popping and clicking noises often associated with TMJ.

Using both a physical examination and state-of-the-art technology allows us to diagnose your individual condition and develop a TMJ treatment plan to correct the source of your pain. Untreated, TMJ can cause increasing pain and lead to depression and progressive dental problems.

If you live in the Laurel, Columbia, Fulton or Silver Spring, Maryland, areas and would like more information about TMJ testing or TMJ treatment, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a consultation.

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Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Monday, August 1st, 2011

Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry?

The experienced Maryland sedation dentists at Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry will thoroughly review your medical history before recommending sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is generally safe for adults who are in overall good health, are not taking conflicting medications, and who experience:

  • Fear of the dentist
  • A strong gag reflex
  • Sensitive teeth
  • The need for multiple procedures
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD) or other conditions that prevent you from holding your mouth open for extended periods

How safe is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is not for everyone, but it is safe for most patients. We will discuss any potential risks with you in detail based on your initial exam and medical history. Your condition will be monitored throughout your dental procedure.

Will I feel anything during my sedation dentistry procedure?

You will likely remain conscious, but numb to sensation and feeling a heightened state of relaxation. You will likely recall little or nothing about your procedure.

What are the benefits of sedation dentistry?

Not only will you feel relaxed while undergoing your dental work, sedation dentistry also allows us to perform multiple procedures if necessary in one sitting.

What procedures can be performed while under sedation?

Sedation dentistry can be used for a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry procedures, including:

If you live in the Laurel, Columbia, Fulton or Silver Spring, Maryland, areas and would like more information about sedation dentistry, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a consultation.

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