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ATLANTIC CENTER FOR ADVANCED DENTISTRY |
Health, Beauty, Confidence ... for you |
TMJ / TMD
Treatment Options
The diseases which affect the TM Joints are no different, really, than the diseases which affect other joints in the human anatomy. Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis; Inflammation of the Joint capsule; inflammation of the synovium; torn ligaments; perforation, or tears in the articular disks; internal derangement of the Condyle Head, and or Disk, in the Joint space, and etc.
Advanced Technology
First, a thorough exam of the bite is conducted using the Myomonitor K7 and a TENS unit. The Myomonitor K7 is a computerized EMG diagnostic tool that tracks the position of your jaw both at rest and in motion. The K7 Evaluation System provides the Drs. Bixby with three distinctly different technologies for measuring, displaying and storing objective data on physiologic and anatomical status and function. This objective data enhances the doctor’s diagnostic and treatment considerations with information not previously available.
The TENS unit stimulates your jaw with low frequency pulses to help the muscle find its most relaxed state. In combination, these two systems help the doctors determine the most optimal position for your jaw. Visit Myotronics.com for more about this amazing technology.
Treatment Options
Fortunately, malocclusion is relatively simple to correct. Through any of the treatments offered, patients experience a range of benefits, from decreased or eliminated pain and discomfort, to better overall health and longer lasting dental restorations.
There are two basic types of treatment for TM Joint disorders: surgical and non-surgical, but it is generally agreed that in most cases the non-surgical approach should be taken first in an effort to restore comfort, and improve jaw function to an acceptable level. Non surgical treatments for TMJ disorders include:
Full Mouth Reconstruction
Correcting the bite may be as easy as raising or lowering teeth to achieve a comfortable position. By fitting the teeth with dental restorations, Drs. Bixby can precisely adjust the bite to create a naturally comfortable jaw position.
Orthotics
In some cases, the patient will be fitted with a removable orthotic or splint to gradually, comfortably and safely shift the position of teeth to an optimal position. This re-positions the condyle head in the joint space to a more normal position, thereby relieving the stresses and pressures being placed on the tissues of the joints, and their related supporting structures allowing them to heal.
Orthotics ( sometimes referred to as splints ) may be fitted to either the upper or lower jaws, and in some cases to both. Once the patient is comfortable with this corrected jaw position, the teeth can then be restored with porcelain restorations.
Physical Therapy Treatments
These treatments might include ultra-sound, and an exercise rehabilitation program.
Adjunctive Medication
These would include anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxants, and such other prescription medications as may be applicable to the case.
Stress Management
The treating TMJ practitioner may refer the patient for stress management which can include any number of modalities from bio-feedback training to counseling.
Our entire team has had advanced training at the world-renowned
Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies
Proudly serving Monmouth County for over 30 years