If you experience limited jaw movement, chronic jaw pain, or clicking and popping when you attempt to move your jaw, you may have temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) – a common neuromuscular disorder that can trigger a wide variety of painful symptoms throughout your body.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a delicate jaw joint that is closely connected with the nerves, muscles, and tendons in your shoulders, neck and back. If this joint is even slightly displaced, so are the connected tissues, causing swelling and inflammation that interfere with the natural movement of your jaw.
Neuromuscular dentists are specially-trained in the diagnosis and treatment of TMD. In order to determine whether or not you have TMD, our dentists will use a device called the TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation) unit. This device relaxes your jaw muscles through a series of electrical impulses, allowing Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro to determine the ideal position of your jaw. The TENS unit can also help you feel immediate relief from your TMD symptoms as it flushes out toxins, increases your blood flow, and stimulates your body’s production of natural pain-killers called endorphins.
Once you have been diagnosed with TMD, Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro will develop a personalized treatment plan to help return your bite to its correct alignment. This may involve simple exercises and lifestyle changes, or it may require the use of a temporary orthotic appliance that gradually shifts the position of your jaw.
Whatever your needs, our advanced neuromuscular dentistry team can help you obtain lasting, permanent relief from jaw pain and stiffness. If you live in Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tempe, or another East Valley City in Arizona, please contact our experienced neuromuscular dentists Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro today to schedule a consultation.