Temporomandibular joint disorder, also referred to as TMD, TMJ, or temporomandibular joint syndrome, is a disorder affecting the temporomandibular joint. The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull. This disorder is most often caused by a misaligned bite, which puts additional strain on the temporomandibular joint, resulting in a number of symptoms, including neck and shoulder pain, ringing in the ears, numbness in the arms or fingers, and severe headaches.

The symptoms of TMD are very broad and somewhat common, so most who experience these symptoms seek help from a medical doctor. Medical doctors, however, will treat the symptoms individually, failing to treat or properly diagnose the cause of those symptoms. Neuromuscular dentists, like Dr. Daniel Melnick, can not only properly diagnose TMD, but they can also treat it, permanently reliving your pain.

TMD treatment includes three steps. First, Dr. Melnick will use transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS) to relax the facial muscles. The next step is to adjust your bite. A temporary orthotic appliance is worn for several months that will change the way your upper and lower jaw meet and will relieve your symptoms. This appliance may be adjusted one or more times until your optimum bite is achieved. Once your optimum bite has been achieved, the final step is to make that adjustment to your bite permanent. In order to make this adjusted bite permanent, Dr. Melnick may fit bridges or crowns or reshape your enamel. The length of the treatment varies from patient to patient depending on the severity of your misaligned bite.

If you would like to learn more about TMD and its treatments, please contact the Laurel, Maryland neuromuscular dentistry office of Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule a TMD consultation.