Cochran Dental Care
7283 Carnelian St.
Alta Loma, CA 91701
909.987.6268
TMJ/Neuromuscular dentistry FAQ
Cochran Dental Care
Why would I see a cosmetic dentist about TMJ?
Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction is a chronic pain which people get in and around their jaw muscles. Some estimates place it as the third largest health problem in the United States.
The TM joint consists of two bones - the skull and the jawbone. There is a disc between those two bones which acts as a cushion. If that cushion malfunctions misaligns in some way, either due to genetics or other causes, pain results. The pain can be either constant or it can be more pronounced as the mouth opens and closes.
There are many symptoms. Some of the more common ones are headaches, ear ringing, sore teeth, numbness in the arms and hands, and general pain the face, neck or shoulders.
TMJ is hard to self-diagnose. If you have symptoms you believe are TMJ related, it's best to see a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Why would I see a cosmetic dentist about TMJ?
A cosmetic dentist - especially one trained at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies - understands the symptoms of TMJ, because TMJ is often the result of jaw and jaw alignment problems.
Also, a cosmetic dentist can determine if TMJ is NOT caused by alignment problems. Sometimes TMJ can have a totally different origin - it can be the result of a neurological condition, for example, or an accident. If that's the case, your doctor will be able to refer you to a more appropriate medical specialist.
In short, a cosmetic dentist is a good place to start the process of diagnosing TMJ because if the pain is the result of an alignment problem, a cosmetic dentist can treat that. If the pain is not the result of an alignment problem, a cosmetic dentist can help you determine where else to go for help.
The treatments of TMJ are as varied as the causes. Cosmetic dental specific treatments can involve something as simple as mouth guards to something as complex as extensive orthodontics. It all depends on the severity of the TMJ. Only a qualified cosmetic dentist can properly determine the appropriate treatment.
Learn the Common Symptoms of TMJ
Learn how to choose a TMJ Dentist
Dr. Todd Cochran has been trained at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) in how to diagnose and treat TMJ. Please contact us today and schedule your initial consultation. Why wait? Start feeling relief sooner!
Cochran Dental Care
7283 Carnelian St.
Alta Loma, CA 91701
