Virginia Beach Neuromuscular Dentistry
TMJ Therapy
Headaches. Migraines. Facial Pain. Sound familiar? These symptoms may stem from a neuromuscular misalignment. Because the head, neck, and teeth are all interrelated, problems originating in the lower jaw and jaw joint, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ), can cause a variety of issues in other areas. Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on alleviating distress in these structures to provide relief from a number of symptoms including:
- Headaches or migraines
- Clenching and grinding (also known as bruxism)
- Receding gums
- Crowded or loose teeth
- Wear or notches at the gum line
- Numbness or tingling in extremities
- Pain in shoulders, neck, back, behind the eyes, and in teeth
- Earaches
As a neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Morgan can diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend therapies for relief.
How Neuromuscular Dentistry Can Help
A wide range of pains and problems arising in the teeth, face, neck, and head originate from improper functioning of muscles and nerves. Neuromuscular dentistry involves discovering and treating misalignment or malfunction in the muscles and nerves of the jaw.
Thanks to a number of technological advancements, our neuromuscular dentistry treatments can help restore proper jaw function and alignment. First we use a Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation, or TENS, unit to assess neuromuscular problems. The TENS unit delivers low-frequency electrical impulses to the muscles that control jaw movement, causing them to relax. Our K-7 machine records the relaxed position of the jaw, so Dr. Morgan can determine the best way to permanently correct the problem.
Headache & TMJ Therapy
If we discover a problem with jaw alignment, the first step in treatment is a custom orthotic appliance. This neuromuscular appliance holds your jaw in its correct alignment. After three months, we reassess the problem and determine whether or not the orthotic appliance has alleviated symptoms. Sometimes further therapy is required, and we might suggest orthodontics, restoration of tooth arches, or bite adjustment. For many people, Dr. Morgan can provide permanent, drug-free headache relief in just a few appointments.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
TMJ treatment in Virginia Beach can stop your jaw pain and improve your oral functions. Don't worry if you have a few concerns because Dr. Carol Morgan will explain everything during your consultation. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about TMJ treatment to feel confident about the road ahead.
Is TMJ Treatment Expensive?
There's no flat fee for TMJ treatment because every situation is unique. We believe your financial situation shouldn't stand in the way of overcoming your jaw pain. We will create the personalized plan you need and discuss your payment options to keep your treatment within your budget, like using your dental insurance. We also accept third-party financing. You can pay for any out-of-pocket expenses using a low monthly payment plan with little or no interest in financing based on your credit approval.
Can TMJ Be Treated Without Surgery?
Your dentist in Virginia Beach always strives to take a conservative approach to treating TMJ disorders. Typically, surgery is reserved for patients with severe cases of TMJ, and other methods of treatment have failed. This can be the case for patients with TMJ caused by structural abnormalities or damage to the joints. Based on the cause of your pain, there are various solutions to treat TMJ with no surgery, like an oral appliance or orthodontics.
Can TMJ Be Cured Permanently?
Every case differs. Some patients can go many months or years with no symptoms with the right treatment. Some patients can benefit from permanent relief, depending on the underlying cause and treatment approach. For example, if your TMD is caused by a bad bite, braces can create harmony between the upper and lower arches to resolve your symptoms once and for all.
How Long Does TMJ Therapy Take?
There's no set timeline for TMJ therapy. Some patients benefit from relief within a few days or weeks, such as when using an oral appliance or jaw-strengthening exercises. Others can take several months to achieve maximum results, like when needing braces. You can ensure there aren't any delays by following your dentist’s instructions.
Can TMJ Issues Be Fixed With Braces?
Not all TMJ disorders can be resolved with braces, but there are many times orthodontics can fix the problem. If there's a poor relation between your upper and lower teeth, it can cause strain on your temporomandibular joints. Fixing your bite will relieve the pressure to stop your symptoms, but it's a gradual process. It's time well spent to stop your pain while improving your oral health.
