Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Although Temporomandibular Disorders can become a chronic problem often associated with some permanent damage from trauma to the head, neck, back, or temporomandibular joint, even in the worst cases the symptoms can be eliminated through proper professional care.

Treatments for Facial/ Jaw Pain/ Temporomandibular Disorders

Our approach is a comprehensive program for treating TMD/ “TMJ” and associated symptoms. It involves:

Detailed Description of Temporomandibular Disorders Treatment:

There are three components in the treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders symptoms:

  1. IMBALANCE of the BITE/OCCLUSION
  2. IMBALANCE among the MUSCLES and JOINTS of the JAW, HEAD, and NECK
  3. STRESS IMBALANCE and HOME CARE

If your dentist or doctor is NOT treating ALL 3 components, your chances of pain relief drop dramatically.

1) IMBALANCE of the BITE/OCCLUSION

Advanced Computer TMJ Functional Analysis

Successful diagnosis and treatment of your TMJ condition require state-of-the-art technology. We use the only computerized test that can accurately and objectively measure your occlusion/bite. Do not leave your bite to chance!
For years, dentists have had to use a large amount of guesswork in diagnosing dental occlusion. Imprecise tools such as articulation paper, waxes, and pressure indicator paste were all we had to assess and balance the forces of the bite with the muscles and joints of the head and neck. Most of these methods are not sensitive enough to detect simultaneous contact, and none measure both biting time and force … critical components in diagnosing TMD.

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2) IMBALANCE among the MUSCLES and JOINTS of the JAW, HEAD, and NECK

We use four modalities to BALANCE and relax the MUSCLES and JOINTS of the JAW, HEAD, and NECK.

First: Ultrasound helps break up scar tissue and adhesions and bring blood flow to the area. Ultrasound works on the deeper muscles and tissues, using penetrating sound waves and heat.

Second: Massage helps relax the muscles, bring blood flow to the area, stimulate healing, and locate “trigger points” in the muscles. Trigger points are tiny knots or balls in the muscle that contain lactic acid and create pain wind-up loops. These trigger points refer pain from the muscle to other areas of the body. For example, a trigger point in the upper shoulder may refer pain into the jaw and/or face.

Third: Alpha-Stim microcurrent* helps break up the trigger points located through massage. Alpha-Stim sends a low electrical current that produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the major source of energy for cellular reactions), which relaxes and unwinds the trigger point. This action releases the build-up of lactic acid, and the pain both in that area and in the referring areas is reduced.

Fourth: Low-level laser increases the healing time of the muscles and joints by 25-35%! The low-level laser uses a nonheat laser light to send a signal to the muscles and nerves to produce ATP – energy – thereby allowing the muscles to relax, increasing blood flow to the area, and reducing pain. Then, the laser sends a signal to the brain to help inhibit pain.

*Alpa-Stim microcurrent – FDA cleared and clinically proven.

  • Alpha-Stim delivers a dose of microcurrent that is almost undetectable.
  • These “microcurrents” attempt to mimic the body’s own natural electrical functions.
  • “Patients with treatment-resistant depression and migraines have shown significantelevations in plasma serotonin.” University of Miami’s School of Medicine quotes, “Increases in cerebrospinal fluid level of beta- endorphins up to 219%, plasma endorphins up to 98%, and cerebrospinal fluid serotonin up to 200% have been demonstrated in normal volunteers receiving 20 minutes CES [cranial electrotherapy stimulation].”

All of these improvements in brain chemistry are necessary for upper body health,
And good for treating anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

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3) STRESS IMBALANCE and HOME CARE

We offer a complete home-care program designed to reduce and manage pain and headaches.

These include:

  • Neck ice pack and home exercise instructions
  • MSM lotion and capsules
  • Biofeedback and relaxation CDs
  • Microcurrent unit*
* Microcurrent is the application of low-level electrical current to nerves and muscle-motor fibers via electrodes (patches) placed on the skin. This treatment works to reduce swelling, pain, and muscle spasms, improve circulation, and strengthen muscles.

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DENTAL SLEEP AND TMD CENTER OF ILLINOIS

1100 SHERMAN AVE., SUITE 103 | NAPERVILLE, IL | PHONE: 630.369.5508