Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Think about all the advances to modern medicine that have happened during your lifetime. For all of these leaps forward, though, there are still certain matters and conditions that are somewhat of a mystery. One of these enigmas is identifying a case of temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMJ disorder or TMD) and what is causing the problem. In this article, your Okemos neuromuscular dentist Dr. Christine Tenaglia explores the main causes of TMJ disorder.
Why is it challenging to identify the cause of TMJ disorder?
First, keep in mind that there is no clear count on the number of TMJ disorder cases that are out there. This is because many causes never get diagnosed. The disorder is estimated to affect 9% of individuals in the United States. In other instances, TMJ disorder may occur or overlap with other painful medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome. This makes it difficult to identify which condition is causing which pain.
The Most Common Causes of TMJ Disorder
That being said, there are some established causes of this ailment. They can vary from person to person, however.
- Strain – TMJ disorder can manifest if the jaw joints become overworked or the muscles controlling chewing, swallowing, and speaking becomes excessively strained. In certain cases, this strain could stem from bruxism, the clinical term for habitually grinding or clenching your teeth.
- Trauma – Sustaining a blow or impact to the jaw, head, and/or neck can affect the function of your temporomandibular joint and thus cause a case of TMJ disorder. Trauma also can lead the disks of your jaw joints to displace, also leading to the disorder.
- Arthritis – TMJ disorder may develop as a consequence of arthritis, affecting the temporomandibular joint itself or its cartilage.
Contributing Factors
Medical science has yet to come to a consensus on what leads to TMJ disorder. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has tried to identify factors that increase risk and found a wide range: clinical, psychological, sensory, genetic, and even issues linked to the nervous system. We also know that TMJ disorder is more common in women and men, meaning there could be a possible link between the disorder and hormonal changes.
If a person is suffering from multiple conditions, it can be difficult to identify the root cause. For example, for patients experiencing TMJ disorder-related pain and bruxism, it creates a “chicken and the egg” type of scenario where one ailment fuels the other. Conversely, some people grind their teeth for years and never develop TMJ disorder—and vice versa.
How We Diagnose TMJ Disorder
Dr. Tenaglia has studied the principles of neuromuscular dentistry, a specialization of dental science that focuses upon the alignment of the bite and jaw. She has studied the principles of neuromuscular dentistry at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. She uses that training to meet the diagnostic challenge of identifying a case of TMJ disorder and then providing treatment. This diagnosis might entail using computerized jaw tracking, electromyography, and sonography, as well as three-dimensional imaging and taking digital X-rays.
TMJ Treatment in Okemos
TMJ disorder is a serious medical condition. If you do not receive a proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment, your problem could worsen. Dr. Tenaglia, a TMJ dentist in Okemos, is ready to use her expertise to help with your TMJ disorder and relieve your symptoms. That is just one reason why she has received the People’s Choice Award as Okemos’ favorite dentist.
If you have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder or are experiencing symptoms of the disorder, you should be evaluated by a neuromuscular dentist as soon as possible. Schedule your consultation today by going online or calling us at (517) 347-6733 if you live in the areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing in Michigan.