Craniomandibular Dysfunction is a dental term which describes a collection of symptoms which result when the chewing muscles and jaw joints do not work together correctly. “TMJ” is a popular term commonly used to describe the same group of symptoms. TMJ stands forTemporomandibular Joints.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is pain in the jaw joint that can be caused by a variety of medical problems. The TMJ connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone) in front of the ear. Problems in this area can cause head and neck pain, facial pain, ear pain, headaches, a jaw that is locked in position or difficult to open, problems biting, and jaw clicking or popping sounds when you bite.

The TMJ is comprised of muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and bones. You have two TMJs, one on each side of your jaw.

Muscles involved in chewing (mastication) also open and close the mouth. The jawbone itself, controlled by the TMJ, has two movements: rotation or hinge action, which is opening and closing of the mouth, and gliding action, a movement that allows the mouth to open wider. The coordination of this action also allows you to talk, chew, and yawn.

The most common cause of Craniomandibular Dysfunction relates to your teeth and your bite. If your bite isn’t right, it can affect both the muscles and the joints. What do we mean by a “bad bite”? We mean that your upper and lower teeth do not come together in a way that provides the proper bracing support for your jaw against your skull. This might result from a missing tooth, misaligned teeth, or back teeth, which are too “short.”

Muscle Spasm
Your upper and lower teeth must come together firmly each time you swallow. This happens over 2000 times each day and night! When your bite is unstable your muscles must work extra hard. This extra work makes them shortened and stiff. Eventually this strain makes them feel painful. A vicious cycle begins of increased tissue damage, muscle tenderness, and pain. The pain makes you feel tense and uptight. This worsens the muscle spasm, which in turn increases the pain.

Jaw Joint Displacement
The position of your teeth often affects the position of your jaw. When functioning properly, the ball and socket of your jaw joint do not touch because of the thin disc of cartilage separating them. The disc is a cushion which allows smooth movemnt of the joint. If your bite is not right, the joint is pulled out of alignment. If the disc is pulled forward and no longer provides a cushion, the joint rubs against the socket. Mild displacements of your jaw can cause a popping or clicking sound in the jaw joint. Severe jaw displacements can be extremely painful and cause permanent damage if left untreated.

An unstable bite can cause jaw joint displacement as well as muscle pain. Many symptoms that seem unrelated may be the result of a condition kown as Craniomandibular Dysfunction. When left untreated, the body may begin to compensate by involving muscles in the neck, back, and even sometimes those of the extremities.

What are the Treatment Options for TMJ Syndrome?

Typically, treatment will involve several phases. The first goal is to relieve the pain. Then, Dr. Finocchiaro will correct the way the teeth fit together. A temporary device, sometimes called a splint is worn over the teethto stabilize the bite.

Long-lasting therapy may include re-shaping of the teeth, orthodontics or use of crowns on the teeth.

Though infrequent, surgery is sometimes required to correct a damaged joint. The primary goal of correcting your bite is to insure optimal long-term health.

Neuromuscular Dentistry can help alleviate symptoms such as headaches, neck and shoulder pain, jaw pain, clicking or popping in the jaw, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Neuromuscular dentistry uses sophisticated technology to assess and treat problems with bite.

In diagnosing headache pain EMG readings are taken of the muscles of the head and neck. This allows us to determine the location and cause of the headache. This is a completely painless procedure similar to an EKG.

A low frequency TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation) unit is used to relax the muscles of the head and neck in order to find the most comfortable relaxed position. TENSing is a method of alleviating sore or overworked jaw muscles by stimulating the flow of blood and oxygen.

When the muscles are TENSed, toxic by-products of muscle activity are pulsed out and nutrients are allowed to restore muscle relaxation and relieve fatigue. TENSing has been very successful in helping patients ease head and neck pain resulting from poor jaw alignment and may be part of a treatment for long-term solutions and relief.