Jaw Joint Problems, TMJ Syndrome, TMD Dentistry dentist in Albertville AL Marshall County Northeast Alabama near Boaz and Gunthersville Dr William Adams.

Jaw Problems

What is TMJ?

TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint, which is a fancy way of saying jaw joint. Clinically, we refer to problems associated with the TMJ (jaw joint) as TMJ Syndrome or TMD (disorder). But many patients just call it "TMJ". Often, TMJ Syndrome presents itself as a popping sound and sensation near the jaw joint. That's why some patients refer to TMJ as "That's my jaw!"

Who can have TMJ Syndrome?

TMJ problems can afflict people of all ages, although patients under 40 are more susceptible and it occurs more frequently in women.

What are the Symptoms of TMJ Syndrome?

TMJ Syndrome symptoms include:

Headaches
Earaches, stuffiness, or ringing in the ears
Pain or soreness in and around the jaw joints
Dizziness
Numbness in fingers and arms
Difficulty swallowing
Limited movement or locking of the jaw
Clicking or grating sounds in the jaw joints
Pain behind the eyes
Neck, shoulder, or back pain
Facial pain
Unexplained loosening of teeth

Left untreated, the TMJ symptoms increase in number and severity as you get older.

What is Joint Vibration Analysis?

A Simple Principle When two smooth, well lubricated surfaces rub together, friction is minimal and very little vibration is created. If the surfaces are rough and/or poorly lubricated, friction is greater and the result is vibration (more roughness + poor lubrication = more vibrations).

Human joints, such as the temporomandibular joint, have naturally very smooth and well lubricated articulating surfaces. Under normal conditions, little vibration is produced during function. But surface changes, such as those caused by degeneration, cartilage tears, perforations, and mechanical displacements, increase friction and result in vibrations.

BioJVA™ Records Two Different Kinds of Vibrations

1. When tissue is displaced (or reduced) within a joint, the characteristic vibration is short (time) in duration and relatively high in amplitude. It can be seen as a single, "short time" event. When it is viewed in the frequency domain, this type of vibration is usually quite reproducible, peaking near 100-150Hz and containing energy mostly in frequencies below 300Hz.

2. When rough (degenerative) occluding surfaces within a joint rub together, the resulting characteristic vibrations are long in duration and low in amplitude. When viewed in the frequency domain, these vibrations show a wide range of frequencies with significant energy above the 300 Hz reference frequency. Consistency here may or may not be present depending on the nature of the condition. Generally, a severe condition is less consistent than an early stage of disease.

What is Jaw Tracking?

Electronic jaw tracking, formerly referred to as electrognathography (EGN), is a method of recording vertical, antero-posterior and lateral incisor-point jaw movements. It is accomplished by first attaching a small magnet to a patient's incisors and then placing the array on the patient.

Why Track Jaw Movements?

It has been widely accepted that certain aspects of mandibular movement are indicative of very specific types of TM Dysfunction. Limitation in opening, deviations, deflections and restrictions in lateral and/or protrusive, as well as other measurements, are listed in all (14 at last count) accepted (published) TMD diagnostic criteria and are recommended for use in diagnosing stomatognathic disease.

Sagittal: views of mandibular movements illustrate the normal (abnormal) range of motion (ROM), incisal guidance and the "closest speaking space."

JT-3

Frontal: views show deviations, deflections, all excursions and the masticatory patterns.

Velocity: views indicate the smoothness of function or lack thereof (dyskinesia, bradykinesia).

When Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA) is indicated, the addition of the JT-3 increases the accuracy of the system by pinpointing the jaw's position at the onset of each vibration.

What is Electromyography?

Muscle Hyperactivity (at Rest)

BioResearch provides the reliable way to measure muscle activity: The BioEMG II

Functional Muscular Imbalance

According to the published scientific literature, patients with temporomandibular disorders have statistically (p < 0.05) higher activity at rest than normal controls. This higher activity may be due to occlusal interferences, improper vertical dimension, a mid-line discrepancy, or some other structural deficiency. In some cases it may also reflect elevated emotional stress.

Chewing: During chewing the distribution of the masticatory muscle activity, as shown in EMG recordings, is indicative of both the status of the temporomandibular joints and the occlusion. In this sample a silent period is seen indicating that a tooth interference has occurred.

Clenching: Strong isometric contractions in centric occlusion indicate the relative balance of muscular activity. Left side versus right side, as well as an antero-posterior structural mismatch between the mandible and the maxilla, can be visualized.

Swallowing: Deglutition is a critical function required approx. every 3 minutes. Swallowing patterns (e.g. a recorded tongue thrust) may indicate that a particular orthodontic result will be difficult to achieve (retain after treatment).

Surface EMG is the worldwide standard method for recording muscle-specific activity in skeletal muscles. It has been proven reliable in numerous studies over many years and is a clinical procedure that can easily be performed in any dental office.

What should I do if I suspect TMJ Syndrome?

In order to determine the best course of treatment, an accurate diagnosis is imperative. Consult with Dr. Adams to determine if you are suffering from TMJ Syndrome. Many times all that's needed is a simple adjustment to your bite (the way your teeth come together), or a small mouthpiece that corrects the way your jaw joint closes.

© Copyright 2002- Dental WebSmith, Inc. and William C. Adams, D.M.D. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: No representation is made as to the quality of the dental services to be performed or the expertise of the dentist performing such services. The information provided within is intended to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical or dental care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact your health care provider.