TMJ Disorder/TMD Treatment in Skokie, IL 

Craniomandibular Dysfuction 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 for Temporomandibular Joints.  These are the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull.  When these joints are out of place, they can cause many problems, such as:

1. Clicking or popping of the jaw joints
2. Pain in or around the jaw joints
3. Locking or limited opening of your mouth

Muscle spasm goes hand-in-hand with displaced jaw joints.  Because the nerves and muscles are so complex in this area, when these muscles are in spasm the problems can be far-reaching.  People suffer from symptoms they would never think to associate with their bite, such as:  headaches, pain behind the eyes, dizziness, earaches or ringing of the ears, clenching or grinding of the teeth, neck, shoulder, or back pain, numbness or tingling of the fingers.

The primary problem can be in the joints themselves, the muscles of the face and jaw, or a combination of these.  The term Craniomandibular Dysfunction (cranio = head; mandibular = jaw) is a more descriptive term because it refers to problems involving both the jaw joints themselves and the muscles of the face and head.  Because the symptoms masquerade as so many other conditions, many people travel from doctor to doctor in search of a cure.  It is estimated that as many as 44 million Americans suffer from one or more of these symptoms.  Many never think to seek a dentist for help. 
If you're suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above and want to see if TMJ Discorder is the caues, then contact our Skokie Dentist, Dr. Patrick C. Hann, today!

CALL US: (773) 631-5788 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

What Causes Craniomandibular Dysfunction?

The structures that make it possible to open and close your mouth include the bones, joints, and muscles.  These are very specialized and must work together whenever you chew, speak, or swallow.

Your teeth are inserted in your jaw bone.  At the other end of your jaw bone are the temporomandibular joints.  These joints attach your jaw to your skull.   Muscles attach both the bones and joints and allow them to move.  Any problem which prevents the complex system of muscles, bones, and joints from working together in harmony may result in Craniomandibular Dysfunction.

A "Bad Bite"      

There are various ways this system can be disrupted, such as accidents involving a blow to the face or whiplash.  Yet 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 can also affect the position of your jaw joints.  Each jaw joint is a ball and socket joint.  When functioning properly, the ball and socket do not actually touch because a thin disc of cartilage rides between them.  The disc acts as a cushion and allows the joint to move smoothly.  Each disc is held in place and guided by muscle.  If your bite is not right, the joint is pulled out of alignment.  Typically the disc is pulled forward.  Since it no longer serves as a cushion, the joint itself now rubs against the boney socket and presses on pain fibers.  Mild displacements cause a clicking or popping sound in the jaw joint; more severe displacements can be very painful and eventually can cause permanent damage to the joint.

An unstable bite can cause both jaw joint displacement and muscle strain and pain.  Many seemingly unrelated symptoms result which are collectively known as Craniomandibular Dysfuncion.  When this condition is prolonged, the body begins to compensate and adapt by involving muscles in the neck, back, and even sometimes those of the arms, fingers, pelvis, legs, and feet.

Treatment

Since the teeth, jaw joints, and muscles can all be involved, treatment for this condition varies.  Typically, treatment will involve several phases.  The first goal is to relieve the muscle spasm and pain.  Then Dr. Hann must correct the way the teeth fit together.  Often a temporary device (known as an orthotic or "splint") is worn over the teeth until the bite is stabilized.  Permanent correction may involve selective re-shaping of the teeth, building crowns on the teeth, orthodontics, or a permanent appliance to lay over the teeth.  If the jaw joint itself is damaged, it must be specifically treated.  Though infrequent, surgery is sometimes required to correct a damaged joint.  Ultimately, Dr. Hann will stabilize your bite so that the teeth, muscles, and joints all work together without strain.

The important aim of correcting your bite is to insure optimal long-term health.  If you have any of the signs or symptoms mentioned, discuss them with us.  Your health is your most priceless possession. 

Rocobado Exercises

These are exercises to retrain the musculature and ligaments of your temporomandibular (TMJ) joint.  Do not continue doing them if pain increases.  It is normal to be somewhat tender initially.  Try to avoid clicking the jaw joint(s) if at all possible.  These exercises can easily be done on your way to work in your car while stopped at a light, while making supper or watching television.  If you were referred for physiotherapy, continue to do these exercises unless otherwise instructed.  Once you start feeling better do not stop doing the exercises.  That is the best time to keep the muscles in shape by continuing to do the exercises to avoid further injuries with normal everyday activities.  Do every exercise six times before going to the next one.  You can warm up and relax the muscles by using a moist, hot cloth: i.e. moist towel in microwave oven.

EXERCISE 1 - Resistive opening

Place hand or clenched fist under chin and open jaw in a straight line against mild resistance.  Do not push bottom jaw out and forward.

EXERCISE 2 - Resistive closing with mouth open:

Grasp chin and pull downwards gently and close mouth against this resistance in a straight line.  Avoid clicking the joint.

EXERCISE 3 - Place hand on right side of jaw and gently push against jaw to the left side.  Resist this movement with jaw.  Do not move the lower jaw.  Hold for a count of 6.  Repeat for the left side.

EXERCISE 4 - Open mouth with the tongue placed up high at the back of the roof of the mouth.  Open in a straight line.  Use a mirror if you have to.  It also helps to use toothpicks between the top and bottom front teeth.  Try to line up the toothpicks as mouth opens and closes.

DO EACH EXERCISE SIX TIMES EACH, SIX TIMES PER DAY 

Continue to monitor your clenching and/or grinding habit.  Think about your posture all the time.  Straighten out your back and shoulders.  Avoid slouching.  Keep feet flat on the ground while sitting.  Avoid crossing your legs.  Keep physically fit.  

Remember:  The resting position of the jaw:  Teeth slightly apart, tongue resting on the roof of your mouth, just behind the front teeth.

CALL US: (773) 631-5788 REQUEST APPOINTMENT