Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMJ
One of the most misdiagnosed physical ailments...

Pain or clicking in the jaw joint...headaches...painful or sensitive teeth...facial pain...dizziness...ringing in the ears...pain or stiffness in the neck or shoulders...earaches... Any of these discomforts may be symptoms of a TMJ Disorder.

TMJ problems are caused by a lack of harmony among joints, muscles, and teeth. An incorrect bite can throw the TMJ out of alignment. If your jaw is even slightly out of place, it can strain the surrounding muscles and cause a tension headache. The symtoms are often triggered by emotional stress, which can cause increased grinding or clenching of the teeth. The symptoms of TMJ disorders seem unrelated to one another and are often mistaken for symptoms of other diseases. As a result, TMJ problems are hard to diagnose and effective treatment is often delayed.

Treatment of TMJ

Dr. Diers has had extensive training and experience in treating this disorder. In addition, our offices are equipped with specialized equipment which allows us to take tomograms (x-rays needed to diagnose TMJ). This saves our patients the aggravation of having to go to the hospital for x-rays. This thorough scan of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) allows Dr. Diers to examine your jaw joint from every angle for diagnosing a proper treatment plan. See the link below for more information regarding this scan.  After a thorough examination, the first step in treating TMJ disorder is to improve the working position of the jaw and the muscles. To make this correction, Dr. Diers will determine your “ideal bite” and fit you with a bite splint to keep your jaws in the proper position. This appliance, which is removable, is usually worn full time.    

If your condition warrrants it, Dr. Diers will supplement the splint therapy by referring you to other health-care professionals. You may be directed to a physical therapist, physician or therapist who can help you handle stress. Dr. Diers will coordinate and supervise every phase of your treatment by everyone involved.

When your TMJ is working properly and you are free from discomfort, Dr. Diers will stabilize this correction. Often this step includes Orthodontic Treatment, but the exact method will depend on your progress to this point.