TMJ/TMD Video
TMJ/TMD Dentist
When the muscles in your jaw are aligned properly, your jaw is able to function and rest comfortably. However, when the nerves and muscles of your jaw are misaligned, your jaw may develop a temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, commonly referred to as TMJ disorder, is a chronic illness that affects people with a structural imbalance in their jaw. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Locking or popping of the jaw
- Worn, chipping or cracked teeth
- Clicking or grinding sounds in the jaw joints
- Pain or soreness around the jaw joints
- Pain in the neck or shoulders
- Facial pain
- Limited movement in the jaw
This discomfort can be relieved through neuromuscular treatment. If the natural position of your jaw is causing discomfort, neuromuscular dentistry can treat the muscles of your face, mouth, and jaw and place the jaw in an optimal physiologic position.
Dr. Pavlenko uses state of the art computer technology to find optimal position for your jaw. This is determined by observing the movements of your jaw as well as the rest position of your jaw. Once the optimal position of your jaw is identified, Dr. Pavlenko uses appliance therapy to reduce and eventually eliminate the symptoms of TMJ disorder.
If you are concerned about soreness or any other irritating symptoms of TMJ disorder, you should consult a dentist. Contact us for a evaluation to see if you are a good candidate for neuromuscular treatment.
How the muscles are relaxed
Because the muscles controlling the jaw are subconsciously "programmed" by the brain, most individuals have difficulty consciously reaching a truly relaxed state. To help your muscles reach that relaxed state, a device called Myomonitor is used to deliver gentle electrical stimulation to your muscles. The Myomonitor is a battery operated electrical muscle stimulator. Mild electrical stimulation is delivered through adhesive patch electrodes attached over nerves that control specific facial muscle groups. The virtually painless stimulus delivered by the Myomonitor will cause your facial and jaw muscles to twitch or pulse once every one and one half seconds. After about 40-60 minutes, this electrically induced "exercise" will allow your muscles to overcome their programming and go to a relaxed state.
Is neuromuscular treatment for you?
There are always options to consider when you are choosing dental treatment. After initially evaluating your situation, Dr. Pavlenko will discuss those options with you. TMD becomes one of your options when/if you are contemplating aesthetic or cosmetic, reconstructive, or orthodontic dental procedures.
Additionally, TMD techniques are used to treat patients that suffer from TMJ-like symptoms and to aid in establishing the occlusion for dentures. It is in these cases that establishing the optimal occlusion becomes so important. This is when choosing neuromuscular techniques may have a substantial and positive impact on the outcome of treatment. The relaxed jaw position gives the dentist added insight that may allow for a faster completion and improve final treatment results.
Feel free to discuss these options further with Dr. Pavlenko to determine if Neuromuscular Dentistry is right for you.
Click here for more information on TMD Diagnosis and Treatment.
Testimonial -
I came to see Dr. Pavlenko with jaw issues. I was experiencing pain in my jaw, severe headaches, and grinding down my teeth. I originally had a permanent orthotic placed in my mouth, as I had bit through temporary splints my previous dentist had me wearing at night.
In a relatively short time wearing this splint that I could not remove I had relief. The jaw pain was relieved my headaches were less severe, and less frequent also as time went on the grinding subsided too. In less time than I expected, Dr. Pavlenko informed me that it was time to do the top teeth rejuvenation. Unfortunately, because of finances, I could not do full mouth rejuvenation, only top. However, I chose to also replace my two bottom bridges at the same time. Since this work I have not had any severe headaches (I have had minor tension headaches, which are very different.) my grinding has stopped, and I haven’t experienced any jaw pain.
It is such a precise procedure, and I have had much tweaking done, which is only a mild inconvenience, but it is amazing what a small adjustment will do to provide comfort.
For anyone experiencing similar issues I would highly recommend a visit to Dr. Pavlenko, and his wonderful team. 
- Cheryl S.
If you are considering neuromuscular (TMJ/TMD) dentistry in Edmonton, Alberta please call or e-mail us today to schedule your initial consultation.
