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TMJ/TMD Video

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TMJ/TMD Dentist

In Edmonton, Alberta

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 dentistry. 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 neuromuscular dentist. Contact us for a evaluation to see if you are a good candidate for neuromuscular dentistry.

Edmonton TMJ/TMD 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 dentistry 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 -

Everyday started with a sore upper jaw, neck and shoulder pain, buzzing in my ears, eye pain and a deadly headache. After forty years of living with daily pain, I looked for help. I received a neuromuscular appliance and it has given me a new outlook on life
- Bill H.

If you are considering neuromuscular (TMJ/TMD) dentistry in Edmonton, Alberta please call or e-mail us today to schedule your initial consultation.