TMJ / TMD Diagnosis

Dr Deldar as a Neuromuscular dentists use state-of-the-art technology to determine if your symptoms are caused by malocclusion (bad bite) and if so, what is your optimal jaw position. The dentists uses computerized jaw tracking instruments to record jaw movement, resting position, and path of closure. Electromyography is used to measure a jaw's muscle function in both its stressed and relaxed positions, and will also measure the jaw-to-skull relationship to see if there is a structural imbalance. Sonography is used to record jaw joint sounds and to detect any abnormalities. Additionally, x-rays of the jaw may be taken to help evaluate the condition and positioning of the joint.

TMJ / TMD Treatment

Once Dr. Deldar has diagnosed you with TMJ, he is able to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs. Typically treatment will follow three steps:

• Relieve muscle spasm and pain.
  The immediate concern is to provide relief of your symptoms. The best way to do this is by using a TENS unit (Ultra Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation). Basically a TENS unit is a way to relax muscles with a gentle massage of the muscles. The rhythmic pulsing relaxes the muscles by increasing blood flow and pumping out waste products. TENS unit also helps with pain relief by stimulating the body’s production of endorphins, the body’s natural anesthetic.

• Stabilize the bite.
  Often for this step a temporary device, known as an orthotic is worn over the teeth. The orthotic allows Dr. deldar to make easy adjustments to the plastic without adjusting the teeth until the bite is stabilized. Once symptoms are relieved and the bite has been stabilized, Dr. Deldar will move on to the next step and permanently adjust your bite to the correct position.

                Before TENS                            After TENS

• Long-term management.
  There are a variety of ways to correct your bite in a more permanent way. Four of the most common of these approaches are outlined below:
  
  
  • Coronoplasty/Equilibration
    Coronoplasty is smoothing and reshaping the enamel of the teeth to correct your bite. It is a simple procedure that does not require anesthesia and can be used when the bite is only slightly misaligned.
    
    
  • Removable Overlay Partials
    These are permanent orthotics that usually fit over the back teeth and are designed to maintain an aligned bite.
    
    
  • Reconstruction
    This approach involves making the teeth higher by using crowns. This permanently realigns the bite and provides structural support for the jaw.
    
    
  • Orthodontics (Braces)
    When the teeth are healthy they may be moved to the optimal position by using braces.