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How TMJ Disorder Treatment Can Improve Your Daily Life
TMJ disorder can make daily activities uncomfortable and challenging. It can cause headaches and chronic jaw pain in some people, and chewing food can be harder. These issues can take a huge toll on physical and emotional well-being. Fortunately, Dr. Alan Ko and his team in Milford, Massachusetts, offer an innovative therapy called neuromuscular dentistry. With this TMJ disorder treatment, many individuals can find relief and get back to enjoying their lives again.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder—or TMD—affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the small hinge on both sides of your jaw. The TMJ is the joint that connects your skull to your jaw. These hinges help you chew your food and yawn, and they’re also used for speaking. When it doesn’t function correctly, the TMJ can cause pain and tension in the jaw, face, shoulder area, or neck. In some cases, movement may become limited.
What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?
Symptoms of TMJ vary widely, but these are the most common:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth
- Grinding noises in the jaw
- Earaches or a feeling of fullness in your ears
- The jaw locks or is stiff
- Chewing or speaking is painful
- Facial pain or pressure
- Tension in the neck and/or shoulders
- Changes in bite alignment
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorder can be caused by a few different things, including bruxism (teeth grinding) or jaw clenching. Both of these can occur at night when you’re asleep or subconsciously during the day. Trauma to the jaw or face can also cause TMJ, as can arthritis and other joint conditions.
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What Is Neuromuscular Dentistry and How Can It Treat TMJ Disorder?
Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the relationship between your teeth, the joints in your jaw, and your muscles. While traditional dentistry deals with just your teeth and bite, neuromuscular dentistry considers how these elements work together.
This type of treatment can include splint therapy or custom-made nightguards. We may also address any bite problems you have. Neuromuscular dentistry treatments gently reposition your jaw and/or prevent grinding and clenching.
What Happens During a Neuromuscular Dentistry Consultation?
Your first visit with us starts with a detailed evaluation of your jaw function, the alignment of your bite, and your muscle activity. Dr. Ko uses advanced technology to measure how your jaw moves and how your muscles behave both when they’re in use and when they’re resting. Once we have a diagnosis, he’ll create a personalized treatment plan that can include any of the options you need to find relief.
How Long Does It Take to See Improvements in TMJ Symptoms After Treatment?
Many patients see relief within a few weeks of starting their treatment. The key is to follow our dental experts’ recommendations closely. The timelines of your progress can vary depending on the severity of your condition.
How Can I Schedule a Consultation for TMJ Disorder Treatment?
For TMJ disorder treatment, contact Dr. Alan Ko and his team at the office of David A. Goodman, DMD Alan C. Ko, DMD, in Milford, MA. You can call the office directly today at (508) 850-0686 or request an appointment using our online form. We’re conveniently located at 192 West St, Milford, MA 01757.
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Alan Ko, DMD
Alan Ko, DMD, studied Biology at Washington University in St. Louis (BA Magna Cum Laude), Dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania (DMD Magna Cum Laude, Dean’s Scholarship recipient, Louis I. Grossman Award in Endodontics, and Academy of General Dentistry Award Recipient), did his residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH)/Harvard Medical School (General Practice Residency and Clinical Instructor Massachusetts General Hospital), was a guest lecturer at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and Massachusetts General Hospital (General Practice Residency). Dr. Ko’s clinical focuses are craniofacial development in children, sleep/airway dentistry, TMD and occlusion, regenerative oral surgery, and reconstructive restorative/prosthetic dentistry, including Invisalign and dental implants. He is a member of the American Dental Association and Massachusetts Dental Society and has been named as Boston’s Top Dentists since 2012.
Brittany Bressler, DMD
Brittany Bressler, DMD, attended the University of New Hampshire-Durham (magna cum laude, studying psychology and pre-dental studies). Then, she attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA (Doctorate in Dental Medicine). At Tufts, she was the Vice President of the local chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists. Dr. Bressler has been named one of Boston Magazine’s Top Dentists for the last four years.
Saeed Kashefi, DMD, FAGD
Saeed Kashefi, DMD, FAGD, attended Harvard University (Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Literature and Creative Writing, cum laude), the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (doctorate, cum laude: He also won the JR Schmidt Fixed Prosthodontics Award), and the BWH/ Harvard-Wide General Practice Residency Program in Hospital Dentistry (residency and fellowship). He stayed on the BWH staff before taking over as clinician attending at the Massachusetts General Hospital, where he served for 16 years. Dr. Kashefi was also the Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Dental Medicine during this time. He is a Fellow of the American Association of Hospital Dentists and Academy of General Dentistry.
Cristina Hantavis MS, CCC-SLP
Cristina Hantavis MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed and certified Speech and Language Pathologist with extensive training in orofacial myology. She believes that oral health is deeply connected to our general health and takes a holistic approach that targets the whole body by working with the muscles of the face and mouth. Cristina previously worked in private and elementary school settings with children experiencing moderate to severe cognitive, linguistic, and behavioral challenges. She uses this experience to help children facing such issues in her current role.
David Goodman, DMD (retired)
David Goodman, DMD (retired), joined our practice in 1984. Our office was founded in 1975 by Dr. Carl DiGregorio, and since partnering with him, Dr. Goodman has been devoted to delivering exceptional dental care to Milford families. Although he retired in 2021, our practice still carries his philosophy of treating patients as whole people beyond just their teeth.