Treating TMJ Disorders with Non-Surgical Neuromuscular Dentistry
Have you been told you need corrective jaw surgery to treat your TMJ disorder?
If so, WAIT!
With neuromuscular dentistry, you may be able to treat your TMJ disorder without surgery.
Let’s explore how our dentist in Gurnee, IL is treating TMJ disorders…
What is neuromuscular dentistry?
Neuromuscular dentistry concentrates on fixing the alignment between your jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). When properly aligned, they work in harmony and should not cause you any problems.
Now, when your jaw and TMJ are malaligned – even the slightest bit – it can cause TMJ disorder (TMD). Symptoms of TMD include:
- Pain in your jaw, ears, shoulders, and neck
- Ringing in your ears
- Limited mobility in your jaw
- Difficulty chewing or talking
- And plenty more!
Do these symptoms sound familiar?
When this happens, our neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Bradley Rule, uses computerized jaw tracking technology to determine where your malalignment(s) is.
Most often, Dr. Rule discovers the root cause for your malalignment stems from your bite’s balance. The formal term for this is Opens new tab to Colgate website malocclusion, which is any irregular contact between your upper and lower teeth.
So, what now? How does Dr. Rule treat TMJ without surgery?
Treating TMJ without dental surgery
During your TMD consultation, Dr. Rule will perform various tests to measure the movements of your jaw accurately. Here’s a preview of the technology we use at our Gurnee dentist’s office:
- Sonography: Measures tiny vibrations of your TMJ when you open and close your mouth.
- Electromyography (EMG): Picks up electrical impulses in your jaw to measure the amount of force sent to different areas.
- Jaw Tracker: Analyzes movements in 3D to record how your lower jaw moves.
- TENS: Relieves muscle spasms and slowly helps “teach” the jaw to function in the right position.
These neuromuscular tests will show our Gurnee dentist where your malalignment(s) is and where your proper alignment should be.
Next, Dr. Rule will design a treatment plan for you based on what needs to be adjusted to achieve a balanced bite.
Typically, your treatment will include an orthotic (a custom-fit mouth appliance), which will help correct your bite. A majority of our patients claim they felt instant relief with their orthotics!
Other ways we treat TMJ without surgery include orthodontics, restorative dentistry, and other types of dental services.
In some cases, corrective jaw surgery may be your best option. Before coming to that conclusion, Dr. Rule will work with you to rule out all other options first.
So, if you are told you need surgery for TMJ, wait! With neuromuscular dentistry, you may find less invasive treatments available.
Why choose Dr. Rule for TMJ treatment in Gurnee, IL
A big reason why patients choose our neuromuscular dentist for their TMJ therapy is:
Dr. Rule aims to fix the source of your problem – not just treat the symptoms.
If you only relieve your symptoms, the underlying problem still exists, which can lead to future flare-ups. By fixing the root cause of your TMD, you prevent the problem from returning.
Dr. Rule’s advanced education in the complex function of the jaw, TMJ, skull, neck, and shoulder muscles, allows him to practice neuromuscular dentistry in Gurnee, IL.
If you want to get rid of your TMJ symptoms for good, then schedule a consultation today!
- Call us: 847-662-7717
- Email us: info@ruledds.com
Our office is conveniently located in Gurnee, IL and proudly serves surrounding communities, including Grayslake, Lindenhurst, Wadsworth, Libertyville, Lake Villa, Waukegan, Antioch, Vernon Hills, Winthrop Harbor, and Mundelein.
Unsure if you have TMJ disorder and need TMJ treatment?
Take this quiz to find out!
