How we ease the pain and other symptoms of TMJ syndrome with neuromuscular dentistry
Persistent headaches. Dizziness. Tinnitus. Chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain. Ear fullness. These and other wide-ranging and disruptive symptoms may all point to disorders or dysfunction of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). “TMJDs” may be treated effectively right here, at your home, for trusted, advanced dentistry.
Get to know neuromuscular dentistry in Bel Air, Maryland
Many people tend to think that dentists are all about cleaning, repairing, extracting, and otherwise working with teeth and gums. While our dentist, Dr. Bartholomew Kreiner, certainly does all of those things, he is also well-versed in improving or eliminating the symptoms of TMJDs. He does so with an approach that focuses on the health of and relationship between the different parts of your mouth and face, the teeth as well as the nerves and muscles. Such neuromuscular dentistry first starts with an evaluation. There are many conditions and behaviors that can stress the TMJs. These joints connect the jaws to the skull. They function as hinges to facilitate smooth movements that support comfortable and efficient chewing and the overall mobility of your mouth.
When these joints or any other part of this complex system of nerves, muscles, bones, and tissues do not function as intended, symptoms may develop that evolve over time. Without treatment, you may notice increasingly more frequent or severe headaches and other distressing side effects. Before Dr. Kreiner can effectively treat, he gets to the bottom of your symptoms. The root cause or source of your troubles may be one or some combination of the following contributor(s):
- Bruxism, which is the fancy way of referring to chronic teeth grinding
- Frequently or aggressively chewing on hard objects, be it ice, gum, or fingernails
- Poor sleep posture; for instance, pressure on the face and jaws when sleeping on your stomach
- Orthodontic issues, such as crooked teeth and a misaligned bite
- Arthritis
- Poorly-managed stress
Depending on your needs, Dr. Kreiner may recommend simple changes, like refraining from chewing gum or cutting food into smaller pieces. More significant changes may include everything from repairs to worn restorations to support better teeth and bite alignment to oral appliance therapies. Nightguards or bite splints are oral devices. When customized to your mouth and worn as directed, they act as a buffer to cushion the blow from teeth grinding. Depending on their design, these appliances may also slightly reposition the teeth to minimize further the extreme pressure placed on the teeth, jaw joints, and tissues from habitual bruxism.
Contact the office of D. Bartholomew G. Kreiner DDS for treatments that support the health of your smile and the whole “you.” Our Bel Air, MD team can be reached at (410) 983-6775.
Neuromuscular and TMJ FAQs
How can I tell if my chronic headaches or jaw tension are related to TMJ disorder?
Many patients don’t realize that frequent headaches, facial strain, or tension in the neck and shoulders can stem from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. If your symptoms worsen when chewing, speaking, or under stress—and especially if you hear clicking, popping, or grinding noises in your jaw—you may be suffering from TMJ dysfunction. Dr. Bartholomew Kreiner can conduct a neuromuscular evaluation to determine if the issue is related to misalignment or tension in your jaw muscles and joints.
What is neuromuscular dentistry, and how does it help TMJ symptoms?
Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on how teeth, jaw joints, and muscles work together. When these elements are out of alignment, it can cause muscle tension, and dysfunction. Dr. Kreiner uses neuromuscular techniques, including computer-assisted jaw tracking and electromyography, to measure and analyze muscle function. By guiding your jaw into a more natural and relaxed position, he can help relieve TMJ-related issues and restore long-term comfort.
What are some common symptoms of a TMJ disorder that patients overlook?
Beyond jaw tension and headaches, TMJ disorder can cause symptoms you might not associate with your jaw, such as earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness, and even numbness in your fingers. If you’re experiencing these signs alongside stiffness or limited movement in your jaw, it’s worth having Dr. Kreiner evaluate your bite and jaw alignment for possible neuromuscular issues.
How does Dr. Kreiner diagnose a neuromuscular or TMJ disorder?
Dr. Kreiner uses advanced diagnostics to assess your jaw’s resting position and how it moves. Technologies like computerized jaw tracking and electromyography (EMG) help him evaluate how your muscles function in real-time. By identifying abnormal muscle activity and bite imbalances, he can develop a customized treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your discomfort, not just the symptoms.
Is TMJ treatment intrusive or does it cause significant issues?
Many TMJ and neuromuscular therapies are non-invasive and surprisingly comfortable. Depending on your diagnosis, Dr. Kreiner may recommend using a custom orthotic appliance that gently repositions your jaw to relieve strain on the muscles. Over time, this can reduce strain, improve jaw function, and even prevent further joint damage, all without surgery or harsh interventions.
Can neuromuscular dentistry help with teeth grinding or clenching?
Yes, bruxism (chronic grinding or clenching) is often linked to a misaligned bite or jaw stress. These habits can wear down teeth and worsen TMJ dysfunction. Dr. Kreiner’s neuromuscular approach helps correct the underlying jaw alignment, reduce muscle tension, and allows patients to stop clenching subconsciously. A custom orthotic or bite appliance may also be recommended to protect your teeth during sleep.
What results can I expect from TMJ treatment with Dr. Kreiner?
After completing neuromuscular treatment, many patients experience significant relief from jaw tension, headaches, and facial tension. Improved jaw alignment can lead to better posture, fewer migraines, and even reduced stress-related symptoms. Dr. Kreiner designs each treatment plan around your specific needs to help you regain comfortable, long-lasting function and freedom from chronic pain.
