It can be a difficult way to live. Popping or clicking noises, headaches, neck and back pain, jaw locking, ringing and pressure in the ears–these are symptoms of the common malady known as TMJ dysfunction. TMJ dysfunction afflicts millions of people across the United States, but can be effectively diagnosed and treated with proper therapy from Modesto, CA dentist, Dr. Ramsin K. Davoud.

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, referring to the hinge which connects the lower jaw to the rest of the skull. When misaligned, this joint loses optimum function, and people suffer with various complaints which range in severity to mild tinnitus (ringing in the ears) to debilitating jaw pain and backaches.

How is TMJ dysfunction diagnosed and treated?

Minor TMJ dysfunction can be diagnosed by a physician or dentist based on patient symptoms and simple manual examination of the facial muscles, looking for sore spots, ability to open and close the mouth and telltale noisiness of the jaw. Milder cases of TMJ often respond well to:

• over the counter analgesics and anti-inflammatories
• stress reduction modalities
• proper rest
• jaw exercises
• prescription anti-anxiety medications

More serious cases need precise diagnostics and Modesto TMJ therapy as found in the offices of neuromuscular dentist Ramsin K. Davoud DDS. Having taken advanced training at Occlusal Connections and the Academy of Biometric Dentistry, Dr. Davoud has studied how the nerves, muscles and skeletal structure of the face interplay and impact oral health and systemic well-being. He employs state of the art diagnostic tools to understand the origins of a patient’s TMJ symptoms and to assign the right therapies to correct them.

Modesto TMJ therapy and diagnosis consider dental bite

Dr. Davoud carefully studies a patient’s dental occlusion–in other words, how the teeth bite together. Sometimes, simply evening the bite so that teeth close properly without grinding (bruxism) or undue pressure relieves TMJ symptoms. For more complex and puzzling dysfunction, Dr. Davoud employs innovative diagnostics such as:

• three-dimensional K7 imaging, a computerized system which takes an accurate picture of the jaw, its joints and how they function together
• EMG or electromyography which tells the doctor how the jaw musculature is operating
• ESG or electrosonography which records the characteristic noises of TMJ

The information gleaned allows Dr. Davoud to treat patients accurately for maximum symptom relief.

Therapies include:

• The GNM orthotic. Removable and custom-made to correct how the muscles, nerves and bones of the jaw operate and bite together, this inventive mouthpiece covers the top and bottom arches of teeth. It balances the forces involved in biting, chewing and speaking, providing bite equilibrium.
• TENS therapy, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, helps the jaw and neck to relax and aids the dentist in determining the best bite for the individual patient. TENS also increases healthy flow of blood and nutrients to the symptomatic areas.

Don’t suffer with TMJ dysfunction

Dr. Davoud and his staff would feel privileged to assist in discovering the cause of your jaw discomfort. His dental practice uses the finest of materials and techniques to bring patients of all ages to a place of outstanding oral and physical health.

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