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# TMJ & TMD Dentist in Spokane Valley & North Spokane

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### What is TMJ and why is it Important?

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Every time a person visits the TMJ dentist; various abnormalities associated with TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint, are examined to detect any signs of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The function of the TMJ is critical in enabling a person’s mouth to move up and down and sideways hence allowing the teeth to meet in their optimal bite position. As a result, a properly aligned TMJ allows you to have appropriate routine functions in speaking and chewing with no discomfort.

In addition, normal TMJ function is essential for the overall comfort of the jaw. In the case where an individual has a misaligned TMJ, he or she may experience severe pain in the jaw, headaches, and ear infections. Therefore, seeing a neuromuscular dentist is vital to helping identify and treat any TMJ misalignment issues in order to eliminate additional health complications associated with TMD.

What Can I Expect with a TMJ Dentist?

When you book an appointment with a neuromuscular dentist, various neuromuscular dentistry diagnoses are made including x-rays and digital radiographs that aid in revealing the condition and position of the jaw joints. Moreover, other technologies are used to record the resting position of an individual’s jaw including its associated movements. Sonography and joint vibration analysis help in recording the sounds of the jaw joint in order to detect the presence of any abnormalities. Electromyography (EMG) measures both the relaxed and stressed positions of a person’s jaw muscles while identifying any structural defects in the jaw.

How is TMJ Treated?

Following a neuromuscular dentistry diagnosis, the identified TMD is treated or managed using various techniques. Our treatment plans are designed and suited according to your unique needs in order to initiate the optimal positions for your jaws for long-term functions of the TMJ. The typical treatment option includes the use of mouth-guards crafted using a special machine that helps in tracking the movements of the jaw.

Your treatment of TMD may also involve relieving muscle pain and spasms using Ultra Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (ULF-TENS). In this form of treatment, electrodes are placed on the jaw, neck and areas of the shoulder where electric impulses are generated. These electric impulses contract the muscles, helping them to relax.

## Neuromuscular Dentist North Spokane - TMJ Dentistry Spokane Valley - TMJ Specialist - TMJ Dentist Near Me

TMJ Dysfunction
Migraines/Headaches
TMJ Dysfunction

Your Temporomandibular Joint is the most used joint in the body. Your jaw joints are constantly used whether is be for eating, drinking, speaking, or even breathing. When things are not right with your jaw joints it is known as Temporomandibular Syndrome or Disorder, which is commonly referred to as “TMJ” or “TMD.”

### TMJ Dysfunction Symptoms

You may or may not experience jaw pain or tenderness with TMJ syndrome.

Some of the more common symptoms include:

- jaw clicking
- jaw popping
- teeth grinding
- limited jaw opening, or jaw deviation
- the inability to fully close your jaw

People that suffer from TMD are usually those that clench or grind their teeth. TMD can cause jaw pain, bad headaches, ear pain, dizziness, and even upper neck pain. Some TMJ patients report pain or and the inability to eat, speak, or even sing when trying.

### What Causes Temporomandibular Disorder?

TMJ syndrome is considered a multifaceted neuromuscular disorder.

The most common causes of TMD can include:

- Masticatory muscle dysfunction,
- Displacement of the TMJ articular disc
- Bruxism: night time tooth grinding of teeth leads to increased pressure in TMJ
- Poor bite resulting in an underbite or overbite

Contributory factors might include:

- Removal of wisdom teeth
- Prolonged mouth opening from dental procedures
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Stress
- Whiplash or even other traumatic experiences

Migraines/Headaches

### TMJ/TMD Headaches & Migraines

Do you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines? Have you been diagnosed with TMJ or TMD? Avenue Dental Care offers a TMJ exam that evaluates the joint tissue around the hinge of the jaw. If there is any type of inflammation or deterioration of the joint tissue, that may be why you are experiencing pain. Even thought pain relievers and painkillers can provide temporary relief for TMJ related pain, consultation with a dentist should still be heavily considered to treat the root of the issue.

### How TMJ Therapy/Headache Prevention Works:

“TMJ disorder” may be to blame if you are suffering from recurring headaches, a popping/clicking jaw, or if you grind your teeth while you sleep. “TMJ” is a disorder that happens from the joint that keep your jaw in place become misaligned. The nerves and muscles become will then become irritated and cause these droning pain and often other more harmful symptoms.

## If you want to correct your smile,

## call or make an appointment online today!​

### Call Today!

North Spokane
(844) 726-1800
755 East Holland Spokane, WA 99218
North Spokane
(509) 467-8000
Spokane Valley
(509) 926-1500

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## Call or make an appointment online today!​

### Implant Placement

## $1,699

##### Without Insurance

### Open Daily For Your Convenience!

## 7am-7pm

### Implant with Crown

## $3,629

##### Without Insurance

### Implant Placement

## $1,699

##### Without Insurance

### Open Daily For Your Convenience!​

## 7am-7pm​

### Implant with Crown

## $3,629

##### Without Insurance