TMJ

TMJ is a disorder that causes inflammation around the jaw joints and is also sometimes referred to as TMD. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, and it connects your lower jaw to your skull and is located on both sides of your head. Because TMJ causes jaw pain, it can make it difficult for those who are affected to eat which can lead to nutritional deficiencies, as well as unintentional weight loss. It may also affect your social life, as TMJ can make speaking uncomfortable.

At Academy Dental Care in Albuquerque, our team has the experience and knowledge to identify the causes of TMJ disorder and provide the correct treatment to help you maintain a high quality of life.

People who experience jaw pain or headaches often come to us with little to no hope that their condition can improve. They feel as though they have exhausted all options to alleviate their pain. However, upon their initial examination with us, they feel a sense of hope. As they witness their symptoms gradually subside, they express gratitude for finally being understood and having their pain acknowledged. Patients eagerly anticipate the commencement of their treatment.

Treatment consists of two main components: tensing and orthotic fitting. Tensing involves utilizing our technology to electronically identify the most comfortable positions for the jaw and facial muscles, providing patients with their first taste of relief. This phase serves as the research and diagnosis stage, as there are numerous root causes of TMJ issues, ranging from genetic predispositions to conditions developed over time. The second phase involves the delivery of the orthotic, a device worn in the mouth to ensure proper muscle alignment. Initially, patients wear the orthotic continuously for two weeks. Upon their subsequent appointment, they typically report a 40 to 60% improvement in their symptoms, leading to a sense of relief and hope about the results. Subsequent appointments further affirm the effectiveness of the treatment, as patients experience reduced muscle strain and become increasingly dependent on their orthotics.

The symptoms most commonly reported by patients include jaw pain and migraines, which significantly impact their quality of life. Many patients express frustration and a sense of desperation, having endured persistent discomfort that disrupts their daily activities and sleep patterns. The prospect of finding relief motivates them to seek specialized care from Dr. Shane Krohnfeldt in hopes of receiving helpful treatment.

Patients are often excited by the advanced technology and equipment available at our clinic, which they may not have encountered elsewhere. Their hopeful demeanor reflects their confidence in our ability to provide innovative solutions to their TMJ issues. For instance, one recent patient expressed delight upon discovering the K7 equipment, recognizing its potential to accurately measure her discomfort.

The initial electromyography (EMG) scans serve as a revelation for patients, providing scientific validation for their pain and definitive diagnosis of their TMJ. The tensing procedure, facilitated by the K7 EMG scans, delivers noticeable relief by administering transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to the facial muscles, offering patients a tangible improvement in their condition.

Around 70% of patients express concerns about the usefulness of previous TMJ treatments, noting only temporary relief or no improvement at all. However, upon learning about our treatment plan, they eagerly embrace the opportunity for a fresh approach to their condition.