Dr. Karl Neuhaus is an experienced dentist in Amherst with advanced training in diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) related disorders. Unfortunately, few clinicians are trained to identify, diagnose, and treat a TMD properly. Dr. Karl Neuhaus has studied at The Dawson Academy, focusing on occlusal conditions and bite disorders such as TMJ. This training enables him to take a comprehensive approach to the overall evaluation and treatment for your unique set of symptoms. He provides general dental treatment that targets the underlying problem.
About TMJ Disorders
TMD is short for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, referring to the joint that connects the upper and lower jaw and is responsible for the opening and closing of the mouth. TMJ disorder is a commonly used catch-all term for a wide variety of potential issues affecting the jaw joint, muscles in the face, neck, and surrounding nerves.
Common Causes of TMJ Disorder
There is no single cause for TMJ dysfunction. Any number of factors or combination of factors may be to blame including:
- Trauma to the head, neck, or face
- Trauma to the TMJ joint or arthritis
- Hormonal changes or imbalances
- Malocclusion (where the jaws do not line up correctly resulting in bite problems)
- Stress
TMJ Symptoms
As with the causes, symptoms of TMJ disorder vary greatly between patients. TMJ symptoms often mask themselves or are similar to those of other medical conditions, making diagnosis extremely difficult.
Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Headaches
- Shoulder, neck, facial pain
- Clicking or popping when opening or closing the jaw
- Locked jaw or limited mobility in the jaw joint
- Teeth clenching, teeth grinding, often accompanied by tooth wear
- Chronic earaches
TMJ Treatment in Amherst, NY
Our goal is to treat TMJ by gently and naturally bringing the head, neck, jaw, and bite into proper alignment, restoring your oral health and a comfortable bite. Dr. Neuhaus will start with a comprehensive evaluation to look for the signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction such as worn teeth, cracked or chipped teeth, and a dysfunctional bite. Then, using advanced diagnostic equipment, the dentist will determine the source of instability and create a customized treatment plan to bring the teeth and bite into proper alignment.
- TMJ Mouthguard – A TMJ mouthguard is a removable oral appliance that helps to keep the teeth and jaw in the proper position. Usually worn during sleep, oral appliances may also prevent teeth grinding or clenching, leading to tooth wear and contributing to tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, TMJ treatment through splints, mouthguards, and nightguards can help alleviate the most common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction and prevent damage to the teeth and gums.
- Bite Correction Procedures – Occlusal equilibration, better known as bite correction or TMJ correction, is the process of adjusting the alignment of the teeth for optimal fit. The teeth should line up to make even contact with one another, creating a low-stress bite. Over 95% of TMJ dysfunction (TMD) and TMJ pain are caused by improper occlusion. Bite correction can help to alleviate the symptoms of TMD such as a sore jaw, headaches, teeth clenching, and more.
Contact Our Dental Office
Do you need a dentist in Amherst NY, or the surrounding area of Tonawanda and Wheatfield? Creekside Dentistry may be the right dentist to solve your complex dental problems. Find out what treatments are right for you, call (716) 262-8070, or request an appointment online.