TMD

TMD “Temporomandibular Dysfunction"

Do you experience headaches?  Do you wake in the morning with a sore jaw or a headache?  Do you have difficulty opening your mouth wide? Are you wearing down your front teeth or have you cracked several back teeth? You may be suffering from TMD. Temporomandibular dysfunction encompasses any disorder of the jaw muscles, jaw bones, temporomandibular (jaw) joints and the nerves that supply these structures, which manifests as pain or abnormal function in your temporomandibular system. Your bite relationship is an important factor in TMD and is the factor that the dental profession has the greatest ability to influence. Many patients have varying symptoms while suffering TMD, which can be classified in many subcatagories. It is of the utmost importance to accurately diagnose the areas of dysfunction and sources of pain to develop a complete treatment plan and achieve success in relieving the suffering of TMD

• Dr. Dahm has treated over 350 TMD patients since 1992 and has studied extensively in the field of temporomandibular dysfunction. Our treatment methods achieve acceptable comfort and function in 94% of our patients. 

• Treatment begins with a detailed history of your pain experience and the injuries you may have suffered through your lifetime. A thorough  examination of your temporomandibular system helps to identify current sources of pain and dysfunction. Imaging such as x-rays, CT and MRI scans are most helpful in achieving a correct diagnoses and help us to develop an effective treatment plan

• It is uncommon for TMD to be effectively managed by one clinician alone.  Since TMD often involves numerous pain sources and dysfunctions of the head and neck region, it typically requires a team approach to provide healing, restore normal function, or halt the breakdown process and prevent further damage to occur. Our most common TMD team members include Dr. Dahm, your family physician, other doctors such as ENT physicians and neurologists, physical therapist, chiropractor and other related health care providers.

CLICK HERE to watch a Caesy video on TMD.