TMJ Treatments
For patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), there are non-invasive techniques that help reduce the pain. TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of South Western Ontario in Kingsville focuses on providing TMJ treatment using non-surgical and advanced technology. We use ADA-approved diagnostic equipment to help detect and diagnose the dysfunction in your TMJ to provide the right treatment. Some of the technologies we use to diagnose and monitor the treatment progress include:
Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA)
This ADA-approved equipment measures the functioning of the TMJ while in motion. This serves an objective proof of how well the joint functions. Headphones are placed over the joints and the vibrations of either the soft tissue or bone-on-bone grinding are recorded.
This device is required to determine which position the mandible (lower jawbone) should be placed during therapy. This technology is less expensive and time consuming when compared to an MRI.
Jaw Tracking (JT)
This equipment, also known as electrognathography, records jaw movements and the point of dysfunction in three dimensions. A small, specialized magnet is set inside the patient’s lower front teeth and a headset is placed on the patient. This recording is critical to help identify which part of the jaw needs correction.
Electromyography (EMG)
This is a diagnostic procedure that assesses muscle tension through sensors that are placed over the patient’s head. The result of this procedure will show if the TMJ condition is ascending up the spinal cord from below the neck or if it is descending. This report is crucial to correct posture problems. Swallowing, clenching, chewing, and bite problems can also be effectively detected using EMG.
BioTENS and BioPAK Bite Registration
This portable equipment helps reduce facial pain. BioTENS is a compact, ultra-low frequency, electrical neural stimulator that provides a regulated, rhythmic stimulus to the masticatory and facial muscles. A single pair of electrodes mildly stimulates the cranial nerves that affect the key muscles in the face, jaw, and parts of the neck. This stimulation relaxes the muscles and reduces facial pain.
BioPAK Bite Registration records a patient’s different ways of biting. Using this data, our medical practitioner can understand the issues that cause TMD.
T-Scan II
This advanced technology helps to accurately document a patient’s bite (occlusion). Using a special handle, an ultra-thin sensor is placed in the patient’s mouth. When the patient bites on this sensor, the T-Scan II software scans the movement and shows the occlusion on a screen. The color-coded contour images show the time and the force at which the teeth come into contact. This information helps to quickly diagnose occlusion problems.
Radiographs
This technology gives you X-rays of the head and neck as well as complex movements and elliptical slices of the head. When compared to typical dental and cranial X-rays, these images are useful in determining the exact root cause of a TMJ problem.
Get in touch with us today to get started on your treatment.