TMJ

Degenerative condyles (mild, moderate or severe), with beaking, flattening, anterior displaced disc discs, bend in neck of condyles, including disc performations, osteophytes, adhesions, restricted movement of condyles not moving to the height of the articular eminence can all be effectively treated non surgically (Read more on TREATMENT). That has been my experience.

Intermediate or late stages of internal derangement type cases for most TMJ doctors are the seemingly more complicted type cases since these conditions are accompanied  with chronic pain headaches, restricted motion of the jaw, variable pain, joint crepitus and painful episodes during function. 

Staging of Internal Derangement of TMJ**

The challenges most TMD patients face is finding a clinician that not only understands, but more importantly has the skills, phillosophy and abilities to address these issues in an effective manner.  As most realize, it is not an easy path. Finding the right dentist, locally and conveniently for the right price is also not always available. Many have attempted all kinds of treatment modalities with some level of success and some didn’t work.

Each TMD condition is different for each individual. There are similarities and characteristics are relatively common to most TMJ/TMD patient, but when it comes to treatment, each treatment must be customized to that individual, due to differing dental arch shapes and relationships, differing joint conditions, add the different structural and postural relationships each person has and add the differing personalities types -male and female.  Now one can begin to see the complexity of the problem with their differing, yet unique mix of conditions.

A term that most will not fully comprehend is the term “OPTIMIZATION”.​  To be effective, clinicians must understand what it means to OPTIMIZE THE BITE – this includes a need to “PHYSIOLOGICALLY” relate the muscles, teeth and joints in space in a manner that supports proper function and resting modes so the CNS (central nervous system) can also quiet down and come back a normalize state of health. Regardless of joint condition, even cases that have been surgically treated (e.g. condylectomies), it is possible to treat with these principles that I advocate at Occlusion Connections™ and share with doctors.  As one begins to realize, few doctors are willing to fully discipline themselves in this subjective of TMD and occlusion.  Most often dentists as well as the TMJ patient are naturally looking for the easy way out to make it easy for themselves.  

Read more on Gneuromuscular Dental Training at Occlusion Connctions™

**(According to the American Society of Temporomandibular Joint Surgeons - Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Disorders Involving the Temporomandibular Joint and Related Musculoskeletal Structures).