TMJ Therapy & Bite Correction
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD), commonly known as TMJ disorder, is a complicated group of conditions, often characterized by jaw pain and limited mobility in the jaw and surrounding tissue. Few clinicians are trained to properly identify, diagnose and treat TMD.
As the Clinical Director of The Dawson Academy, Dr. Cranham has contributed to the latest information in regards to the diagnosis and treatment of bite problems and TMJ related issues.
Featured Case: TMJ Treatment
“Before I met Dr. Cranham, I didn’t have anything to smile about, but now, since I’ve met Dr. Cranham, I have a beautiful smile and no more headaches when I get up in the morning. Thanks, Dr. Cranham!”
What Is TMJ?
TMJ is short for Temporomandibular Joint, the joint that connects the upper and lower jaw and is responsible for the opening and closing of the mouth. TMJ disorder is a 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
Common 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:
- Frequent Headaches
- Shoulder, neck, facial pain
- Clicking or popping when opening or closing jaw
- Locked jaw or limited mobility in the jaw joint
- Teeth clenching, teeth grinding, often accompanied by tooth wear
- Chronic earaches
Customized TMJ Therapy to Restore Comfortable Function
Improper bite alignment and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems can cause pain as well as deterioration of teeth and supporting structures. Dr. Cranham evaluates smiles for these problems as part of comprehensive treatment planning. He has extensive knowledge of bite problems and TMJ-related issues and provides contemporary therapies to alleviate discomfort and restore optimal function.
Because no two patients are alike, there is no single course of treatment for TMJ disorder. Depending on your condition, Dr. Cranham may prescribe a combination of TMJ treatments for optimal results:
- Tooth reshaping
- Dental crowns
- Orthodontics
- Splint therapy
- Mouth guard
- Dental implants
Advanced Bite Correction Technology
In addition to his extensive training and research on TMJ dysfunction and bite correction, Dr. Cranham uses three high-tech systems to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of these complicated conditions. These state-of-the-art tools help Dr. Cranham isolate the source of distress and design effective treatment to eliminate TMJ pain and improve oral function.
Sirona Galileos (CBCT)
Sirona Galileos is a digital, 3-D X-ray that allows to look at all surfaces of your temporomandibular joints (TMJ). This is a critical step to assess the health, and reach a firm diagnosis on the source of your pain. We are proud to be one of the few general practices in The Mid-Atlantic Region to utilize this technology.
Computerized Bite Analysis with TekScan
TekScan is a computer-based system that assesses how teeth fit together. A visual exam doesn’t clearly show bite inconsistencies. TekScan gives Dr. Cranham a detailed image that clearly illustrates a patient’s bite problems. This allows him to accurately diagnose and treat improper alignment.
Computerized TMJ Analysis with Bio-JVA
JVA stands for Joint Vibration Analysis. This high-tech, non-invasive system quickly and effectively evaluates the motion of TMJ. With Bio-JVA, Dr. Cranham can determine current function and customize a TMJ therapy plan to restore smooth joint motion and alleviate discomfort.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are concerned that you may have a bite problem or TMJ disorder, schedule an appointment to visit our TMJ specialist and dentist in Chesapeake, VA. He will provide a thorough evaluation of your bite function and overall dental health condition. Dr. Cranham will then be able to offer the proper TMJ treatment in the Norfolk, VA and Hampton Roads Virginia area.
