TMJ Therapy Columbia, SC

How TENS Can Help with TMJ Treatment

TMJ occurs when there’s an imbalance in the jaw, which leads to muscle tension in the jaw, neck, and head. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) therapy is a highly effective tool in TMJ treatment, as it targets this muscle tension and provides relief. This non-invasive therapy uses mild electrical pulses to stimulate the nerves around the jaw, neck, and head, helping to relax the muscles and alleviate discomfort. For comprehensive dental care in Columbia, SC, TENS therapy can be a key part of your treatment plan.

TENS Therapy Works by:

• Relaxing Muscles: The electrical impulses reduce muscle tension in the jaw, neck, and head, which are commonly affected by TMJ.
• Pain Relief: The stimulation promotes the release of natural painkillers called endorphins, providing instant relief from TMJ-related pain.
• Diagnostic Tool: TENS therapy not only relieves pain but also helps a neuromuscular dentist assess your bite and jaw movement, allowing them to determine if additional treatments are needed.

If you’re experiencing any of the following common symptoms of TMJ, TENS therapy may be the key to your relief:

• Headaches
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Pain behind or around the eyes
• Jaw soreness
• Tooth soreness not related to decay or injury
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Tingling in the arms or hands

TMJ Treatment Beyond TENS

Once TENS therapy has relaxed your muscles, Dr. Adam Hahn, a skilled neuromuscular dentist, will examine your teeth and jaw to determine if further treatment is necessary. Using advanced diagnostic equipment that produces objective measurements, Dr. Hahn will assess the position of maximum rest for your muscles and determine whether your jaw can rest comfortably in that position. This evaluation is crucial to understanding how your jaw should function and whether any additional interventions are required to fully restore your jaw’s health and alignment.

For many individuals, additional treatment beyond TENS may be needed to address the root causes of TMJ and support long-term relief. These treatments include:

• Mouthguards: Worn while you sleep, mouthguards help prevent further strain on the jaw muscles and teeth. They work by cushioning the teeth and reducing the impact of grinding or clenching, which is a common TMJ symptom. By protecting the teeth from wear and stabilizing the jaw, mouthguards can help prevent further damage and reduce discomfort.
• Bite Splints (Orthotics): These are custom-designed devices worn full-time to support proper jaw alignment. Orthotics can help shift the jaw into a more comfortable position, alleviating muscle strain and pressure on the temporomandibular joint. For individuals with TMJ, bite splints are particularly effective in addressing misalignment, which is a common contributing factor to TMJ symptoms. Wearing them regularly helps guide the jaw into its optimal resting position, preventing discomfort and promoting healing.
• Dental Restorations: In some cases, dental restorations may be necessary to rebuild your bite to its healthy proportions. When TMJ is caused by misalignment or damaged teeth, restorative dentistry plays a critical role in the treatment plan. This could involve replacing missing teeth, dental crowns, bridges, or fillings to restore the function and structure of the teeth. If teeth have been worn down due to grinding or clenching, restorative procedures help rebuild the tooth surfaces to ensure proper occlusion (bite alignment). Restorations can also address tooth damage that may be contributing to TMJ, ensuring that your bite is stable and the temporomandibular joint functions properly.