Doctor for Neuromuscular Disorders (TMJ) – Loris, SC

Many people think visiting the dentist is only for cleaning, root canals, or improving the overall health of their teeth. However, dentistry also plays an important role in the health of your joints, muscles, and nerves that affect the function and movement of the mouth.

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Thanks to neuromuscular dentistry, patients with bite abnormalities, joint dysfunction, jaw pain, and other oral issues can seek treatment to restore comfort and function. At Carolina Dental Care, Dr. Spiguzza, Dr. Holly, and Dr. Champion are dedicated to improving oral function for patients who experience difficulty or pain while talking, eating, chewing, or swallowing.

What Is Neuromuscular Dentistry?

Neuromuscular dentistry focuses not only on the teeth and jaw but also on the nerves, muscles, and joints associated with the jaw. By combining principles of anatomy and physiology, neuromuscular dentistry aims to achieve an optimal bite (occlusion) and jaw alignment. Neuromuscular dentists examine how all parts of the mouth and jaw work together and seek to relax the jaw muscles to determine the true resting position of the jaw. The goal is to correct misalignment and jaw disorders by evaluating the teeth, muscles, and temporomandibular joints as a whole.

Neuromuscular Dentistry Treatments

Bite Abnormalities

To correct bite abnormalities, neuromuscular dentists develop long-term treatment plans to optimally position the jaws. Treatments may include custom dental splints, orthodontic devices, or dental restorations.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD)

Neuromuscular dentistry is highly effective in treating temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), which can cause:

  • Facial or jaw pain
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Earaches or ringing in the ears
  • Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
  • Dizziness

Some neuromuscular dentists use ultralow-frequency transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (ULF-TENS) to relieve muscle pain and spasms. Treatment plans are customized after a thorough examination of the teeth, bite, and jaw.

How Do I Know If I Need a Neuromuscular Dentist?

If you experience pain or discomfort that increases while eating, drinking, talking, smiling, or laughing, it may be linked to oral muscle issues. Schedule a visit if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • Jaw, shoulder, or neck pain
  • Migraines or headaches
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Jaw clicking or unusual jaw movements
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Pain while smiling or laughing

Causes of TMD

TMD can develop from natural wear and tear, but other contributing factors include:

  • Trauma to the jaw, head, or neck
  • Jaw misalignment
  • Arthritis
  • Braces
  • Teeth clenching or grinding
  • Poor posture involving the neck or head
  • Jaw cracking, popping, or locking

What Happens If TMD Is Left Untreated?

Untreated TMD and oral muscle issues may start as mild pain but can become chronic over time. Pain may spread from the mouth to the face, neck, or back, affecting daily life. Early treatment is key to preventing worsening symptoms and maintaining oral and jaw health. Schedule an appointment if you are experiencing oral muscle pain or jaw dysfunction.