Dentistry in Plano and Dallas, TX
General and Preventive Dentistry
TMJ Therapy
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, or TMD, occurs when your jaw joints are out of alignment. The symptoms range in severity from annoying to life-altering. Dr. Ragnell has studied TMJ function and neuromuscular dentistry extensively. He offers non-surgical therapies to alleviate TMJ distress and let patients return to a pain-free lifestyle.
Your TMJ joints reside in front of your ears where the lower jaw meets the skull. Neuromuscular dentistry addresses the relationships between these joints and every aspect of your chewing system and strives for harmony through proper alignment.
TMD Symptoms
Common TMD symptoms include:
- Chronic headaches, including migraines
- Facial, neck, jaw, and/or shoulder pain
- Jaw popping or clicking
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands
- A jaw that locks or doesn’t open fully
What causes TMD?
A variety of factors contribute to TMD, including bruxism (teeth grinding), physical and emotional stress, a misaligned bite, and trauma. When your jaw joints malfunction, surrounding muscles become stressed, and your jaw never fully relaxes. Discomfort occurs because sufferers are constantly searching for a comfortable jaw position. Lack of optimal blood flow also contributes to the aches and pains of TMJ disorder.
Customized Treatment
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, neuromuscular dentistry may provide a solution. Dr. Ragnell will use modern technology to relax the muscles surrounding your jaw joints and map the movement of your jaw to determine its optimal resting position. He may prescribe a custom orthotic to encourage optimal alignment and ease stressed muscles. Dr. Ragnell will evaluate your unique situation and customize a treatment plan specifically for you.
Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about TMJ disorder and neuromuscular dentistry.
Call Smile ‘n Share It today to schedule your TMJ assessment with Dr. Ragnell. Our Plano dental office serves the greater Dallas area with comprehensive dentistry for beautiful smiles and healthy mouths.
