Do you suffer from chronic pain in your jaw and face? Do you experience "popping" sounds when you chew and talk or have symptoms such as headaches or jaw-locking or pain in the joint when you bite? If so, the problem may be TMJ.  Dr. Hurwitz uses the Great Lakes TMJ Doppler^TM, a rapid, accurate auscultation instrument specifically for the detection, analysis, and evaluation of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction.

TMJ really stands for Temporo-Mandibluar-Joint, the complicated joint that permits you to talk, chew, speak and smile. It is the connection between your mandible (lower jaw) and the maxilla (upper jaw), a part of your skull.

It is a structure of bones, muscles, cartilage, nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. TMD (TMJ Dysfunction) is a popular term to describe any disorder of the jaw joints or the muscles that control these joints. A condition that affects more than 10 million people in the U.S. alone.

Problems with any of these structures may result in a painful condition that can, over time, cause serious damage to your jaws and teeth. Symptoms may masquerade as a multitude of other problems such as sinus headaches, migraines, neck and shoulder stiffness or earaches.

The diagnosis of TMJ/TMD can be complicated and usually requires thoughtful and comprehensive evaluation. Utilization of a C-T scan or MRI may be helpful or even necessary. Occlusal analysis, bite equilibration, and splint therapy are modalities frequently employed to diagnose and treat these problems.
If you have any of these symptoms, please call to discuss how we may help you. In our office, it is always the right time for you to ask questions.

Splint Therapy
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, gnashing or clenching your teeth, a condition that affects both children and adults. Some people with bruxism unconsciously clench their teeth together during the day, often when they feel anxious or tense. This is different from tooth grinding or clenching that occurs at night, which is called sleep bruxism. Most children who are bruxers do so at night, while adults are either daytime or nighttime bruxers.

Bruxism may be mild and may not even require treatment. However, it can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other problems. Unfortunately, people with sleep bruxism usually aren't aware of the habit, so they aren't diagnosed with the condition until complications occur. That's why it's important to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism and to seek regular dental care.

The simplest and most common treatment for Bruxism is the utilization of a plastic splint or bite-plate. This appliance will prevent the wear and fractures, which frequently result from such grinding. There are many types and designs of splints, and they can be designed to help the muscles of your jaw to relax and maintain the health of Temporo-Mandibluar-Joint.