Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head SC
If you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, it is essential to see the best-qualified physician to find lasting relief. Conventional medicine manages chronic pain by masking it with pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. While these medications provide short-term benefits, they should not be relied upon for long-term pain relief. Neuromuscular dentistry may be the answer you have been searching for, and Chris Mohler, DDS, can help.
What is a neuromuscular dentist?
Neuromuscular dentistry uses a different approach when treating patients. Focusing on bite and jaw alignment, a neuromuscular dentist treats your teeth and gums using traditional dentistry while also considering how the teeth, jaw, and orofacial musculature (mouth and face muscles) work together in harmony. If an aspect of your bite is off, it likely will result in ongoing discomfort or pain. In many cases, it manifests as TMJ disorder, which causes chronic jaw joint pain, among other symptoms. A neuromuscular dentist is the most qualified physician to diagnose and treat TMJ disorder because they focus on the bite and jaw alignment.
Signs of TMJ Disorder
You might have TMJ disorder if you suffer from:
- Pain in your jaw joints or teeth
- Recurring headaches
- Popping or clicking sounds in the jaw when opening and closing or chewing
- Persistent ringing in the ears
- Neck and back pain
If you experience any combination of these symptoms or believe that you may have TMJ disorder, schedule a consultation with one of Beaufort’s top-rated TMJ dentists, Chris Mohler, DDS.
Why Treatment Matters
Treating TMJ disorder is necessary to free patients from chronic and sometimes debilitating pain. Ignoring the issue means that it will likely get worse and radiate pain or numbness to the arms and hands, as well as the back in some cases. All aspects of the body, from the head down to the feet, are designed to work harmoniously. When something becomes overloaded or out of balance, our bodies have a way of telling us that something is not right. Additionally, it is also imperative to address health issues when they first arise, rather than waiting until they worsen.
Take, for instance, your vehicle. Most car owners know that their tires and breaks wear down, and vehicles eventually need maintenance like wheel alignments, new brake pads, and tires. And that Band-Aiding the problem never truly solves it. But have you ever driven a vehicle that was not properly maintained? Eventually, the overly worn tires affect the alignment, and worn brake pads may cause the rotors to become warped or worn. Neglecting these issues from the start often sets off a chain reaction, leading to mechanical failure or breakdown, and costs more to fix in the long run.
This analogy helps patients understand that our bodies are similar. When an unbalance exists, your body will tell you. So, please do not ignore the discomfort or pain you experience because it often worsens without treatment.
Neuromuscular Dentist in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head, SC
If you suffer from TMJ disorder or chronic jaw pain, experience the difference by scheduling a consultation with Chris Mohler, DDS. We use sophisticated technology to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders. Learn more today by calling (843) 522-1442 or complete a Contact Form.