What is TMJ?

Commonly referred to as TMD, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction is a condition that afflicts thousands of people. Specific symptoms, which include popping and clicking of the jaw joint, limited jaw function, and pain in the muscles of mastication identify actual joint problems.

Patients may also experience myofascial pain and headaches that cover the temporal, frontal, and occipital areas. Pain in the neck, shoulder, and upper back is also symptomatic of TMD sufferers. Along with myofascial pain are ear symptoms that include pressure on the posterior wall of the fossa, tinnitus, vertigo and a "plugged up" feeling.

Dr. Gardner treats hundreds of these cases each year and has had success with patients who use a specially designed maxillary occlusal diagnostic splint. This is a hard acrylic splint, (neither a bite guard nor a soft splint) which must be worn full time and equilibrated approximately every four weeks. The most effective results are attained with the splint; because it reduces forces to the temporomandibular joints; and it allows the musculoskeletal system to reposition properly.