TMJ / TMD Diagnosis
Where Your Smile Begins
Calgary, Alberta
If your teeth do not come together comfortably, you may have what’s known as a “bad bite.”
The diagnostic process at Southcentre Dental Clinic is highly involved and focuses on the individual jaw joint mechanics of each patient, muscle analysis, posture and stability evaluation, symptom history and a complete examination. Whether the TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) is caused by trauma, arthritis, bad posture, misaligned bite, stress or lifestyle factors, our examination will evaluate the likely cause of your pain.
Once diagnosis is achieved, we will begin a treatment process designed to restore harmony between the upper and lower jaws. Restoring the bite may involve,
- Restorations
- Physiotherapy
- Orthotic Treatment
- Basic lifestyle changes
Elements of Diagnosis
Dr. Cload uses many tools to evaluate your symptoms based on Neuromuscular principles.
Electromyography (EMG's)
Using small pads placed on your face and neck we analyze the electrical activity within muscles associated with both the posture of your jaw and neck. This helps us to see if they are fatigued and how each muscle group relates to not only your jaw alignment but also your posture. Yes the way you stand and hold your shoulders impacts how your teeth fit together and in turn the alignment of your jaw.
Sonography
Electrical sonography lets Dr. Cload study the sounds emitted by your jaw joint movements to uncover irregularities undetectable with other types of testing.
K7 Computerized Jaw Scanning
Jaw scanning equipment uses magnetic technology to measure and record movements of the jaw, and to help us estimate your ideal jaw position. The ideal position is where the muscles are relaxed. Relaxed muscles are happy muscles. Unhappy, unrelaxed muscles are just grumpy and painful.
Myo-Monitor
A safe, electrical impulse relaxes and stimulates jaw muscles so our team can evaluate the movements that occur during different muscle activity phases.
Remember that untreated symptoms of neuromuscular dentistry often do not go away without treatment and can eventually lead to head, neck, back and shoulder problems.
Find out if you could benefit from neuromuscular treatment. Please contact Dr. Steven Cload at the Southcentre Dental Clinic in Calgary, Alberta for a new patient TMJ / TMD diagnosis consultation.
