TMJ/TMD Treatment at D'Ascoli Orthodontics
Your Experienced TMJ/TMD Specialist in Reno, NV
Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain as well as recurring headaches. In some cases, this pain is due to Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD. Dr. D’Ascoli has been providing treatment for TMD/TMJ in Reno, NV and surrounding area for over 30 years, relieving patients of pain and helping them live normal, happy lives. His approach exhausts every non-invasive protocol before recommending surgery and his practice achieves success in over 78% of patient cases. Contact D'Ascoli Orthodontics for a consultation with our experienced Reno, NV orthodontist!
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints get a lot of use throughout the day as you speak, chew, swallow, and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be unpleasant and may even restrict movement.
Symptoms of TMD include:
- Pain in the jaw area
- Pain, ringing, or stuffiness in the ears
- Frequent headaches or neck aches
- Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
- Swelling on the sides of the face
- Muscle spasms in the jaw area
- A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
- Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth
Should you notice any of these symptoms, let your doctor know. Your dentist can help indicate the presence of TMD and create an effective treatment just for you.
There are a few simple steps you can take at home or work to prevent TMD from becoming more severe or from even occurring at all:
- Relax your face — remember the rule: "Lips together, teeth apart."
- Avoid grinding your teeth
- Avoid constant gum chewing
- Don’t cradle the phone receiver between your head and shoulder — either use a headset or hold the receiver to your ear
- Chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth
- Do not sit with your chin rested on your hand
- Practice good posture — keep your head up, back straight, and shoulders squared
Advanced TMD/TMJ Diagnosis and Treatment at Your Reno, NV Orthodontics Office
Dr. D'Ascoli uses advanced techniques such as T-Scan BiteForce Dynamics, laser muscle therapy, and cone-beam CAT scans to properly diagnose and treat patients. He has been certified for use of T-Scan bite analysis specifically for over 25 years. Currently, D’Ascoli Orthodontics makes ardent use of the new TruDenta process which allows the practice to provide TMD/TMJ treatment at a reasonable cost.
During the consultation, Dr. D'Ascoli will thoroughly examine the patient’s occlusion, jaw joints, associated muscles, and medical history. D’Ascoli Orthodontics will then provide a comprehensive plan for treatment based upon your Reno orthodontist's analysis, which may or may not require regular visits to the practice. Duration of treatment can be anywhere from 3 months to 2 years depending on the severity of the issue. All patients normally require a retainer following the completion of treatment.
