Frequently Asked Questions

The Facts about TMD, Headaches, & Neuromuscular Dentistry

TMD Questions

What exactly is TMD?

Before you know what TMD is, you'll want to learn about your TMJs, which are your temporomandibular joints. These small hinges are located at the sides of your head, and connect your lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull. So TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, refers to the range of problems that can arise from improperly aligned or dysfunctional jaw joints. Dr. Sutter has completed significant postgraduate training in the area of neuromuscular dentistry and TMJ dysfunction, so he is well-equipped to address most disorders of the jaw joints.

How do I know if I have TMD?

First, you'll want to take stock of your symptoms and find out if they could point back to a problem with your jaw joints. If you're experiencing daily headaches or migraines, jaw soreness, or neck and shoulder pain, consider being evaluated at our Salem office by Dr. Sutter. As a neuromuscular dentist with highly advanced diagnostic tools, he can determine whether you have TMD and formulate a customized treatment path to relieve the underlying problems, not just treat the symptoms. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

I'm afraid I will need to have surgery for my TMJ problems. Are there non-surgical treatments?

Definitely. Many of the therapies Dr. Sutter currently employs are gleaned from disciplines such as physical therapy and osteopathic medicine, and we have had much success with oral appliances in addressing jaw misalignments. Our Salem, Oregon office has great success even if you have worn a night guard in the past. There are many different types of devices. We would be happy to review your appliance with you if you are not getting the relief of your symptoms. Dr. Sutter always balances an effective result with the most conservative option, so there's no need to worry that you will be presented with surgery without first exploring many other non-invasive treatments.

I've heard problems with the jaw joints can cause tooth loss. Is this true?

Unfortunately, yes. A bad bite can wreak havoc on your entire mouth as well as surrounding bone and muscle tissue. Your body is an interconnected web of complex components, so not only can the pressure of a misaligned jaw loosen and wear down teeth, it can cause migraines, head and neck pain, and other ailments. If you have lost a tooth or are noticing worrisome signs of tooth wear, call Dr. Sutter for a neuromuscular evaluation. TMJ problems are relatively simple to address after proper diagnosis, but can make you miserable if left untreated. Not to mention the cost and inconvenience of replacing your teeth!

Is this a common problem? How many people have TMD?

If you have some jaw misalignment issue classified as TMD, you're not alone. Not hardly. Estimates calculate that nearly 30% of the population suffers from TMD. That's 60 million Americans! You may also be surprised to learn that this disorder strikes women up to 4 times as often as men. Eighty percent or so of those diagnosed with TMD are female, most often between the ages of 30 and 50.

Neuromuscular Dentistry Questions

What is neuromuscular dentistry?

Neuromuscular dentistry is a treatment philosophy which says that your teeth, gums, jaw joints, as well as related muscles and nerves, must work together for optimal oral health and function. Neuromuscular dentistry recognizes the importance of whole mouth harmony, so Dr. Sutter isn't interested in solving only your symptoms, but the underlying imbalance of your jaw joints and related musculature as well.

Does Dr. Sutter use special equipment as a neuromuscular dentist?

Yes, these complex issues require advanced tools for proper diagnosis and treatment. At Dr. Sutter's practice, he uses the latest technology, including:

• Computerized equipment to record the resting position of a person's jaw, how it closes and any other movements
• Electromyography (EMG) to measure the stressed and relaxed positions of a person's jaw muscles, as well as identify any structural defects in the jaw joint
• Sonography to record jaw joint sounds and determine the presence of abnormalities
• Tekscan, an advanced system that measures dental occlusal forces and determines how well-balanced a patient's occlusion (bite) is. Dr. Sutter evaluates occlusal forces by having a patient bite down on an ultra-thin sensor while the computer analyzes and displays the data.

Headache & Migraine Questions

How can my bite cause chronic headaches?

When your jaw muscles are overworked, as is the case when the bite is misaligned, the constant strain can cause aches and pains in related musculature. Think about how many times you bite down throughout the day. Most people think about mealtimes or chewing gum, but your jaw is not just getting a workout when you chew. Every time you swallow, your jaw muscles cause the teeth to meet in a firm bite. Considering that it is normal to swallow more than 1000 times every 24 hours, the joints and muscles in your jaw get more exercise than you had ever suspected.

What are the symptoms of a headache caused by jaw problems?

Migraines or headaches from dental stress are types of headaches caused by muscle tension, called tension headaches. The pain from this type of headache may be on one or both sides of your head, surround your head like a band, or simply feel like a dull ache. The symptoms of a tension headaches can often be addressed with aspirin, but the underlying cause should be evaluated by a neuromuscular dentist like Dr. Sutter. You will want to be evaluated if you experience:

• Throbbing pain behind your eyes
• Sore jaw muscles during the day or upon waking
• Teeth grinding
• Jaw joints that pop or click
• Pain upon touching your scalp or head

Frequently Asked Questions

The Facts about TMD, Headaches, & Neuromuscular Dentistry

ABOUT TMD

Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD, is a single term that represents a range of disorders affecting the jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joint.

TMD AND MIGRAINE HEADACHES

Though you may have been living with headaches for years, you might not know that they can be triggered by Temporomandibular Disorder, or TMD.