If you suffer from symptoms such as headaches, tinnitus, earaches, and/or dizziness, you may be experiencing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. In most cases, TMJ problems are caused by misalignments of the temporomandibular joints. Using comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, we effectively treat your TMJ problems at our practice in Zurich.
Possible Consequences of TMJ Problems
In most cases, the symptoms of TMJ problems are not limited to the jaw itself. The human masticatory system, for example, is closely connected to the body’s musculoskeletal system via nerve fibers and muscles, which is why jaw misalignments and general TMJ problems can affect the entire body. However, many affected individuals do not associate the symptoms they experience with temporomandibular joint problems and are therefore unable to receive treatment that addresses the root cause of their symptoms. Often, because the cause of their symptoms seems unclear, patients experience significant distress and fail to recognize the need to consult a dentist.
Symptoms Caused by Jaw Misalignment
Depending on the patient, symptoms resulting from jaw misalignment can vary widely and take many different forms. This fact complicates the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint problems. Various symptoms can occur either individually or in combination:
Pain caused by jaw misalignment can affect not only the ears and head but also areas of the body such as the back, shoulders, neck, hips, and knees. In addition to painful conditions, temporomandibular joint problems can also manifest as symptoms such as teeth grinding, snoring, dizziness, visual disturbances, and tinnitus. Furthermore, malocclusions can also affect the mental well-being of some individuals—for example, temporomandibular joint problems may manifest as depression in certain patients.
Diagnosis of TMJ Problems
To determine whether you are affected by TMJ problems, we first conduct a detailed consultation with you at our dental practice in Zurich. During the consultation, we will ask about your specific symptoms, among other things. This is followed by a dental examination, during which we assess the structure and function of your jaw and adjacent muscle structures to check for potential TMJ problems. To do this, we palpate both your temporomandibular joints and your masticatory and head muscles.
In some cases, we’ll take an X-ray of your jaw as a next step. This allows us to rule out causes of your symptoms other than a misalignment of the temporomandibular joints. If your symptoms are particularly complex, we occasionally collaborate with specialists from other fields to ensure a personalized diagnosis.
Treatment of Jaw Misalignments
If our diagnostic evaluation confirms that your symptoms are due to temporomandibular joint problems and jaw misalignments, we will present you with appropriate treatment options. In many cases, we recommend so-called bite splints for therapeutic purposes. These splints, which you wear, are precisely customized to your jaw and gently relieve pressure on your temporomandibular joints while correcting your jaw misalignment.
Are you interested in personalized treatment for temporomandibular joint problems at our practice in Zurich? Simply schedule an appointment using the contact form, and we’ll consult with you personally.