"Dr. Botbol, what TMJD disorder treatments are available?"

TMJ Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA)
TMJ Joint Vibration Analysis is a quick, non-invasive method for your dentist to examine how your jaw joints function and is used to help determine if patients have a TMJ (jaw joint) problem . The vibration from each patient is like your own personal signature--determined by loudness, duration and frequency. Different disorders can produce different vibration patterns or “signatures”.

PC-assisted vibration analysis helps identify these patterns and helps us distinguish among various TM disorders. The test is simple, takes 3 minutes and is painless! A headset is placed over your head (like a stereo headset) with the vibration sensors on the skin over the TM joint in front of each ear. You will be asked to open wide and close all the way 5 or 6 times. That's all there is to it! Now the computer takes over to provide your specific vibration signature to be evaluated. Joint Vibration Analysis has the acceptance of the American Dental Association.

Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA).

At Dr. Charles Botbol & Associates we may prescribe a multiple-phase treatment plan.  Only minor corrective treatment may be needed.  Treatment may be simple or require more steps for alleviating the condition, depending on the degree of severity. Some of these treatments include:

	Taking a non-aspirin pain reliever or prescription medications such as muscle relaxants, analgesics, or anti-inflammatory drugs
	Eating soft foods
	Avoiding chewing gum
	Applying moist heat or ice
	Physical therapy
	Teaching relaxation techniques to control muscle tension
	Stress management training techniques
	Posture training
	Wearing bite plates to eliminate the harmful effects of clenching or grinding the teeth, and a better positioning of the jaws
	Adjusting the bite, known as "occlusal equilibration" involving removing interferences when the teeth touch
	Replacement of defective restorations that prevent the jaws from meeting properly
	Orthodontics, to put the teeth in proper position
	Surgery

In most cases we treat at Dr. Charles Botbol & Associates, the symptoms related to TMJD disorders can be successfully treated to reduce or eliminate your discomfort.  Postponement of treatment usually results in more damage to the joint, muscles, or teeth. 

For more information about how we can help you with TMJD problems, call us at (416) 226-2000, we will be happy to help you.