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emotional level and then finally
manifest at a physical level,” says Page
Paterson, M.Ac., L.Ac. of Wilmington
Acupuncture and Counseling
Center. “Overall, the discomfort felt
through the beginning stages of the
disorder can definitely alter physical
well-being.”
Many different procedures can be
used to detect the disorder. First, a
thorough investigation of the patient’s
history is consulted before a diagnosis
is rendered.
“A good history can often lead you
to the correct diagnosis,” Semmel
states. “After a history is taken, a physical
examination is performed. A 3D
cone beam CT scan, or CBCT, is taken
in the office to evaluate the boney parts
of the joint. MRIs are often required to
diagnose a problem with the TMJ disc,
as a CT scan will not show this soft tissue
feature of the joint.”
After reviewing the client’s history,
at Kuzma Advanced Dentistry,
technology is also used to identify the
disorder.
“With advances in technology, it
has become much easier to diagnose
TMD,” Kuzma says. “I use sophisticated
instruments such as computerized
bite analysis; sonographic
joint analysis; EMGs of the muscles;
computerized range of motion measurements
of the head, neck and jaw;
along with radiographic evaluation.
When patients can see things objectively
and scientifically, they have a
better understanding of the issues
at hand, and we can measure the
improvement as treatment progresses.”
Treating TMJ disorder is most certainly
possible. Many practices use different
strategies to aid their patients.
Paterson uses practices that engage
mental and emotional tactics to bring
patients ease and comfort during their
pain.
“In Five Element Acupuncture, we
diagnose a person’s constitutional element
and evaluate how the elements
and organs are working together,”
Paterson says.
“Each TMJ client will be different
and each person’s treatment will be
different. There will be similarities in
certain acupuncture points that will be
used to bring chi to the patient.”
A permanent solution for missing teeth,
dental implants offer so much more than
dentures. The Dental Implant Center of
Carolinas Oral & Facial Surgery Center
performs more than
500 dental implants
each year.
Call for an
appointment or
ask your dentist
for a referral.