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1777 E. Clark St. Suite 240 • Pocatello, ID 83201
How Do We Treat TMJ Disorders?
Exams: You will receive exams of your face, head, neck and jaw muscles over the course of your treatment for TMJ. Exams may include pressing (palpating) the muscles of and jaw joint and evaluating and measuring how you move and function. The doctor will examine for pain, tension and tenderness. In many cases range of motion readings and imaging tests will be a vital part of your exam.
Range of Motion: Tempromandibular disorder (TMD) can limit jaw movement. With treatment and compliance the jaw's range of motion should increase. Your range of jaw motion in opening and moving to the side will be measured frequently throughout your treatment.
Imaging Tests: Imaging Tests help show parts of the face, neck and head that can't be seen during a physical exam.
• CT Scan: Shows slices of the jaw joint. The images can be used to diagnose arthritis, injuries and fractures.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Creates images of soft tissue, muscles, disc and ligaments of the jaw and head. (pre-surgical, not done in our office)
• Panoramic x-ray: provides a wide view of the jaws, including the teeth and their roots.
Other Images: may also be done to check for swelling and joint noise.
CT Scan: The CT Scan along with constant magnification results in non-distorted, accurate and superior diagnostic images. This film moves in a special geometric pattern via a robotic arm to produce each desired slice in only six seconds. Each structure is examined in three or four tomographic slices. We utilize this diagnostic equipment to produce images of the head, neck, face and jaw from two directions. We also offer the use of this technology to other treating doctors for sinus films and for use in the placement of implants.
Impressions: are an imprint of your teeth and bite and poured up with stone to form a duplicate of the teeth, mouth and bite. The duplicate of your teeth will be used to evaluate your teeth, evaluate your bite and how the teeth come together, and to construct the appliance to fit your mouth.
BBBS: Or the ball bearing bite recorder is a two piece appliance we have made in the laboratory on the models of your teeth. BBB's fit over the top and bottom teeth. This appliance is used to analyze the following:
• The way the lower jaw moves front to back and side to side when the teeth are not interfering or directing the jaw movements.
• Records the most appropriate or normal hinge position for the jaw when the teeth come together.
Dr. Romriell uses this appliance to record the treatment position for the patient who has a muscle or joint disorder
Copyright 2011 The TMJ Sleep Center • 1777 E. Clark Suite 240 • Pocatello, Idaho 83201
Phone: 208-234-PAIN (7246) • Fax: 208-232-0207