LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - Mar 20, 2013) - Thousands of people across the country suffer from chronic pain due to problematic temporomandibular joints (TMJ). This condition is referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which can affect different parts of the body such as the neck, ears, and jaw. Dr. Jeffery Hadley, a Las Vegas cosmetic dentist, offers advanced treatments to patients that can lessen the pain and discomfort associated with the disorder.
Everyone has two TMJs, one on each side of the mouth, which stabilize the upper jaw. Dr. Hadley says it is the most fascinating joint in the body because of the different movements it can make simultaneously in cooperation with the opposite joint. The self-lubricating eternal joints naturally hinge on the same axis and there are capsules on both sides of the mouth that are composed of small discs protecting the bone. The capsules are extremely sensitive and TMD can develop if they are impaired because of the complexity of movement associated with this joint. Some of the effects of the condition typically involve:
- Discomfort in the neck, back and shoulder
- Headache
- Problems with chewing and swallowing
- Clicking or popping the jaw
- Dizziness
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Ringing in the ears
The most common reason people suffer from TMJ disorder is due to a malfunctioning joint on either side of the mouth. One hinge acts prematurely during different movements, which can be caused by sleeping on it awkwardly or night grinding. Once one side becomes inflamed, the mouth cannot open in the synchronized, symmetrical way it should. Additionally, the inflamed capsule can cause pain around the earlobe area because of the amount of stress put on the jaw. At his cosmetic dentistry practice in Las Vegas, Dr. Hadley offers an array of solutions to patients suffering from TMD. "We ask a lot of diagnostic questions to discover why the problem is occurring. Typically it is caused by night grinding, which is considered a subconscious parafunctional habit. We treat those symptoms with a simple mouthpiece, also known as a nightguard, to deprogram and relax the jaws."
Dr. Hadley says using a mouthpiece to treat TMD caused by night grinding is very common and is considered an entry-level first line of defense. The mouthpiece functions by resting on the teeth so the patient does not have anywhere to grind, and gradually, the mouthpiece can help heal the joint. In order to assure effective TMD treatment results and diagnosis, Dr. Hadley says he strives to educate each patient about what they can do to alleviate TMD symptoms before they leave each visit. He provides patients with handouts about how to sleep, what to eat, and how to exercise when dealing with TMD to further expedite the healing process.
About Jeffery Hadley, D.D.S.
Dr. Jeffery Hadley is a member of professional organizations such as the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is a native of Glendora, CA and attended Brigham Young University as well as the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. Dr. Hadley joined the United States Navy after graduating from USC and was awarded a General Practice Dentistry at Great Lakes Naval Hospital. He was also awarded a fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry for devoting more than 500 hours to advanced continuing education.
Located at 3910 Pecos McLeod Suite A-140 in Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Hadley's practice can be reached at (702) 454-7695. He can also be reached online via the website smilesbydrhadley.com.
Contact Information:
Rosemont Media
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com
