Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley CA
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD or TMJ) can significantly affect your daily life, causing chronic pain and discomfort. If you experience jaw pain, popping, or difficulty chewing, it’s important to get an accurate TMD diagnosis from a qualified neuromuscular dentist.
Common symptoms of TMD include:
- Grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism)
- Pain in the jaw, neck, or head
- Soreness while chewing
- Jaw popping or clicking
- Ear congestion or ringing (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Tooth sensitivity
- Excessive tooth wear, fractures, or loss
What Is a TENS Machine?
A TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit is a therapeutic device that uses mild, low-frequency electrical pulses to relax muscles and reduce pain. For TMJ treatment, TENS units target the jaw and facial muscles, helping to relieve tension, eliminate discomfort, and improve jaw mobility.
How TENS Works for TMJ and TMD
- Muscle Assessment – Before treatment, we measure muscle activity using advanced electromyography (EMG) equipment. This allows us to identify areas of tension and track muscle relaxation progress.
- Muscle Relaxation with TENS – Electrodes are placed in specific locations on your jaw and face. The TENS unit delivers gentle pulses that stimulate the muscles, reducing pain and releasing lactic acid and other by-products that contribute to discomfort.
- Determining Optimal Jaw Position – Once your muscles are relaxed, we use TENS alongside jaw-tracking technology to determine the most stable and comfortable jaw position for everyday activities like chewing, speaking, and swallowing.
Treatment sessions usually last 45–60 minutes, and EMG measurements are repeated afterward to confirm muscle relaxation and progress.
Next Steps: Neuromuscular Orthotics and Functional Therapy
After identifying your pain-free jaw position, we create a custom neuromuscular orthotic appliance to maintain this ideal alignment. This therapy, often called functional orthodontics, typically lasts 3–4 months with periodic adjustments every 4–8 weeks.
Some patients choose to go further, permanently restoring their bite to this comfortable position using full mouth reconstruction, which not only eliminates pain but also enhances their smile and oral function.
Benefits of TENS Therapy for TMJ
- Reduces jaw and facial muscle pain
- Helps relieve headaches related to TMJ
- Improves bite alignment
- Reduces teeth grinding and clenching
- Provides a foundation for long-term neuromuscular therapy
Start Your Journey to a Pain-Free Jaw
If you’re struggling with TMD symptoms, don’t wait to seek relief. Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry | Scotts Valley, CA specializes in advanced neuromuscular TMJ therapy, including TENS, orthotics, and full bite reconstruction.
📞 Call (831) 438-4411 today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free jaw and improved quality of life.
