TMJ & Migraine Therapy

TMJ disorders cause many symptoms that can impact your everyday life, including difficulty chewing and chronic headaches. Dr. Joshua Kennedy is one of the few G-Neuromuscular (Gnathologics + Neuromuscular = GNM) dentists in Alaska. He has undergone additional training in TMJ disorders and GNM treatment and is available to help patients in Anchorage.

What is TMD?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are found on either side of the jaw and connect the skull and lower jawbone, allowing for speaking, chewing and other movements. TMD involves any dysfunction of the TMJ that causes irritation and inflammation of the joints. Symptoms may be intermittent or chronic — ranging from uncomfortable annoyances to severe pain and limited movement.

There are many potential causes. Teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching — at night or during times of stress — can cause TMD. The TMJs are ball-and-socket joints that can dislocate. Other causes include trauma such as auto accidents, an improper bite, stress, and diseases such as arthritis.

TMJ Disorder Symptoms

The most notable symptom of TMD is headaches — and this brings many patients to a G-Neuromuscular dentist. TMJ dysfunction creates tension in the jaw and skull muscles and overstimulates the trigeminal nerve, a trigger for various headache disorders. Other symptoms include:

• Jaw pain
• Earaches
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Difficulty opening the mouth wide
• Locked jaw in an open or closed position
• Grating, popping or clicking sounds with jaw movement
• Tired sensations in the face
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Misaligned bite
• One-sided facial swelling
• Tooth pain
• Difficulty chewing

Why Choose a G-Neuromuscular Specialist

Dr. Kennedy completed training at Occlusion Connections, an advanced teaching center that upholds the principles of GNM dentistry. He is dedicated to his patients and is known for taking time to discuss and evaluate every concern. His training makes him an excellent dentist for improving TMD — he understands the fundamental physiologic principles of TMD and GNM occlusion and knows how to optimize jaw position and stabilize TMJ muscles.

Dr. Kennedy evaluates the temporomandibular joints, muscle stability and mandibular function — recognizing the musculoskeletal occlusal signs and symptoms of TMD that are often missed during routine dental exams.

What is GNM Orthosis?

GNM orthosis is an orthopedic appliance customized to your bite needs — realigning the mandible to an optimal position in relation to the skull to relieve pain and restore function. The device stabilizes the TMJ and fits over the lower arch to reposition the jaw. Custom fabricated for your needs, it improves TMD by improving function and comfort.

Other treatment options include relaxing the jaw muscles using K7 and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). The goal of treatment is to eliminate TMJ-related pain and provide a long-term solution that allows patients to speak and eat freely.

If you experience TMD symptoms, schedule a dental exam today with Dr. Kennedy in Anchorage. Contact Turnagain Dental at (907) 272-6122 or through our online contact form.