SAN DIEGO COUNTY CHIROPRACTIC BULLETIN

Chiropractors And Dentists Are Working Together To Treat Complex TMJ Symptoms

By George C. Georgaklis. D.D.S. p.c.

"TMJ" syndromes can be classified into TMJ Dysfunction Syndromes or Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome. These symptoms should be considered separate and distinct clinical entities.

Temporomandibular joint syndromes have their etiology in the joint itself or in a specific occlusal disorder. Intrinsic joint pathology may be ligamentous, capsular, bony, degenerative, etc. Occlusal disorders associated with temporomandibular joint syndromes generally depend upon the presence of a centric discrepancy causing pterygoid tenderness and pain in the joint itself.

Myofasclal pain syndromes affecting the masticatory musculature are unrelated to the occlusion and are generally not amendable to occlusal therapy. These myofascial pain syndromes are medical entities which can affect single muscles or large muscles anywhere in the body. When myofascial pain becomes spastic, the term Myofascial Pain Dysfunction applies. MPD syndromes are also a psychophysiology condition primarily caused by tension habits that create spasm of the masticatory musculature with resultant occlusal disharmony.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY CHIROPRACTIC BULLETIN

Cervical Myospasm and Its Role as an Etiological Factor in the Development of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

By George C. Georgaklis. D.D.S. p.c.

When presented with the task of identifying the etiological factors responsible for the development of a
TMJ disorder or myofascial pain, the primary goal of the practitioner has traditionally focused on identifying an abnormality or discrepancy in the functioning of the occlusal system. Little or no attention has usually
been directed at identifying patterns of abnormal muscle function in the neck, in spite of the fact that abnormal
cervical muscle functions are known to contribute to, or actually cause a temporomandibular joint dysfunction or myofascial pain syndrome.

While all patients with cervical myopathy do not exhibit temporomandibular joint or myofascial pain dysfunction syndromes, it is essential for the practitioner to appreciate the fact that the potential for the development of such dysfunctions in these patients is always greater than in those patients with normal cervical muscle function.

Occlusal Change Through Orthodontics in TMD Patients

By George Georgaklis, DDS and Clifton Georgaklis, DDS

Although some claim that occlusion has little effect on a healthy TMJ and is not generally a causal factor in TMD, many have made emphatic claims to the contrary. Many orthodontic practices are positioned in the marketplace as providing proven treatment for TMD, yet some patients seem to experience TMD as a consequence of orthodontic treatment.

While existing literature reports that orthodontics can both help and worsen TMD, this paper describes two cases where TMD relief was successfully achieved through orthodontic therapy. More specifically, these cases lend credence to the theory that increasing the vertical dimension and removing retrusive forces on the mandible may help recapture the disc that can be displaced by over-closure of the mandible.

Millennium Smile*

Cosmetic Dentistry Accents Natural Beauty

* This article by Dr. Georgaklis originally appeared in the "San Diego Wedding Pages Bride and Groom Magazine," Winter 1999

For years and generations to come, friends and family will admire your wedding day pictures. They will remark about your beautiful dress, hairstyle and flowers. But what will they say about your smile? Cosmetic Dentistry for your wedding

A bride's smile is one of her most important features. The smile embodies exuberance, personality and confidence. On your wedding day, your feelings are captured forever on film and video and in the memories of your friends and family.

This is one day that you won't want the photographer to prompt you to smile. On this perfect day, you should smile with confidence because so many of your emotions will be communicated through your smile.