| Dr. Ronald WidenTMJ / TMD Diagnosis
Since there is no formal designation of a TMJ specialist it is important to find a dentist that is an expert in TMJ treatment, like Dr. Ronald Widen. Dr. Widen is a member of the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics and continues to take classes in TMD treatment to benefit his guests. Dr. Ron Widen is a general dentist who uses state-of-the-art technology to help determine your TMJ diagnosis and to help determine if your symptoms are caused by a malocclusion and if so, will help find your optimal jaw position to relieve your pain by using orthopedic principles of rehabilitation .
Dr. Widen uses a K-7 computerized jaw tracking instrument to record jaw movement, resting position, and path of closure. Once we have this initial information we can compare new data to these findings to see improvement after treatment.
Electromyography is used to measure your jaw’s muscle function in both its stressed and relaxed positions and will also measure the jaw-to-skull relationship to see if there is a structural imbalance. The K-7 allows us to see the activity of the muscles and see if they are hyperactive. Besides looking for calm muscles we also look for symmetrical readings within the muscle groups. Sonography is used to record jaw joint sounds to detect any abnormalities like clicking and popping and crepitus. Additionally, x-rays or an MRI of the jaw may be ordered to help evaluate the condition and positioning of the joint.
Dr. Widen now uses the technologically advanced OccluSense® bite analyzer which allows the recording of the biting forces in 256 pressure levels. The thin and flexible sensor permits the recording of how your teeth come together and shows if your bite is balanced. See Dr. Widen using the Occlusense below.
Occlusense bite analyzer
There are 2 phases to the treatment of TMJ disorders. Click on Phase 1 below to learn the first phase of treatment.