CMD - TMJ Treatment: The DROS Approach in Markt Indersdorf

DROS® splint therapy for temporomandibular joint treatment in Markt Indersdorf, Dachau District

Many patients come to our CMD dental practice in Markt Indersdorf with head, facial, or jaw pain. An examination often reveals that the functional interaction within the masticatory system is disrupted: the upper and lower jaws do not align harmoniously, teeth may be worn down or shortened, and as a result, the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints are subjected to abnormal stress.

Such disorders of the masticatory system are collectively referred to as CMD—craniomandibular dysfunction.

In addition to a “malocclusion,” psycho-emotional stress in particular can trigger or exacerbate symptoms. Many people react to stress by unconsciously grinding or clenching their teeth (bruxism), often at night. This can exert considerable force on the teeth, muscles, and temporomandibular joints.

This can lead to tension and pain in the masticatory, facial, and head muscles. Through neuromuscular interactions, symptoms may then occur in the neck, shoulder, and back areas. Headaches and migraines, as well as symptoms affecting the ears (tinnitus) and face (trigeminal neuralgia), may also be related to TMD.

Functional Analysis at Our Dental-Lounge Dental Practice in Markt Indersdorf

Using a dental functional analysis, we determine whether there is a problem with chewing function and whether appropriate dental functional therapy is warranted.

The goal of treatment is to relax the overworked muscles, reduce malfunctions in the way the teeth interact, and achieve a physiological, stable position of the lower jaw.

Diagnosis and Treatment of CMD Using the^{DROS® Splint}

In our practice, we use DROS® splint therapy to diagnose and treat functional disorders. It is based on a functional diagnostic and therapeutic approach with standardized procedures.

The established treatment plan provides both us, as the treating dental practice, and our patients with clear guidance throughout the individual phases of treatment. Treatment typically lasts about seven to ten weeks.

The treatment focuses on a custom-fitted upper jaw bite splint.

DROS stands for Diagnosis – Relaxation – Orientation – Stabilization.

DROS-I Splint: During the first phase of treatment, the DROS® splint is used to identify problematic tooth-to-tooth contacts between the upper and lower jaws. At the same time, it relieves pressure on and relaxes the strained masticatory muscles.