TMJ/TMD Therapy – Minot, ND
Our Customized Therapy Stops Chronic Discomfort
When you wake up in the morning, does your jaw seem to hurt for no reason at all? Do you experience popping or clicking in your jaw joints? If these symptoms sound familiar, a comprehensive exam at Souris Valley Dental Group may be the best way to help you find relief. Our dentists are trained to diagnose disorders like TMD, which affects the temporomandibular joints that connect the jawbone to the skull. If you’re tired of chronic jaw discomfort, don’t hesitate to give our dental office a call today to set up an appointment to discuss options for TMJ or TMD therapy in Minot, ND!
Why Choose Souris Valley Dental Group for TMJ/TMD Therapy?
- Comprehensive Cone Beam Scanner Technology
- Personalized Treatments to Relieve Discomfort
- Conveniently Open Five Days a Week
What Is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joints that attach your jaw to your skull as well as the muscles and connective tissues that allow them to make the precise movements necessary for proper chewing and speaking. When these joints are overworked due to dental misalignments, oral injuries, or chronic teeth grinding, they can cause a patient a great deal of discomfort and make it difficult for them to eat and communicate easily. Addressing this issue at our Minot office is often the best way to restore comfort and functionality to your jaw.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorders can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms like:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Lockjaw
- Popping or clicking when moving the jaw
- Earaches or ringing in the ear
- Back or neck pain
- Discomfort when chewing
- Facial pain
- Difficulty moving the mouth
- Change in bite alignment.
Types of TMJ Treatment
When you first arrive, we’ll ask about any symptoms you may be experiencing. We’ll then capture X-rays and cone beam scans in order to capture the most detailed image of your jaw’s current condition. From there, we can confirm if TMD is present and build a treatment plan that addresses your condition at its source.
Occlusal Splint
Another way to relieve stress on the jaw joints is through a customized oral appliance known as an occlusal splint. This device is worn while you sleep and effectively shifts the position of your jaw while also protecting it from grinding or clenching, two habits that can be precursors to TMD. With additional support for the joints and muscles that make up your jaw, you should start to feel relief relatively soon after treatment begins.
Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustment
In some cases, disproportionate stress on the jaw joints can be a result of poorly placed or shaped dental restorations. To resolve this, we can make minor adjustments to these restorations so they keep your bite more even. Alternatively, we can make adjustments to your natural teeth themselves to deliver effective long-term relief. From there, we’ll provide additional tips for managing your jaw discomfort at home and how you can avoid episodes of discomfort.
Treatment with a TENS Machine
TENS is an acronym meaning “transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation,” and TENS machines use small amounts of electricity to stimulate the muscles and nerves attached to the TMJ. This treatment can relieve discomfort and loosen up painfully tense jaw structures, and it also encourages the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals.
BOTOX® for TMJ Treatment
BOTOX injections can sometimes be used to reduce jaw discomfort by temporarily immobilizing tense muscles or preventing teeth grinding. The results of this treatment can last for several months, and most patients can safely receive retreatments as necessary to preserve their comfort.