Treating TMJ & TMD

Providing a Lifetime of Dentistry that Cares

What is TMJ/TMD?

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD or TMJ disorders) are disorders that affect the temporomandibular joints. These are the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull, along with the surrounding muscles and tissues that help the jaw move. TMD can develop for several reasons, including jaw injury, inflammation, arthritis, teeth grinding or clenching, muscle tension, or problems with the joint disc.

TMD can lead to a variety of health issues, which include the following:

  • Bruxism
  • Arthritis
  • Lockjaw
  • Dislocation of the cushioning disc
  • Trouble chewing
  • Swelling
  • Numbness in the face or fingertips
  • Jaw fatigue
  • Fullness or ringing in the ears
  • Face, neck, jaw, and/or shoulder pain

At Brook West Family Dentistry, we are committed to providing our patients with the care and support they need. If you think you may be suffering from TMJ or TMD and would like to schedule an appointment, or if you have any questions, please contact our knowledgeable staff, who will be happy to answer any of your questions.

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Types of TMJ Problems

TMJ disorders are generally classified into three categories:

  1. Myogenous TMJ is the most common problem of TMJ/TMD and involves muscle-related pain that manifests as discomfort in the jaw, neck, or shoulder, and temple. These discomforts are generally noticed most acutely upon waking.
  2. Jaw joint-generated pain is another common problem that results from the internal derangement of the TMJ. This can involve a dislocated jaw or displaced disc within the TMJ, as well as an injury to the condyles.
  3. Degenerative joint disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, is another common degenerative consequence of this disorder.

Many of these issues can be treated with intervention; it is important that you do not let these issues go unchecked for too long.

Treating TMJ & TMD

In a very small number of cases, an individual’s bite may have become so compromised that it will have to be rebuilt using several veneers or crowns, or in some cases, a surgical intervention.

Generally speaking, though, the most common forms of intervention for TMJ and TMD are custom-fit night guards. There are a variety of reasons why wearing a night guard may be beneficial to you. One of the most obvious advantages is that doing so will prevent damage from occurring to your teeth and jaw, and will also improve your overall oral health.

Clenching or grinding your teeth at night can create extreme discomfort and lead to headaches, jaw pain, or general mouth sensitivity. Grinding and clenching can end up causing extreme damage that can be incredibly costly to repair. If a tooth becomes cracked or chipped due to grinding or clenching, there are different tooth replacement options available, including dental bonding, dental crowns, and veneers.

Night guards can bring a great deal of comfort and help keep your teeth and jaw safe while you are sleeping.

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TMJ & TMD with Stress & Anxiety

TMJ and TMD can be caused by blunt trauma to the face or arthritis, but it is believed that the most common cause is related to an individual’s stress and anxiety level. While this has not been scientifically proven, TMJ and TMD clusters are much more common amongst professionals with high-stress careers, such as lawyers, consultants, physicians, etc.

Night Guard Maintenence

It is important to follow best practices when taking care of your night guards. Here is a list of things that you should and should not do.

DO follow these best practices when properly caring for your night guard:

  • Always wash your hands before you touch your night guard
  • Always allow for some drying time before storing your guard
  • Clean your night guard with toothpaste and rinse it with water every night
  • Use an anti-bacterial solution for quick rinses

DO NOT do the following:

  • Do not smoke
  • Do not soak your guard in rubbing alcohol
  • Avoid drinking any beverages at night other than water

Beyond that, be sure that you maintain good dental hygiene practices by brushing and flossing at least twice daily and continue scheduling your dentist appointments every six months.

Associated Costs

As is the case with most dental procedures, what and how much of your procedure will be covered will ultimately be determined by your specific insurance plan. Still, many insurance plans cover night guards, although they may not cover the entire cost of the night guards. If you are not currently covered by an insurance plan, or if you have any questions about payment options, please contact our staff, who will be happy to discuss your options with you.

High Quality Care You Can Trust

At Brook West Family Dentistry, we are committed to building positive, long-standing relationships with our patients. The way we achieve this is by using state-of-the-art technologies, compassionate and carefully planned services, high-quality work, and personalized care that always places the needs of the individual client first. If you would like to meet our team, take a tour of our facilities, or have any questions concerning how to best diagnose or manage TMJ or TMD, please let us know.

Taking steps to address your TMJ or TMD can make a remarkable difference in the quality of life for those struggling with this issue. Scheduling your appointment for night guards or to discuss any questions you have about TMJ or TMD is your first step towards a confident, healthy smile. To begin your journey towards the perfect smile, please contact us at (763) 561-2273.

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Comprehensive Dental Services

We offer comprehensive care for all your dental needs, from dental cleanings to full cosmetic dentistry. We work to improve your smile.

Lumineers In Maple Grove Minnesota at Brook West Family Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

The first thing most people notice about you is your smile. Advances in cosmetic dental care have made it possible for a dentist with the right training, qualifications, and expertise to completely redesign your smile.

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Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are used to address issues like stains, chips, and discolored teeth, and can also improve a crooked tooth or teeth that are at an unwanted length or size. The actual veneers are incredibly thin, custom-made shells that are designed to match the specific color of your teeth and cover the front surface of the selected teeth.

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Dental Implants

Dental implants are the closest replacement to a natural tooth, and they are designed to allow patients to complete their smile and begin chewing and biting like they used to. Dental implants also help maintain the integrity of the jawbone and actively save the jaw from additional bone loss.

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Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry refers to the sedation of a patient during a procedure. There are various forms of sedation that a dentist may choose from, and there are different levels of sedation dentistry.

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