TMJ and Bruxism Treatment

Dealing with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can be more than an inconvenience; for many, it's a source of chronic pain and discomfort that impacts every aspect of daily life. At Skyway Dental Clinic, we understand the pervasive nature of TMJ problems and how they can undermine your overall health and well-being, and we are committed to providing empathetic and effective treatment for our patients.

Understanding TMJ Disorders (TMD)

The temporomandibular joints on each side of your jaw are crucial for essential functions like speaking, chewing, and yawning. These complex joints can become damaged or inflamed due to injury, arthritis, bruxism (teeth grinding), or misalignment of the teeth or jaw.

When these joints are not functioning correctly, it can lead to a temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which encompasses a range of conditions affecting the joints and the muscles that control jaw movement.

Recognizing TMD Symptoms

Symptoms of TMD can vary greatly but often include:

• Persistent pain or tenderness in the jaw area
• Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
• Aching pain around the ear
• Chronic face, neck, or shoulder pain
• Migraine headaches 
• Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close the mouth
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth

Diagnosing TMD starts with a detailed examination at Skyway Dental. Our dentists look for signs of wear, assess jaw movement, and listen to your experience of symptoms. We may also use digital x-rays, cone beam CT scans (CBCT), and other advanced imaging techniques to get a clear picture of your jaw joints.

Once we have a diagnosis, we offer a variety of therapies to address your specific needs. Treatment plans are personalized and may include the following:

Bite Adjustment — Correcting bite alignment to reduce stress on the TMJs.
Occlusal Splints or Nightguards — Used to alleviate stress on the jaw joints and minimize bruxism (teeth grinding), which can exacerbate TMD.
Physical Therapy — Exercises to strengthen jaw muscles and improve joint function.
BOTOX® Injections — An innovative approach that can relieve jaw tension by relaxing the muscles surrounding the TMJs to alleviate pain.

Each patient’s journey toward TMJ pain relief is unique, and our experienced team is here to create a plan that’s as individual as you are.

TMJ Pain Relief in Downtown Minneapolis

Living with TMJ disorder doesn't have to be a permanent struggle. At Skyway Dental Clinic, your relief is our priority. We combine a compassionate approach with leading-edge treatment options to offer you the TMJ pain relief you've been seeking.

Whether it's BOTOX therapy or a custom-fitted oral appliance, we have the tools and expertise to make your TMJ problems a thing of the past. Call our North Loop Minneapolis dental office at (612) 338-4122 to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward reclaiming your comfort and quality of life.