TMJ treatments

TMJ Treatments in Stillwater, MN

Woman experiencing toothache pain, holding her cheek in discomfort while touching the affected area

A temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can cause pain and inflammation in your jaw joint. This issue can be unpleasant and negatively affect the quality of your life. Fortunately, there are available TMJ treatments in Stillwater, MN, to help relieve your discomfort.

What is a TMJ Disorder?

A TMJ disorder is the condition of the temporomandibular joint, which is necessary to move your jaw in order to chew, consume, speak, yawn, and other functions. This joint is where your lower jaw meets the base of your skull. The TMJ disorder refers to a collection of over 30 issues that impact the jaw joint’s ability to move and function. These ailments may result in pain, jaw joint and muscle stiffness, and a clicking sound when you move your jaw.

Types of TMJ Disorder

The different TMJ problems can be categorized into two types, each has distinct symptoms. You may have one or both of these categories at the same time.

1. Disorders of the Jaw Joint

Bone deterioration and disc problems are disorders that lead to joint discomfort. A disc issue can happen when the disc that cushions your jaw joint is positioned incorrectly. Degenerative joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis can also cause damage to the jaw joint and dysfunction.

2. Disorders of the Jaw Muscles

This type of TMJ disorder involves problems with the muscles that help open and close the jaw joint and are also used for chewing. Disorders of the jaw muscles can cause localized pain and radiating pain that can spread to your head, neck, shoulder, or other facial regions. 

Different TMJ Disorder Treatments

1. Non-Surgical TMJ Disorder Treatments

Options for non-surgical treatments include the following:

  • Mouth guards – These are oral appliances that can reposition your jaw or lessen the effects of teeth grinding or help balance out your bite. Dr. Cody can make a custom-made mouth guards to improve your facial muscle tension and jaw pain.
  • Physiotherapy – It includes TMJ exercises that strengthen the muscles surrounding your jaw joints and to expand your jaw.
  • Injections – This may involve dry needling or injecting controlled dosage of botulinum toxin or corticosteroids to the jaw’s muscle knots.

Relief from Jaw Pain and Discomfort

For TMJ Treatments in Stillwater, MN, Lift Dental has a TMJ specialist to help you. With a thorough consultation and evaluation, we can help determine the best treatments to help relieve your TMJ disorder.

Call our office today at 651-439-4945 to learn more or book an appointment for your initial consultation.

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