TMJ Treatment

TMJ Overview

The Temporomandibular Joints connect the jaw to the skull to open and close the mouth in a sliding hinge motion. TMJD refers to a disorder of the temporomandibular joint. Below are the causes, symptoms and TMJ treatment options

Causes

  • Mouth breathing
  • Headaches
  • Neck pain
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn
  • TMJ pain
  • Thumb/Finger sucking
  • Nail-biting
  • A routine habit of resting with the lips apart

Symptoms can include:

  • Pain of different qualities, frequencies, and severity
  • Inability or difficulty opening the mouth
  • Pain, difficulty, or discomfort chewing
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations in the joint
  • Jaw ‘locking’, making it hard to open and close the mouth
  • Headache and muscular tension
  • An uneven or uncomfortable bite
  • Ear ringing, popping, or stuffiness

TREATMENTS

There are many different successful approaches to treat TMJD, all dependent on an individual patient’s needs. At Dexter Dental Studio, we offer the following treatments for TMJD:

  • Botox
  • Supplements
  • Custom Bite Splints
    Dexter Dentists

    Botox

    Our office offers Botox as a treatment for muscular tension contributing to TMJD. Muscular dysfunction around the TMJ can contribute to dysfunction of the joint, increasing tension headaches. Botox blocks nerve signals that cause muscle movement and reduces or eliminates facial pain by allowing the muscles to stay relaxed. Results can be felt 3-5 days post-treatment and can last for approximately 3 months. 

     This treatment can assist in re-educating muscles. After 2-3 treatments, for many patients, the muscles do not retain the old tension patterns that contributed to clenching and grinding.

    Supplements

    We offer a specific blend of nutritional supplements from Standard Process, a supplement company focused on quality formulations. These specialized supplements support bone and joint health. Supplements are dependent upon the specific symptoms and causes of TMJD and communication with a primary care physician is encouraged if additional supplements and prescriptions are in use.

    Custom Bite Splints

    Custom bite splints are available using our photo scanner (no more messy molds!) and 3-D printer. The 3-D printer allows us to provide the bite splint without the additional wait time of a third-party lab!

    Dexter Dental - Dentists in Dexter

    What to Expect Dexter Dental Studio

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    Mission

    We are dedicated to enriching our community by providing top dental care. Dexter Dental is a full-service dental office from bi-annual visits, restorative dental care, or complete dental care.

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    Vision

    Our vision is to offer exceptional dental care that goes beyond your typical dental office. We listen to your overall health goals to implement a plan that includes your total health.

    Ready to schedule an appointment?

    Services

    Monday - Thursday: 8am - 5pm
    Friday: 9am - 2pm

    Contact

    (734) 426-8360

    [email protected]

    7300 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd
    Suite #300
    Dexter, Michigan 48130

    Dexter Dental Studio

    Our office and procedures are designed to reduce the stress of dental visits. We provide calm, kind, nonjudgemental, and compassionate care.