TMJ Treatment
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD) is a complex condition that causes pain, inflammation, and discomfort around the jaw joints, located just below the ears. These joints are among the hardest working in the human body, allowing movement in multiple directions: up and down, side to side, and front to back.
When your jaw joints become overworked due to a misaligned bite—a condition known as malocclusion—it can lead to a wide range of painful and disruptive symptoms.
Common Symptoms
If you suffer from any combination of the following symptoms, you may benefit from TMJ treatment at our Moore County dental office:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding noises in the jaw
- Jaw locking or difficulty moving the jaw
- Facial pain
- Neck, shoulder, or upper back pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Earaches or ear pressure
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding noises in the jaw
- Jaw locking or difficulty moving the jaw
- Facial pain
- Neck, shoulder, or upper back pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Earaches or ear pressure
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
Our Moore County TMJ & airway specialist Dr. Mandy Grimshaw, has extensive training in neuromuscular dentistry, which focuses on diagnosing and treating misaligned bites to restore harmony between the teeth, jaw joints, and muscles. With advanced technology and a patient-centered approach, we can provide relief from pain and help you regain full jaw function.
TMJ Diagnosis
TMJ/TMD often stems from trauma, tooth loss, decay, periodontal disease, or ongoing stress on the jaw joints. A misaligned bite forces your jaw joints to overcompensate, leading to chronic pain, inflammation, and tension. Many TMJ sufferers also experience poor sleep due to clenching or grinding their teeth during the night.
Diagnostic Tools
At Kuhn Dental Associates, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to pinpoint the exact location and severity of your jaw misalignment. Our tools include:
- K7 Evaluation System
This advanced system tracks jaw movement, muscle tension, and joint sounds. It allows us to precisely analyze how your jaw functions and identify areas of dysfunction.
- TENS Therapy
Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) uses gentle electrical pulses to relax the jaw muscles, relieving pain and preparing your jaw for further evaluation.
- K7 Evaluation System
This advanced system tracks jaw movement, muscle tension, and joint sounds. It allows us to precisely analyze how your jaw functions and identify areas of dysfunction. - TENS Therapy
Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) uses gentle electrical pulses to relax the jaw muscles, relieving pain and preparing your jaw for further evaluation.
With these tools, Dr. Grimshaw can create a highly accurate diagnosis and develop a customized treatment plan to address your specific TMJ concerns.
TMJ Treatment in Moore County, NC
The first step in treating TMJ is to relieve pain and discomfort while correcting the underlying misalignment. Dr. Grimshaw often recommends custom-fitted oral appliances, also known as orthotics or oral splints.
Benefits of Oral Appliances
These devices help:
- Align the jaw into its optimal position.
- Prevent teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching.
- Reduce pressure on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles.
Orthotic therapy is typically worn for three to six months, during which time we closely monitor your progress.
Long-Term Treatment Options
For long-term relief, Dr. Grimshaw may recommend additional treatments to permanently realign your bite, such as:
- Dental Crowns
Restoring worn or damaged teeth to improve bite alignment. - Porcelain Veneers
Enhancing tooth shape and size for better function. - Orthodontics
Invisalign® or ClearCorrect clear aligners to straighten teeth and align the bite. - Restorative Dentistry
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants, bridges, or dentures to restore balance to your jaw.
Each treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you receive the most effective and least invasive solutions to address your TMJ symptoms.
Advanced Technology for TMJ Treatment
At Kuhn Dental Associates, we leverage the latest dental technology to ensure precise diagnoses and successful outcomes. Some of the tools we use include:
- K7 Evaluation System: Measures jaw function and muscle tension.
- TENS Therapy: Relaxes overworked jaw muscles.
- Digital Imaging: Provides detailed views of your jaw joints and bite alignment.
- Custom Orthotics: Designed to realign your bite and relieve pain.
By combining innovative technology with compassionate care, our Moore County dental team helps patients achieve lasting relief from TMJ pain.
Benefits of TMJ Treatment
Effective TMJ treatment not only alleviates pain but also improves your overall quality of life. Some of the benefits include:
- Relief from chronic headaches, neck pain, and facial tension.
- Improved jaw function and mobility.
- Reduced jaw clicking, popping, and locking.
- Better sleep quality by addressing nighttime clenching and grinding.
- Prevention of long-term joint damage and tooth wear.
Patients often report significant improvements in their day-to-day comfort, allowing them to eat, speak, and smile with ease.
Contact Our Moore County TMJ Dentists
If you are experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or other TMJ-related symptoms, don’t wait to seek treatment. Dr. Mandy Grimshaw and the team at Kuhn Dental Associates are here to provide expert TMJ care using advanced diagnostics and proven treatment methods.
Call our Moore County dental office today at (910) 692-4450 to schedule a consultation, or fill out our online contact form to request an appointment. Relief from TMJ pain is within reach—let Kuhn Dental Associates help you restore comfort and function to your jaw.
