TMJ/TMD Therapy – Rexburg, ID

Effective Treatment for a Better Life

Do you experience jaw pain or dysfunction? Is it hard to enjoy your favorite meals? You may have TMJ disorder, which is a common issue that affects millions of people. Thankfully, Dr. Snarr and Dr. Crofoot offer TMJ/TMD therapy as a wonderful solution. After examining your mouth and getting to know you, they’ll be able to develop a personalized treatment plan to get you back the function and comfort you deserve. Read on to learn more about TMJ therapy in Rexburg!

Woman smiling outside after TMJ therapy

Why Choose Cornerstone Family Dental for TMJ/TMD Therapy?

In-House Treatment Options Available
Experienced Team of Dentists
State-of-the-Art Technology

Types of TMJ Disorder

Man in blue shirt with hand on left side of face in pain

There are 3 different types of TMJ disorder:

Muscle Disorders

If you’re experiencing pain in the muscles surrounding your jaw joint, it could be the muscles themselves causing the issue. This type of TMJ is by far the most common and you should contact the dentist near you for treatment!

Joint-Derangement Disorders

Compared to the previous type, joint-derangement disorder is a structural problem, not a muscular one. Injury or wear and tear from routine teeth grinding can eventually cause this condition. It’s also possible to experience issues from dislocation/displacement of the articular disc or severe malocclusion.

Degenerative/Inflammatory Joint Disorders

When a joint becomes old or overused, it can begin to degenerate or inflame. While this problem could also be osteoarthritis, it could be rheumatoid arthritis or a perforated TMJ disc. It’s also important to remember that these disorders can happen simultaneously.

Causes of TMJ Disorder

Man with jaw pain and hands on temples

It’s often unknown what truly causes TMJ disorder, however your problems with jaw muscles or jaw joints may result from one or more of these factors:

Tooth loss
A bad “bite”
Physical injury to the head or neck
Grinding or clenching teeth (bruxism)
Jaw misalignment
Arthritis
Consistent stress

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Closeup of man feeling right side of jaw

The most common symptom of TMJ disorder is pain—whether it’s constant or intermittent. You may also notice warning signs like:

Difficulty chewing
Chronic pain in or near your ear
Pain in the face, jaw, neck, or shoulders
Difficulty opening your mouth all the way
Uncomfortable bite
Swelling in your face
Regular head or neck aches
Popping or clicking sounds when opening your mouth

Treatment for TMJ Disorder

No two cases are the same, which is why our treatment options vary. The most common treatment we have to offer is custom-made oral appliances which are worn to reposition the jaw and take force off of your joints/muscles. We may also recommend a nightguard that protects your teeth from grinding while relieving your jaw of pressure. Additionally, stress-relieving activities and a modified diet can help ease your symptoms.

TMJ Disorder FAQs

Although TMJ disorder is fairly common, many people do not know much about it unless they have direct personal experience. Are you suffering from persistent jaw pain and looking for answers? Our knowledgeable staff has collected some of the most common questions about TMJ disorder and answered them below. We hope you find this FAQ section informative!

Without treatment, problems related to the temporomandibular joint can progressively worsen over time. So, if you believe that you may have TMJ disorder, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with our experienced team at Cornerstone Family Dental.

What Is the Difference Between TMJ and TMD?

Don’t feel embarrassed if you were wondering what the difference is between these two similar acronyms. We get this question a lot! TMJ refers specifically to the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull on either side of your head. TMD, meanwhile, stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. There are a whole group of conditions that cause pain or compromise the movement of the jaw joints that fall under the TMD umbrella. Finally, TMJ disorder is often used interchangeably with TMD.

Who Does TMJ Disorder Affect the Most?

According to the National Institutes of Health, estimates suggest over 10 million Americans are affected by TMJ disorder. Although both men and women can experience problems with the temporomandibular joint, women are much more affected overall. In fact, women account for 90% of all those who suffer from TMJ disorder. In addition, although a person of any age can experience TMJ problems, it is most common between the ages of 20 to 40 years old.

If My Jaw Joints Keep Popping, Do I Have TMJ Disorder?

A popping or clicking jaw is a common warning sign of TMJ disorder. However, if your jaw pops whenever you open and close your mouth, it does not necessarily mean that you need TMJ therapy. A popping jaw can also be caused by a variety of other factors, not all of which are serious. The best way to determine if TMJ disorder is causing the popping or clicking sounds coming from your jaw is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Snar or Dr. Crofoot at our office in Rexburg.

Are Migraines Linked to TMJ Disorder?

Although migraine pain is typically felt at the top or side of one’s head, the trouble can sometimes start closer to the temporomandibular joint. The bone, muscles, and tendons of the jaw are interconnected with the upper head. Jaw pain caused by grinding teeth can travel to other places in the skull, causing headaches or even severe migraines. In many cases, receiving treatment from a dental professional for TMJ disorder can help reduce the frequency of painful migraines.

How Long Should I Wear an Oral Appliance?

How long a patient should wear their oral appliance to treat TMJ disorder will vary from individual to individual. While some patients may need to wear it all the time, others can relieve their TMD symptoms by only wearing their oral appliance at night. Your specific TMJ therapy will depend on your jaw alignment and the severity of your disorder. When you come to Cornerstone Family Dental, one of our experienced dentists will carefully evaluate your jaw and create a personalized treatment plan just for you.

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