What Is the Best Way to Treat TMJ/TMD?

TMJ/TMD is a common disorder, yet it affects patients in all different ways. While some individuals may experience obvious symptoms like jaw pain, clicking, or popping, others may have more subtle signs of TMJ such as migraines or back pain. Patients come into our office experiencing all these symptoms and more, and are looking for the best way to treat TMJ and find relief from their daily pain.

At Moorkamp & Arthur Family Dentistry, we recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating TMJ/TMD. Every patient is unique. That’s why we’ve chosen to adopt a health-centered approach for TMJ treatment here at our Rolla dental office. We base treatment on your individual needs and consider all aspects of your health. We treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.

Below, we’ve provided some information about TMJ Disorder, possible symptoms, and our treatment process.

Understanding TMJ Disorder & How It Affects Your Health

TMJ disorder, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is a condition affecting the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. The Temporomandibular Joint is located in the place where your jaw meets your skull, right in front of your ears. When this joint doesn’t function right, it can cause pain in your jaw, face, and even around your back, neck, and shoulders.

How Do I Know If I Have TMJ?

The only way to know for certain if you have TMJ/TMD is to obtain a diagnosis from a healthcare professional. However, there are some warning signs you can watch out for. Common symptoms include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Difficulty chewing
• A clicking or popping sound when you move your jaw
• Jaw getting stuck open or closed

You can think of TMJ Disorder as being almost like a door hinge that isn’t moving smoothly—sometimes it sticks, makes noise, or causes problems when you try to use it.

So, what causes this troublesome condition? TMJ Disorder can be caused by various factors including jaw injury, arthritis, misaligned teeth, a bad bite, or even stress, which may cause you to clench or grind your teeth.

Treatment Options for TMJ/TMD

Dr. Stephen Moorkamp, DDS, and Dr. Charlie Arthur, DDS are highly proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ Disorders and have both been trained extensively in this area of Dentistry. We treat TMD/TMJ using a variety of methods such as bite splints, teeth refittings, crowns, orthodontics, or on rare occasions, surgery on the joint itself. We prefer to use minimally invasive procedures with our patients, such as bite splints and teeth refittings, but are equipped to perform all types of treatments.

Our Treatment Process

At Moorkamp & Arthur Family Dentistry, we are able to provide a wide range of treatment options for individuals suffering from TMD/TMJ Disorder. After we perform a detailed exam and gather information about your history of health, we will be able to provide you with a proper diagnosis and create a treatment plan that is specially crafted just for you.

Bite Splint Therapy

The majority of our TMJ patients undergo bite splint therapy at some point in their treatment. This is a minimally invasive, therapeutic process that is designed to not only reduce your pain and symptoms but also protect your teeth and jaw joints.

The type of device that we use is known as a Tanner-Type bite splint. The Tanner-Type bite splint is an orthotic designed to position the bite in a fully-seated joint position which stops muscles from firing when patients clench or grind their teeth. Throughout the course of therapy, we take detailed bite records and adjust the device as needed during follow-up visits. Treatment with the Tanner-Type bite splint usually lasts around six months. First, we take impressions of the upper and lower dental arches and face bow registration then document the centric relation occlusion. This data is analyzed and interpreted by our Dentists, who utilize it to customize your treatment.

Both Dr. Stephen Moorkamp, DDS, and Dr. Charlie Arthur, DDS have studied the workings and treatment philosophy of Henry Tanner, the person after whom this splint was named. Additionally, Dr. William Moorkamp, DDS of Moorkamp & Arthur Family Dentistry participated in a study club in which Dr. Tanner was the mentor and has passed on his knowledge and insights to our team. Our Dentists are active participants in this very same study club and are constantly advancing their knowledge regarding the most current and advanced TMJ treatments available today.

Find Relief from Your TMJ Pain

If you’re searching for a TMJ Dentist in Rolla who can help you find relief from your pain and symptoms, we encourage you to contact our office. Call (573) 364-1345 to schedule your appointment.