TMJ Therapy – Mankato, MN
Easing Chronic TMJ Pain
TMJ dysfunction, also commonly referred to as TMD, is a serious issue that involves an imbalance and improper function of the two joints that hinge your lower jawbone to your skull, known as the temporomandibular joints. When left unchecked, this issue can put you at a higher risk of experiencing grinding and clenching as you rest, damaged teeth, and other serious problems. That’s why we recommend visiting our dental office for TMJ therapy in Mankato, MN if you’re experiencing any symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.
Why Choose Hyland Dental for TMJ Therapy?
- High-Quality Dental Materials Used
- Dentist with Specialty TMJ Training
- Customized TMJ Therapy
Diagnosis & Treatment
TMJ dysfunction is crucial to diagnose, so you can seek out treatment before permanent harm comes to your mouth. We have several different advanced instruments, like our cone beam CT scanner, that help us view the entire facial structure and make detailed treatment plans to ease our patients’ head, neck, and jaw pain.
Occlusal Splints
Occlusal splints are orthotic guards to help take pressure off of your jaw joints and provide them with much-needed relief as you rest, minimizing your symptoms over time. We offer a unique design of TMD guard for clenching and grinding and have special technology that allows us to measure the clicking and popping that occurs in the jaw. We can even combine certain therapies with orthodontic appliances if your condition is a result of bite misalignment.
TMJ Therapy FAQs
Do you have questions about TMD diagnoses or treatments? Our team at Hyland Dental is happy to help you get the answers you need to find relief. Below, we’ve compiled some of the most common questions we receive from our patients. If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for, please call us directly.
Can TMD be permanently cured?
Minor cases of TMD can work themselves out over time, but if your symptoms are beginning to impact your day-to-day life, visiting a professional for treatment is the only way to relieve your symptoms. While using an occlusal splint each night can help ease tension and stress in the joints, it requires long-term use to cause your symptoms to fade. However, some instances in which your TMD are caused by bite misalignment may require orthodontic treatment like braces to provide you with lasting, permanent relief. It really all depends on the underlying cause of your jaw pain.
Can TMD be treated with braces?
As mentioned above, certain cases of TMD can be treated with orthodontic treatment like clear aligners or traditional braces. However, it all depends on the underlying cause of your jaw pain. If your joints and facial muscles are experiencing additional tension and pressure due to a bite problem like underbite, overbite, or crossbite, orthodontics may be the best solution to providing you with permanent relief.
How long does it take to treat TMD with an occlusal splint?
Occlusal splints are an ongoing therapy to help with TMJ pain and must be worn every night to be effective. Over time, you’ll likely notice that your symptoms diminish as your jaw’s position is continuously corrected as you sleep, but it’s still important to continue wearing it. After about six months, most patients using occlusal splints are able to resolve their discomfort, but this isn’t the case for everyone and depends on the severity of your condition.