TMJ Therapies for Better Living
TMJ is short for the temporomandibular joint. When issues occur with this joint, it can cause a range of disorders known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD for short.
The symptoms of TMD:
- Muscular/facial pain
- Locking of the jaw
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Referred ear pain, fullness or ringing
- Headaches
- Neck pain
TMJ treatment usually involves a conservative therapy plan combined with the use of oral orthotics or “splints.”
In addition to using splints, other therapies for jaw pain treatment may include:
- TMJ appliances
- Platelet-rich fibrin
- Red light therapy
- Trigger point injections
- Myofunctional therapy
- Functional frenuloplasty
TMJ Solutions
TMJ Appliances
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) appliances are custom-made oral devices designed to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders. These appliances help reduce jaw tension, correct bite alignment, and prevent teeth grinding (bruxism), which can contribute to jaw pain, headaches, and muscle strain.
Our TMJ appliances are created to fit comfortably and promote proper jaw function, relieving symptoms such as clicking, popping, and difficulty chewing. Whether you need a night guard to prevent clenching or a splint to support stabilization, we offer personalized solutions to improve your comfort and well-being.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a natural, regenerative treatment that promotes healing and reduces inflammation in patients suffering from TMJ disorders. PRF is derived from your blood, concentrated with growth factors and healing proteins that accelerate tissue repair and reduce pain in the jaw joint.
By injecting PRF into the TMJ area, we stimulate the body’s natural healing response, helping to repair damaged tissues, improve joint mobility, and relieve discomfort caused by inflammation or muscle tension. This minimally invasive, drug-free treatment is ideal for patients looking for long-term relief from TMJ pain without the need for surgery.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that reduces pain and inflammation in the jaw joint by promoting cellular healing and improving blood circulation. This gentle, drug-free therapy helps relax tense muscles, decrease stiffness, and enhance tissue repair, providing relief from TMJ discomfort. Experience the benefits of red light therapy for TMJ—safe, effective, and painless relief.
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections target tight, painful muscle knots in the jaw, providing quick relief from TMJ-related tension and discomfort. During trigger point therapy, we place a long-term muscle relaxer into the tense muscles that require it. This minimally invasive treatment helps relax overactive muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve jaw mobility.
Myofunctional Therapy
Do you struggle with snoring, chewing, jaw pain or tension? If so, you may be a candidate for myofunctional therapy. Myofunctional therapy is a type of physical therapy that targets the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue to improve function and treat Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs). Myofunctional therapy can address a wide variety of issues including:
- Snoring and difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- TMJ pain (Jaw joint and muscle pain)
- Headaches and tension
Myofunctional therapy is individualized for each patient to meet customized goals and improve overall health. These re-education exercises help patients learn proper facial functions to resolve issues sleeping, chewing, speaking, breathing, and more. This non-invasive treatment is a great option for patients looking for a gentle, long-term solution for sleep and overall health.
Functional Frenuloplasty
Sometimes bands of tissue that keep the tongue tethered to the floor of the mouth are too tight and restrict normal movement and function of the tongue. Also called a tongue-tie, these restrictions can cause issues with sleep, swallowing, breathing, jaw and palate development and more. A functional frenuloplasty is an approach to addressing this issue that combines traditional tongue tie release with myofunctional therapy for lasting results.
A frenuloplasty is the release of the tissue bands that restrict movement. Your dental specialist is careful to release the tissues at just the right level for optimal functioning. Myofunctional therapy is undertaken before and after surgery to relearn proper use of the facial muscles so you can enjoy years of good oral and overall health with more restful sleep.
Our office can consult with you to see if you’re a good candidate for functional frenuloplasty. Schedule a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TMD?
TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) is characterized by jaw pain and soreness, constant painful clicking, restricted range of motion, and occasionally headaches or earaches. TMJ issues can range from moderate to severe, and they can be temporary or permanent. Therefore, each patient’s scenario is handled differently when they receive TMJ treatment with Vista Sleep Solutions.
Why Does TMJ Disorder Occur?
There isn’t just one cause of TMJ dysfunction. Different factors may cause stress or dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint. A malocclusion, crooked or misaligned teeth, or orthodontic issues are common in patients who develop TMJ conditions. It gets more challenging to eat, chew, and speak without experiencing pain or discomfort when the jaw joint is constantly under stress and damage.
- Stress: Sometimes the outcome of stress is painful spasms and difficulty moving the jaw
- Bruxism (grinding): Many people clench or grind their teeth while they sleep at night. The joint becomes inflamed as a result of the tremendous strain this uncontrollable movement places on it.
- Displacement or dislocation of the disk: The TMJ or articular disk, which is located between the jawbone and the socket, is susceptible to displacement, dislocation, or injury, which can lead to pain and discomfort.
- Trauma: Any portion of the jaw might become injured, resulting in joint pain.
What Are Common TMJ Disorder Signs & Symptoms?
- A ringing in the ears or earaches
- Pain or strain in the neck, face, or jaw
- Ongoing headaches
- Clicking or popping of the jaw
- Bruxism (tooth grinding) (teeth grinding)
- Having facial or hand numbness
- Teeth with chips or damage
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please come into our TMJ treatment center and speak to us about our jaw pain treatment options.
What is “Regenerative” Therapy?
Regenerative therapy refers to treatments that stimulate the body’s natural healing processes to regenerate damaged or diseased tissues. In the context of dental sleep medicine and TMJ treatment, regenerative therapy may involve the use of techniques such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or stem cell therapy to promote tissue repair and regeneration.
Can’t I Just Use a Night Guard?
While a night guard may be helpful for some patients with TMJ disorders or bruxism, it may not be effective for those with sleep apnea or more severe TMJ dysfunction. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual case.
Can I Use the Things They Sell in the Drugstore or on Amazon?
The over-the-counter appliances sold in drugstores or online may not be effective or safe for everyone.
When Will I Get Better?
The time it takes to see improvement will vary depending on the individual case and the severity of the condition. We provide you with a personalized treatment plan and timeline for improvement.
How Often Will I Have to Come in for an Appointment?
The frequency of appointments will depend on the treatment plan and the individual case. Our office will provide you with a recommended schedule for follow-up appointments.
Will My Insurance Cover Any of the Cost?
Insurance coverage for dental sleep medicine and TMJ treatment varies depending on the insurance provider and plan. Our office will work with you to help determine your coverage. Our office has payment plans or financing options available for out-of-pocket costs.
Meet Your TMJ Solutions Doctor
