Bruxism & TMJ Treatment in Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint

Do you experience pain in your jaw joint? Do you hear clicking or popping sounds or have limited jaw movement?

These and other symptoms like bruxism and difficulty opening and closing the mouth are signs of temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. There are numerous reasons why TMD develops—trauma to the jaw joint, arthritis, and chronic teeth grinding and clenching can all contribute to TMJ pain and disorders.

TMJ Pain Relief Customized for Your Needs in Coeur d'Alene

At North Idaho Dental Group, we offer customized treatment plans and an array of therapies to treat symptoms and address the underlying cause. We use nightguards, custom splints, and even BOTOX® therapy to accomplish what really matters to you—getting rid of the pain.

How Do You Treat TMJ Pain?

Living with chronic TMJ pain can be a nightmare and all-consuming for many people. However, there are solutions, and we are committed to helping our patients find the ones that work for them so they can go back to a pain-free life. 

Our TMJ dentists start with an assessment of the jaw joints that may include:

• Examining the TMJs for pain and tenderness
• Checking teeth and jaw alignment
• Examining teeth for uneven surfaces or high fillings
• Testing bite alignment
• Checking for signs of teeth grinding and clenching

Our dentists may also take panoramic x-rays and 3-D cone beam CT scans to better view the TMJ. 

Often, TMJ pain relief is accomplished with a combination of professional treatment and home therapies. TMJ pain treatment at our Coeur d'Alene and Ponderay dental offices may include one or more of the following. 

Occlusal Splints Stabilize Jaw Joints

An occlusal splint is a custom-made dental appliance that supports and stabilizes joints by controlling the position of upper and lower teeth to prevent harmful movement. The splint protects teeth from the damage associated with clenching and grinding and helps to treat the underlying issue therapeutically.

Nightguards Protect Teeth from Grinding and Clenching Near Sandpoint

A nightguard is similar to the mouthguard you wear for sports activities. We use dental impressions to customize a guard worn over the teeth during sleep to protect them from grinding forces, which can be significant. Since the night guard limits the grinding motion, the TMJ also has a chance to rest and recover.

BOTOX Therapy Can Relieve TMJ Pain

Many people don't realize that BOTOX isn't used exclusively for aesthetic reasons; we also recommend it to treat patients who have TMJ pain and have been unresponsive to traditional therapies.

Injecting BOTOX at certain points around the jaw, temple, and forehead limits the movement of jaw muscles and brings pain relief that lasts up to three months.

Home Therapies to Minimize TMJ Pain

Teeth grinding or bruxism can be both a symptom and a cause of TMJ pain and disorder. Taking measures like practicing yoga or meditation to reduce general stress can help minimize grinding and clenching that lead to TMJ pain. 

In some cases, it's highly effective to combine therapeutic measures, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and jaw stretches, with stress-relieving medication. 

Call Us for TMJ Pain Relief, and Get on with Your Life!

We know that TMJ disorders can be painful and disruptive, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution for treating them. Our TMJ dentists in Coeur d'Alene, Ponderay, and Sandpoint will work with you and customize a treatment plan to relieve your pain and discomfort and protect your smile.