Are you suffering from migraines, frequent headaches, jaw pain, or an aching pain in your face? These are all symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, also known as TMJ or TMD. This condition can make chewing, talking, and other daily activities painful and difficult.

We have a variety of treatment options available at our Lake Leelanau dentistry for our patients who suffer from TMJ. Dr. Dunn and Dr. Siddall provide a complete evaluation the jaw and mouth to determine the best treatment options for each individual patient. As holistic practitioners, we also take into account lifestyle variables like sources of stress that may be exacerbating your condition. You don’t need to keep suffering with headaches and jaw pain!

What Is TMJ?

TMJ is a common abbreviation for Temporomandibular Joint, which is the joint connecting your lower jawbone to the base of your skull. There are a series of complex muscles, joint pads and tendons that help move and protect this joint while it is in motion.

Because this joint is one of the most frequently used in the human body, when it becomes inflamed, it can be extremely painful. Problems and pain associated with the TMJ are often referred to simply as “TMJ” or “TMJ Disorder”.

Symptoms vary, but generally can include:

• Headaches
• Pain and tenderness around your jaw, ears, cheeks and neck
• Migraines
• Stiffness in the jaw
• Earaches
• Painful chewing
• Pain when you yawn
• Locking jaws
• Uncontrolled change of facial expression
• Changes in how the upper and lower teeth fit together

What Causes TMJ?

Many things can contribute to the development of TMJ. Stress can be a factor, as well as anything that can cause tension in the jaw and surrounding muscle groups.

A few common causes can be:

• Grinding teeth or clenching your jaw (also referred to as bruxism)
• Injury to the neck or jaw from a trauma such as an auto accident.
• Improper bite alignment
• Arthritis
• Sleep apnea
• Dislocation or erosion of the joint

Holistic Non-Surgical Treatment Options For TMJ Disorder

Dr. Siddall and Dr. Dunn can assist in managing TMJ disorder and associated conditions with a range of non-invasive services like:

• Custom mouth guards and splints
• Equilibration of your bite (Occlusal equilibration using the latest technology)
• Application of anti-aging cosmetic injectables for muscle relaxation
• Braces and tooth realignment

By preventing the jaw from fully engaging during times of stress or clenching, or correcting the way the teeth bite together – symptoms of TMJ disorder can be erased.

How Can TMJ Treatment Help?

There are many strategies to manage TMJ Disorder. At Lisa Siddall, DDS, Dr. Dunn and Dr. Siddall frequently use anti-aging injection therapy to treat TMJ.

Anti-aging cosmetic injectable medication is usually associated with cosmetic practices, such as reducing crows feet and other facial wrinkles. However, anti-aging injectables have also become an increasingly popular and effective TMJ treatment. Some TMJ symptoms may improve on their own, but using anti-aging injectables offers fast and long-lasting relief for those that do not.

TMJ sufferers may experience these benefits through anti-aging injectables:

• Reduced shoulder and neck pain
• Minimized lockjaw symptoms
• Reduced jaw discomfort when talking, chewing or yawning
• Removal of headaches caused by bruxism
• Reduction in jaw tension

One of the biggest advantages our patients often experience is that normal functions such as biting, swallowing and speaking are left unaffected by the TMJ treatment. The only change is a reduction in the pain and discomfort TMJ disorder can bring.

If you’re suffering from the symptoms of TMJ, give our local Lake Leelanau dental office a call. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about TMJ treatment or any of our other dental services.

A consultation with one of our Lake Leelanau dentists is the perfect way to answer all of your questions and determine if TMJ treatment could be the best solution for your smile and overall wellness!

If you suffer from sleep apnea symptoms, Lisa Siddall, DDS in Lake Leelanau, MI is here to help you get the quiet, restful sleep you deserve!