77 Westport Plaza Dr.
Suite 205, St. Louis, MO 63146

Restore Comfort with Expert TMJ Treatment in St. Louis, MO

If you’re living with jaw pain and discomfort, Smiles by Choice is your premier destination for expert TMJ treatment in St. Louis, MO. Our dedicated team of dental professionals understands the impact of jaw pain and discomfort on your daily life. With our specialized expertise, we provide personalized solutions to restore your comfort and bring relief.

So, don’t let TMJ hold you back any longer – take the first step towards lasting relief by scheduling your consultation today.

Understanding TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders can significantly impact your quality of life by causing pain and discomfort, affecting your eating, speaking, and sleeping ability. Therefore, it is essential to clearly understand TMJ disorders to recognize the symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.
What are TMJ Disorders

What Are TMJ Disorders?

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders refer to a range of conditions involving this joint and its surrounding muscles. Some common TMJ disorders include:

  • Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD): This is a broad term encompassing various conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles.
  • Bruxism: The habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, which can strain the TMJ and lead to discomfort.
  • Malocclusion: Misalignment of the teeth or jaw can cause stress on the TMJ and result in symptoms.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders can manifest in a variety of ways. It is crucial to be aware of the following symptoms:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Facial pain or discomfort
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint
  • Limited jaw movement or locking of the jaw
  • Tooth sensitivity or toothaches
  • Neck, shoulder, or back pain

The Smiles by Choice Difference

When you choose Smiles by Choice to address TMJ disorders, you can expect the following:

Dr. First and Dr. Timm are dental professionals specializing in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. They stay updated with the latest advancements in TMJ treatment to provide the best care possible.

We have an in-depth understanding of TMJ disorders, their underlying causes, and the most effective treatment methods. This expertise allows us to accurately diagnose your condition and develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs.

We understand that dealing with TMJ disorders can be stressful and overwhelming. Our team is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where you can feel at ease throughout your treatment journey.

Comprehensive Evaluation

Our thorough evaluation process ensures that we get to the root cause of your TMJ disorder. In addition, we use advanced diagnostic techniques, such as the following: 

  • Physical examination of the jaw and facial muscles
  • X-rays or imaging studies to evaluate the TMJ
  • Bite analysis and occlusal evaluation
  • Assessment of jaw movement and function

Tailored Treatment Options for Your TMJ Relief

Once a diagnosis is established, we will provide a personalized treatment plan to address your unique symptoms, concerns, and goals. We consider the severity of your condition, overall oral health, and lifestyle to create a plan that works best for you. Treatment options may include:

  • Lifestyle modifications: Stress reduction techniques, dietary changes, and relaxation exercises.
  • Occlusal splints or nightguards: Custom-fitted oral appliances to prevent teeth grinding and alleviate jaw tension.
  • Physical therapy: Special exercises to improve jaw function and strengthen the supporting muscles.
  • Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or muscle relaxants to manage pain and inflammation.
  • Dental adjustments or orthodontic treatment: Correcting bite misalignment or malocclusion to alleviate TMJ stress.
  • Restorative dentistry: In severe cases, crowns, bridges, or other restorative procedures will be implemented to restore proper bite alignment.

FAQs

While general dentists can provide initial evaluations and basic TMJ care, you may benefit from seeing a specialist such as a prosthodontist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or a dentist specializing in orofacial pain. These specialists have advanced training and expertise in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, ensuring you receive specialized care tailored to your needs.

In many cases, TMJ disorders can be effectively managed, and symptoms can be significantly reduced without the need for surgery.

Non-surgical treatments, such as lifestyle modifications, oral appliances, physical therapy, and medications, often relieve pain and improve jaw function. However, treatment success depends on various factors, including the severity of the condition and individual response to therapy.

Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help prevent further damage and reduce the likelihood of permanent consequences. Regular follow-ups and adherence to recommended self-care practices are crucial for maintaining oral health and managing TMJ symptoms effectively.

Transform Your Life with Effective TMJ Treatment Today

Smiles by Choice’s expert TMJ treatment in St. Louis, MO, is designed to address your unique symptoms, concerns, and goals. Our compassionate team will guide you through the process, develop a tailored treatment plan, and support you toward optimal oral health and restored comfort.

If you want to reclaim your life from TMJ symptoms, contact Smiles by Choice now and experience the transformative power of our TMJ treatment.