Leland TMJ Dentist
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Relieve jaw pain with our comprehensive TMJ therapies
Chronic jaw pain can negatively impact just about every aspect of your daily life. With a long list of potential symptoms and varying degrees of severity, TMJ can range from unpleasant to debilitating. But we can help.
Dr. Kristin Main and her team at Main Family Dental offer highly effective and holistic treatments to patients suffering from TMJ disorders. With our high-tech therapies, we’ll help you relieve your symptoms to improve your health and overall quality of life.
Book a consultation today to visit our TMJ experts and get the help you need.
What is TMJ
TMJ is a temporomandibular disorder that can cause chronic jaw and muscle pain. The temporomandibular joints connect your jawbone to your skull, effectively acting as a hinge that allows you to open and close your mouth. The bones involved in these joints are protected by cartilage and a small disc that absorbs shock. TMJ can occur when the cartilage or disc erodes or becomes damaged.
Some common symptoms of TMJ include:
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Headaches
- Pain in or around the ears
- Locking of the joint when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
TMJ FAQs
What causes TMJ?
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Arthritis
- Dislocation of the joint
- Stress
- Genetics
- Cumulative or traumatic injury
- Misaligned bite
Can TMJ be cured permanently?
Yes. Some TMJ disorders are severe and stubborn. But with the right treatments, we can help you relieve your pain and related symptoms.
Does TMJ ever go away on its own?
In some cases, TMJ pain will eventually improve on its own. However, many forms of TMJ will simply worsen over time or return after a period of relief. If you recognize symptoms, it’s always a good idea to visit a TMJ dentist to get an evaluation.
Can TMJ contribute to other oral health problems?
Yes. If left untreated, TMJ can lead to other health issues including tooth erosion, sleep apnea, insomnia, and depression.
“Main Family Dental is very professional, caring, on time, and makes you feel very comfortable. My experience was one of the best ever. Especially since I’m one that is a nervous wreck when it comes to seeing a dentist. I now look forward to going. You can know that you are in good hands.”
— Ann
“Great visit at Main Family Dental. Dr. Main was thoughtful, thorough, and helpful. The whole staff was fantastic, cheerful, and professional. I had great fears of a tooth problem. An hour after a quick, pain-free visit, I think I'm fixed. No more sensitivity.”
— Todd
“These guys are great! Professional, courteous, and a great atmosphere! Each step of the process was explained in layman’s terms. Dr. Main and the entire staff are phenomenal!!”
— Brandon
“Will insurance cover my visit?”
Treatment of TMJ disorders is considered to be medically necessary, and therefore will be covered by most medical and dental insurance plans. You can also take advantage of our annual savings plan, which includes 2 cleanings, all x-rays, an emergency visit, as well as a 10% discount on all treatments.
We also offer flexible payment options! We accept CareCredit and offer low-interest financing through Sunbit. Call us at (910) 371-0966 for more information.
TMJ treatments for optimal wellness
At Main Family Dental, we see patients suffering from TMJ pain every day. If you’re experiencing jaw pain or soreness, Dr. Main will perform a comprehensive exam and take any necessary x-rays to diagnose the problem. From there, she will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan.
We take a whole-body approach and offer a variety of innovative TMJ treatments.
Myoaligners
When the jaw is misaligned, it can place excessive pressure on your TMJ, leading to pain and discomfort. Myoaligners are designed to apply gentle and continuous pressure to the teeth and jaw, gradually moving them into the correct position. By realigning the jaw, myoaligners help reduce this pressure and alleviate the symptoms associated with TMJ disorders.
ULF TENS
ULF TENS is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment for TMJ disorders. It involves stimulating the nerves in the affected area with low-frequency electrical impulses, which can increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. We often recommend this therapy in combination with other treatments like orthotics or NTI guards for more effective pain relief.
Orthotics
Orthotics are a modern treatment for reducing TMJ disorder symptoms. These custom-made appliances redistribute pressure on the teeth and jaw to relieve pain and discomfort and can improve jaw alignment to reduce stress on the TMJ.
NTI guards
NTI guards are custom-made appliances that fit over the front teeth and prevent the back teeth from touching to reduce clenching and grinding while you sleep. We’ll evaluate your situation and determine if an NTI guard is the best option to address your unique situation.
Our Office
Hours
Mon: Closed
Tues: 7:30am-3:30pm
Wed: 7:30am-3:30pm
Thur: 7:30am-3:30pm
Fri: 7:30am-1:30pm