Customized Treatment For Jaw Dysfunction
Do you suffer from chronic jaw pain, earaches, or lockjaw that makes it difficult to go about your daily life? Using advanced dental technology, Dr. Mueller can pinpoint the cause of your pain and treat the symptoms of your jaw disorder, called TMJ dysfunction. Based on our findings during our examination, we can work with you to determine what type of TMD therapy with our Sun City West, AZ dentist would be best for your needs.
Why Choose Arizona Smile Design for TMJ/TMD Therapy?
ABLE TO STOP
Chronic Headaches
CUSTOMIZED ORAL
Appliances
TENS MACHINE
Therapy
Diagnosis & Treatment
To obtain an accurate and precise diagnosis, we’ll take digital X-rays of your mouth and facial structure to determine the underlying issues causing your pain. We’ll also ask you some questions to give us an idea of what type of symptoms you’re dealing with. Once we’re able to diagnose the problem, we’ll walk you through each of our treatment plans and work together to decide which one is best for you.
Equilibration/ Occlusal Adjustments
For some patients, the source of their TMJ pain is caused by a misaligned bite that places more pressure on certain areas of their mouth than others. This can be caused by trauma, crooked teeth, or even poorly placed restorations. By finding these trouble spots and readjusting your bite, we can redistribute the force being applied to your jaw joints and ease any strain and discomfort, providing you with lasting relief.
Occlusal Splints
Bruxism, also known as nightly teeth grinding, can have a drastic impact on your facial muscles and jaw joints. Regular and frequent pressure placed on these areas can leave your joints feeling stiff, sore, and overworked. An occlusal splint is a customized oral appliance you can wear to bed to help keep your jaw in a more natural and comfortable position, preventing grinding and reducing the severity of your TMD symptoms.
Treatment with a TENS Machine
We also offer a short-term solution for TMJ pain using our TENS machine. Small electrodes are placed along your jaw area, which will be stimulated with small pulses of electricity that will cause a tingling feeling. This helps ease your pain by keeping the muscles from registering your discomfort and sending it to your brain. We often recommend this for patients who are experiencing pain as they’re undergoing a more long-term solution.