With Greenland Advanced Oral Care, you can find relief and improve your sleep quality with our TMJ Specialists in Grand Rapids, MI. Discover expert solutions tailored to your unique needs—because your comfort is our priority.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorders often cause discomfort in the cheek, jaw, or ear areas and can affect normal jaw function.
Throughout all the stress that we put our joints through, patients may not realize that the soreness or pain they are experiencing in their jaw or ears may be due to stresses on their temporomandibular joint.
In less severe cases TMJ disorders can be treated with self-managed care (eating soft foods, using ice packs, avoiding extreme jaw movement) or nonsurgical treatments.
TMJ conditions fall into three main categories:
- Myofascial pain – discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw function (grinding teeth can result in this type of TMJ disorder)
- Internal derangement of the joint – a possible indicator of a displaced disc, dislocated jaw, or injury to the condyle
- Arthritis – a degenerative inflammatory disorder
Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders are frequently intensified by stress and can include:
- Headaches
- Soreness in the cheek or jaw area
- Pain in or around the ears
- Facial pain
- Tight jaws
- Popping or clicking sounds when opening mouth
- Locking of the jaw
- Difficulty chewing
What is TMJ Treatment/Sleep Medicine?
TMJ Treatment (also known as sleep medicine) focuses on alleviating pain and improving the function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders can cause pain in the jaw, ears, or face and make everyday actions like eating or speaking uncomfortable.
Our treatments also address sleep issues such as teeth grinding and clenching, often associated with TMJ problems. Through expert care and customized solutions, we aim to restore function and enhance your quality of life.
Why Choose Greenland Advanced Oral Care?
Expertise You Can Trust
Our team is composed of highly trained specialists ready to provide compassionate, tailored care. With a commitment to advanced technology and personalized solutions, we ensure every treatment is as effective as it is comfortable.
Comprehensive Care in One Place
We offer a full range of TMJ and sleep medicine solutions, from custom-fitted appliances to expert guidance on managing symptoms. Everything is designed with your well-being in mind.
A Patient-Centric Approach
Your comfort matters. We take the time to explain every step of your treatment plan, offering reassurance and support to make your experience stress-free and effective.
Procedures Offered
Custom Oral Appliances
We create custom-fitted night guards and stabilizing splints to reduce stress on the TMJ. These acrylic appliances, which patients typically wear at night, help alleviate pain caused by grinding or clenching teeth. They’re easy to use and provide a noninvasive solution for TMJ discomfort.
Botox Therapy
For more severe TMJ cases, Botox injections can relax overactive jaw muscles and reduce pain. This minimally invasive procedure enhances quality of life by directly addressing muscle tension.
Arthritis Management
If your TMJ issues stem from arthritis, we provide treatments and strategies to manage inflammation and reduce pain. Through careful evaluation, we explore options like anti-inflammatory medication or targeted therapies.
Signs You Need TMJ Treatment
Chronic Jaw Pain
Constant soreness in your jaw could indicate undue stress on the TMJ. This discomfort may worsen with movements such as chewing, speaking, or yawning.
Frequent Headaches
Headaches, particularly around your temples or forehead, might be related to TMJ issues. This symptom may result from jaw clenching or teeth grinding.
Pain Around the Ear
Discomfort in or near your ear—often mistaken for ear infections—can signal TMJ dysfunction. This may occur with jaw movement or persist as a dull ache.
Facial Tightness or Limited Jaw Movement
Feeling tightness across your face or experiencing difficulty opening and closing your mouth could suggest TMJ-related muscle or joint problems.
Clicking or Popping Sounds
If your jaw clicks or pops when you chew or speak, it might be due to joint misalignment. Left untreated, this symptom could lead to more severe complications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Medicine/TMJ Treatment
What causes TMJ disorders?
TMJ disorders have various contributing factors, including stress, teeth grinding, arthritis, injury, or joint misalignment.
Can TMJ disorders go away on their own?
Mild cases may improve with self-management techniques, but persistent symptoms often require professional treatment to avoid long-term issues.
Are oral appliances comfortable?
Yes, we custom-design each appliance to fit your mouth perfectly, ensuring both comfort and effectiveness.
Does insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Coverage depends on your insurance provider. Our team can assist you in understanding your benefits and options.
How long does treatment take?
The duration varies depending on the severity of your condition, but many patients notice improvement within weeks of starting treatment.
Can TMJ issues affect my sleep?
Yes, TMJ disorders often lead to teeth grinding or clenching, which can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling fatigued.
Is Botox safe for TMJ treatment?
Yes, Botox is a safe and minimally invasive option for reducing jaw muscle tension and associated pain.
What’s the first step in getting treatment?
The first step is scheduling an evaluation with our team. We'll assess your symptoms and discuss a personalized treatment plan.
Contact Greenland Advanced Oral Care
Take the first step toward relief from TMJ discomfort and better sleep. Call Greenland Advanced Oral Care at 616-256-8770 to schedule your consultation today. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities!