TMJ Treatment / Teeth Grinding

TMJ disorder is a condition characterized by an aching jaw, migraine headaches, and earaches. If you are experiencing this kind of pain, let Dr. Lucy Meyer, Dr. Peggy Scott or Dr. Mei Li Hester evaluate you for TMJ disorder at our office.

If we determine you have it, we can provide TMJ treatment that will give you relief.

Call Lakeside Dentistry in Rochester, MN at 507-282-8222 for a TMJ consultation.

Your TMJ and Why It Gives You Trouble

Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your lower jaw to the temporal bones in front of your ears. It works like a hinge and enables your jaw to move up and down and side to side.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, TMJ disorder is more common among women, especially those between the ages of 20 and 40. Though we don’t know yet what causes it, risk factors for developing TMJ disorder include:

  • A jaw injury
  • Other head and neck injuries, such as whiplash
  • Grinding or clenching your teeth

TMJ Treatment

We use two primary types of TMJ treatment, both of which aim to reposition your jaw to relieve your TMJ pain. Both treatments may also help relieve your migraine headaches.

  • A splint or night guard. We will measure you for a custom night guard that you wear while sleeping. Made of a hard acrylic material that is easy to keep clean, it will gently reposition your jaw. This eases your TMJ symptoms and should also keep you from grinding your teeth.
  • Equilibration. This treatment may be required for especially persistent cases of TMJ disorder. We will create a cast of your teeth and mouth that helps us determine how to correct your bite and relieve pressure on your jaw. We may need to alter the height of one or more of your teeth, using restorative dentistry services such as dental crowns.

Think TMJ disorder may be causing your persistent jaw pain or migraine headaches? Call Lakeside Dentistry at 507-282-8222 to make an appointment. Our dentist can screen for TMJ disorder and provide TMJ treatment to give you some relief!