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TMJ/TMD Therapy – Grand Rapids, MN

Ease Jaw, Head, & Neck Pain

TMJ dysfunction (TMD) is a chronic degenerative disease that often takes years to develop and affects millions of people. Those suffering from TMD report chronic pain in the jaw, teeth, face, head, neck, shoulders, or back, or any combination of these areas. If you are suffering from TMD symptoms, you are not alone! With an accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan or appropriate referral, you can be on your way to a pain-free existence.

Why Choose Grand Rapids Dental Care for TMJ/TMD Therapy?

  • We Accept Dental Insurance
  • Customized TMJ Occlusal Splints
  • Experience & Honest Dentists

What is TMJ?

Grand Rapids Dentist showing patient Jaw example

The TMJ is the temporomandibular joints or jaw joints. These are the joints in front of each ear that attach the lower jaw to the skull. TMJ has become a catchall phrase used to label a large number of acute and chronic disorders of the joint, muscles, nerves, and associated structures. TMD, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, refers to a group of conditions which may be caused by a misalignment of the jaw and skull or chronic tooth grinding (bruxism).

What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?

skull x-ray on ipad

In many cases, those who suffer from TMJ dysfunction have an imbalance in the jaw-to-skull relationship, which can be caused by a bad bite (malocclusion). Malocclusion means that your upper and lower teeth do not close together in the correct way—they are misaligned. When the teeth are misaligned, muscles may be forced into a strained position, which may result in pain in the face, head, arms, shoulders, or back. Although a person may have beautiful teeth or had orthodontics to line the teeth up for aesthetic reasons, the muscles and joints may not be comfortable. TMJ problems may also stem from arthritis, clenching, accidents, or trauma.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

man holding head in pain

Fortunately, TMD and its related symptoms can be treated. Drs. Rachel or Spencer Buchert can accurately diagnose this disorder and offer treatment aimed at relieving its symptoms. Because the causes of these disorders are multi-faceted and are not always dental in nature, our team works with an extensive network of professionals and has the knowledge and resources to refer patients needing more specialized treatment. Together your team of dental and medical professionals will diagnose and treat the disorders.

  • Headaches and migraines
  • Facial pain
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Unexplained loose teeth
  • Sensitive and sore teeth
  • Joint pain
  • Jaw pain
  • Clicking or popping in the jaw joints
  • Limited jaw movement or locking jaw
  • Worn or cracked teeth