TMJ & Bruxism Treatment

We Can Help Relieve TMJ Pain!

TMJ problems can be extremely painful and debilitating, but our simple oral device may be all you need to find relief.

Don’t Spend Another Day Living with TMJ Pain

TMJ & Bruxism Treatment in Scottsdale, AZ

Do you suffer from constant headaches and jaw pain or have trouble chewing?

These are common symptoms of TMJ disorder or TMD, a painful condition that means the TMJ or jaw joint is not functioning properly. TMD can be a debilitating condition for many people that even impacts their quality of life.

Fortunately, we can help relieve TMJ pain at our Scottsdale dentist office with a simple oral device that helps relieve the pain and stress of TMJ disorder.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ is short for the temporomandibular joint, and you have one on either side of your head that connects your upper and lower jaws. The TMJ must work smoothly with surrounding muscles, ligaments, and discs to create the movement needed for your lower jaw to move properly when chewing or speaking.

When the TMJ is functioning properly, the movement of your jaw is smooth and easy. However, there are several ways the jaw joints can become injured or damaged and disrupt smooth movement.

  • Malocclusions (bite problems)
  • Teeth grinding or bruxism
  • Jaw injuries
  • Tooth misalignment
  • Arthritis
  • Chronic stress or anxiety
  • Excessive gum chewing

When the TMJ doesn’t function smoothly, you experience pain and limited jaw movement

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder?

Numerous symptoms indicate TMJ disorder, with the most noticeable being a painful jaw. Other symptoms to be aware of include:

  • Stiffness or soreness in the jaw
  • Clicking or popping sounds
  • Facial swelling
  • Headaches
  • Tinnitus
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Pain behind your eyes or in your temples
  • Jaw locked open or closed

If you experience one or more of these symptoms day after day, please call your TMJ dentist in Scottsdale to schedule an appointment. Untreated TMD creates a series of painful effects that can be so debilitating they threaten your quality of life.

When your jaw joint isn’t functioning properly, it can change your dental bite. Your jaws don’t meet evenly on both sides, which causes teeth grinding and bruxism that leads to abnormal wear and tear on your teeth, jaws, and even previous dental work.

TMJ Pain Relief Is Just a Phone Call Away!

A Simple, Effective Approach to Relieve TMJ Pain

Our non-invasive approach to treating TMJ pain is a customized night guard worn during sleep. Like a sports mouthguard, it is customized to slip over your teeth and prevent your upper and lower teeth from direct contact when you bite down. The night guard prevents damage to your teeth and gives your TMJ some time to rest and recover while you sleep.

Several other methods that minimize general stress levels are also effective for relieving TMJ pain. Yoga, deep breathing, and meditation work well for many people, as do muscle-relaxing pain medications. Also, be aware of placing excessive stress on the TMJ by avoiding habits like chewing gum and nail-biting.

Another option that provides TMJ pain relief is BOTOX® offered at our Scottsdale dental office. Studies have shown that BOTOX can significantly relieve TMJ pain for up to three months following treatment.

Contact Us for Teeth Grinding Treatment in Scottsdale

We empathize with how pain and other symptoms of TMD can consume your life, and we want you to know that there is help. Please call Serenity Smiles in Scottsdale, AZ at (480) 470-0784 to schedule an appointment, so we can find the right solution to relieve your TMJ pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a night guard?

When you have a teeth-grinding habit—also called bruxism—your teeth are regularly subjected to significant biting force. Common symptoms that you grind your teeth during sleep are headaches, neck, jaw, and shoulder pain, and excessive tooth wear or breakage.

Teeth grinding most often occurs during sleep and can also be related to sleep apnea or OSA. Fortunately, once your dentist accurately diagnoses teeth grinding, the solution is often as simple as a protective night guard.

How a Custom Night Guard Works

A night guard is a custom-made appliance worn over your teeth as a protective barrier. With a night guard in place, your upper and lower jaw can’t come into direct contact, which minimizes the stress and damage to your teeth. A nightguard also gives your jaw joint (TMJ) some time to rest and recover during sleep, which can relieve painful daytime symptoms.

At Serenity Smiles, we take digital impressions of the teeth to customize nightguards that fit comfortably and protect your teeth against teeth-grinding damage.

Custom Night Guards for Teeth Grinding in Scottsdale

If you experience symptoms like a sore jaw, headaches, or neck and shoulder pain when you wake up, a custom night guard at our Scottsdale, AZ dental office can help. Call Serenity Smiles to schedule an appointment so we can help relieve your discomfort and protect your smile.