What Is TMJ Disorder and How Is It Treated?

In this video, Dr. Matthew Keider explains how TMJ disorders can cause jaw pain, muscle tightness, and tooth sensitivity and how custom splints can provide relief. Learn about protective night guards for tooth wear and therapeutic bite splints for TMJ issues—schedule your free consultation today to explore the best treatment option for you.

We treat TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders in our office, addressing issues related to the jaw joints, muscles, and associated dental symptoms. Many patients experience problems with their TMJ, including jaw pain, muscle tightness, and tooth sensitivity linked to clenching and grinding.

To manage TMJ-related concerns, we offer two types of custom-made splints:

Protective Night Guards for Tooth Wear
This type of splint is designed for patients who do not have joint or muscle pain but need to prevent excessive tooth wear caused by grinding or clenching at night. It serves as a protective barrier, absorbing the force of grinding and wearing down before the natural teeth do. This appliance helps prevent tooth fractures and excessive wear that may require restorative dental work. Because this splint focuses only on protecting the teeth and does not involve extensive joint or muscle adjustments, it is a more straightforward and cost-effective option.
Therapeutic Bite Splints for TMJ and Muscle Issues
For patients experiencing TMJ pain, muscle tightness, or symptoms such as cold sensitivity that moves between different teeth, a more customized splint is required. This splint is designed with precise measurements to promote muscle relaxation and improve how the teeth come together. By relieving pressure on the jaw and reducing strain on the surrounding muscles, this appliance can alleviate TMJ-related discomfort and minimize clenching and grinding.

If you frequently experience jaw pain, muscle tension, or sensitivity to cold drinks that cause discomfort in different areas of your mouth, it may be a sign of nighttime clenching or grinding. I would be happy to evaluate your symptoms and determine the best solution to help relieve your discomfort and protect your teeth.