Dr. Corey Bickler Talks About TMJ and Teeth Grinding
TMJ Treatment / Teeth Grinding
Prevent Premature Wear & Tear
Relieve Jaw Pain With TMJ Treatment in Salem, OR
You deserve to sleep through the night without jaw tension and wake up without a headache. If you have a TMJ disorder, you can find relief at Bickler Dentistry. Our TMJ treatment in Salem will restore your everyday comfort and function. A custom night guard will protect your jaw from the effects of nighttime grinding. You'll experience fewer headaches and better sleep. You'll spend less time worrying about your jaw. No insurance? Join our VIP Club for savings on care, including TMJ treatment.
Find the Ideal Solution for Your TMJ Dysfunction
Dr. Bickler will use a deprogrammer to identify the best treatment for your jaw pain. This technology helps him analyze your bite and jaw relationship more precisely. He also looks for signs of grinding and clenching.
He will determine whether a custom appliance or another treatment approach makes sense for you. Our custom night guards will relieve your symptoms and provide long-term relief. Schedule a visit if you need TMJ treatment in Salem.
Create a Protective Barrier
A night guard prevents your upper and lower teeth from grinding directly against each other. This cushioning helps reduce the damaging tooth-to-tooth contact that can occur while you sleep.
Avoid Damage
Enamel cannot grow back after it has been worn away. A night guard helps protect your tooth structure from the repeated friction and pressure caused by grinding.
Safeguard Dental Work
Crowns, fillings, veneers, and other restorations can also experience stress and damage from grinding. A properly designed oral appliance can help protect the dental work you have already invested in.
Reduce Jaw Stress
Depending on your needs and appliance design, a night guard can help manage the impact that contributes to jaw tension. This may give overworked jaw muscles and joints an opportunity to relax.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment
Q What is TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorder refers to problems affecting the temporomandibular joints, which connect your jaw to your skull. Common symptoms include jaw pain, a popping or clicking sound when chewing, and pain that radiates into the face. Teeth grinding is closely linked to TMJ disorder, often functioning as both a cause and a symptom.
Q What causes TMJ disorder?
Researchers haven't identified one single cause of TMJ disorder. However, teeth grinding and jaw clenching are known contributing factors. Stress is often linked to increased grinding and clenching. It can put additional strain on the jaw joints and lead to inflammation over time.
Q How does a TMJ night guard work?
A custom TMJ night guard works by gently moving your lower jaw forward and relieving pressure on the temporomandibular joints. By keeping your teeth apart while you sleep, the appliance helps prevent grinding and gives the jaw joints a chance to heal from ongoing tension.
Q Can TMJ disorder cause headaches?
Teeth grinding associated with TMJ disorder is a common trigger for tension headaches. Grinding puts strain on the jaw muscles, and that tension can radiate outward and contribute to headache frequency and intensity. Treating the underlying grinding often helps reduce these headaches.
Q How long does TMJ treatment take to work?
For TMJ treatment to work, it often requires ongoing management rather than a one-time fix. Many patients notice improvement in symptoms like jaw pain and headaches once they begin wearing a custom night guard consistently. The exact timeline varies based on the severity of the condition.
Q Is TMJ treatment only about wearing a night guard?
TMJ treatment is not only about wearing a night guard. While a custom night guard is a common and effective solution, some cases benefit from further exploration into the underlying cause of grinding or clenching. This may involve coordinating with other specialists or an orthodontist, depending on what's driving the symptoms.
Q Can teeth grinding damage my teeth?
Chronic teeth grinding can damage your teeth. Over time, you may need restorative treatment to repair the resulting damage. Addressing TMJ disorder and reducing grinding early can help prevent long-term wear on your teeth.
Q Will insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Insurance coverage for TMJ treatment varies by plan. Some portion of the cost may be covered depending on your policy. It's a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand what's covered and minimize any unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
