Comprehensive Pain Relief
If you experience jaw popping, locking, or tension, you may suffer from a temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD. This condition can be painful, frustrating, and inhibiting. At Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand how difficult TMJ pain is, which is why we can evaluate the TMJ and offer comprehensive TMD referrals, if occlusal splints, Botox, or Invisalign are not an option to help alleviate jaw pain and improve your quality of life.
Our experienced dental team is dedicated to providing effective solutions for patients suffering from tooth, mouth, and jaw disorders, using advanced techniques and personalized treatment plans.
Am I Suffering From TMD?
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) can cause a range of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms. Recognizing these symptoms early can help you seek appropriate treatment and alleviate discomfort. Common symptoms of TMD include:
- Jaw Pain and Tenderness: Persistent pain or tenderness in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles is one of the most noticeable symptoms of TMD. This pain can be constant or occur when chewing, speaking, or opening and closing the mouth.
- Headaches and Earaches: TMD often leads to frequent headaches or migraines, as well as pain or a feeling of fullness in the ears. Some patients also experience tinnitus—a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds: When opening or closing your mouth, you may hear clicking, popping, or grating sounds coming from the jaw joint. These sounds can be accompanied by pain or discomfort.
- Lockjaw: In severe cases, TMD can cause the jaw to lock in an open or closed position, making it difficult to move the jaw normally. This condition, known as lockjaw, can be alarming and requires immediate attention.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a dental professional. At Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Rebecca Rath and her team can diagnose TMD and provide effective treatment options to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Advantages of Treating TMJ Disorder (TMD)
TMD treatment offers several benefits that can enhance your comfort and overall well-being:
- Alleviates jaw pain and associated symptoms
- Enhances jaw movement and function
- Reduces teeth grinding and clenching, leading to more restful sleep
Treating your TMD can improve your overall quality of life, which is why this treatment is so important to us. We want every one of our patients to experience a life free of pain.
Failure to have your TMD symptoms addressed can cause serious issues such as:
- Chronic pain
- Jaw joint deterioration
- Dental damage
If you or your family member has been diagnosed with TMD, receive treatment from experienced professionals like Dr. Rebecca Rath at Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.
Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry’s TMD Treatments
Temporomandibular joint disorder can cause significant discomfort and impact your daily life. At Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide personalized TMD treatment to address these symptoms and help you find relief. Our TMD treatment services include:
Occlusal Splints (aka Night Guards)
We create custom occlusal splints and night guards that you can wear while sleeping or at all times, depending on the severity of your condition. Bite guards and night guards prevent teeth grinding and reduce jaw strain.
Physical Therapy Exercises
TMD pain can be caused by a weak jaw or tight muscles. Physical therapy exercises and techniques can improve jaw function and relieve pain, especially when practiced regularly.
Medication
As part of our TMD management plans, we may recommend pain medication or Botox to help mitigate the day-to-day effects of TMD. Medication prescriptions can also aid in reducing inflammation in the area.
Invisalign
Some cases of TMD can be alleviated by orthodontic treatment, which can subtly realign your jaw to its proper position. Invisalign offers treatment for malocclusions, while also straightening your teeth, which can help lessen strain on your jaw.
What Causes TMD?
There are various causes of TMD; it is not connected to one underlying issue or disease. Some of the reasons you may be struggling with TMJ pain include:
- Stress, causing your jaw to clench
- Genetic predisposition
- Bruxism or sleep apnea
- Diseases that cause chronic inflammation
- Injuries or facial trauma
- Malocclusions or misaligned teeth that stress the jaw
- Headaches or migraines
We will work to understand the underlying condition causing or contributing to your TMJ, which can lead to lasting solutions instead of a band-aid solution that may not help long term. Dr. Rath and her team will partner with you to relieve you of the daily pain caused by TMJ.
The Connection Between Bruxism and TMJ
Bruxism is most commonly defined as grinding your teeth at night. TMJ and tension in your jaw can cause bruxism, but in some cases, bruxism contributes to your TMJ pain. If you have had a partner comment on teeth grinding and are suffering from TMD, treating your bruxism can reduce daytime pain in your jaw.
One way we recommend managing bruxism is with custom mouthguards that you wear while you sleep. These custom treatments can help protect your teeth from getting damaged over time as you grind in your sleep, and lessen the impact on your jaw, ultimately lessening your TMJ pain.
Why Choose Dr. Rath for Your TMJ Treatment?
Our office focuses on enhancing your overall health through treating your smile and your mouth. We offer:
- A highly-trained all-female team
- A comfortable atmosphere
- Judgement-free and comprehensive care
- A whole-body approach that improves your overall health
- Diagnostic technology and low-radiation X-rays
If you want to learn more about our team or meet Dr. Rath, visit our web pages. We are here to help reduce your pain and enhance your quality of life.
Managing Your TMJ at Home
You can treat and prevent the symptoms of TMJ at home by following these tips from our office:
- Avoid overly crunchy or chewy foods that can strain your jaw
- Wear mouth guards and protective gear when you play sports
- Treat dental trauma or hits to the face quickly
- Use hot and cold packs for inflammation
- Take NSAIDs for inconsistent pain in the area
During a TMJ consultation at our office, we can recommend specific care approaches for at-home use and discuss what we can help you with in-office. If your pain is consistent, we invite you to do more than treat it at home and instead come visit us for an appointment.
Treat Your Overall Health with TMJ Treatment
When your jaw isn’t functioning properly, the effects extend far beyond discomfort. TMJ disorders can influence your overall health—impacting how you eat, sleep, and manage stress. Chronic jaw tension and pain often radiate into the head, neck, and shoulders, leading to persistent headaches, muscle fatigue, and even postural strain. Over time, this constant tension can contribute to sleep disruption, inflammation, and reduced quality of life.
Dr. Rebecca Rath approaches TMJ treatment with your whole-body wellness in mind. By addressing the root causes of jaw dysfunction—such as clenching, misalignment, or inflammation—she helps restore balance to your oral system and relieve strain throughout your body. When your jaw functions as it should, your body follows.
Live Pain-Free with TMD Treatment
TMD can cause immense pain and difficulty. Don’t suffer in silence—call Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Billings, MT, today to schedule your TMD treatment consultation. Our team is here to help you find relief from jaw pain and improve your quality of life with comprehensive TMD treatment.
About Dr. Rebecca Rath
Dr. Rebecca Rath was born and raised in Billings. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree from Oregon Health and Science University, and after graduating she practiced in community health centers and private practices in Oregon and Montana. Learning has always been an important aspect of her practice, and she has continued that learning at the prestigious Kois Center, a renowned institute for advanced dental education focused on comprehensive patient care. She works with her all-female team to bring you compassionate dentistry in Billings, Montana.
