TMJ Disorders

The jawbone connects to the skull via a hinge joint on either side of the mouth, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).  When this joint works properly, it allows the jaw a full range of motion, including left and right motion, up and down motion, pivoting motion, and sliding motion. A healthy temporomandibular joint allows individuals to eat, speak, and even breathe properly.

Our goal is to optimize jaw function and, by extension, eliminate the negative effects of TMJ issues. By utilizing holistic care options, we help patients restore the smooth, gliding motion of the jaw hinge which puts a stop to pain and stiffness around the mouth, ears, and neck.

What Is a TMJ Disorder?

If health issues affect the temporomandibular joint’s ability to function properly, an individual may experience pain and discomfort when moving their jawbone.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, like Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), are conditions involving the jaw joint. These disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms with varying degrees of intensity, and they can contribute to an array of other health issues.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?
Improper jaw alignment and development, injuries, genetics, arthritis, or autoimmune illnesses can contribute to TMJ disorders. Teeth grinding can also lead to TMJ disorders or become a side effect of an existing TMJ disorder.

Due to the multifaceted evaluation involved in accurately diagnosing TMJ and determining the root cause of the issue, it’s important to seek the assistance of a medical professional whose well-experienced in diagnosing and treating the disorder. Because the symptoms of TMJ disorders can often be attributed to other conditions, Dr. Herre and our team take the time needed to examine a patient’s entire health record. This way, we can be confident in providing an accurate diagnosis.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Pain or discomfort in the jaw, especially around the jaw hinge, may indicate an issue with the temporomandibular joint. However, there are numerous additional symptoms to be mindful of if you suspect that you may have an issue with your temporomandibular joint.

SYMPTOMS OF TMJ DISORDERS OFTEN INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

Unconscious grinding of the teeth at night (bruxism) | Jaw fatigue that may or may not come with swelling | Jaw or facial pain
Tension in the neck and shoulders | Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving the mouth | Difficulty opening the mouth fully | Sleep apnea or difficulty sleeping | Headaches or migraines

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TMJ Disorder Treatment

Although TMJ disorders are painful and difficult to deal with, these conditions are often treatable without the need for invasive surgeries. Patients suffering from the effects of TMJ disorders typically find the use of custom-made oral devices or the implementation of individualized therapies beneficial in managing the disorder and reducing common symptoms.

At Herre Holistic Dental KC, we use the principles of Rejuvenation Dentistry to alleviate the pain and discomfort our TMJ patients experience. By focusing on correcting the jaw’s position and relieving strain on the surrounding muscles, our office treats TMJ disorders at their root rather than simply managing symptoms.

Our office embraces a holistic treatment approach when it comes to treating TMJ disorders, meaning that Dr. Herre and our team consider a patient’s whole body well-being when conducting an evaluation.

Our Core Beam CT Scanner is a crucial tool when it comes to evaluating the position of our patients’ jaws, their overall bone health, and the size of the airway. Because airway disorders are so often connected to TMJ disorders, evaluating the airway is a key component of TMJ examinations.

Once a diagnosis has been reached and a root cause determined, our TMJ disorder treatment aims to find the prime position for the jaw while relaxing the surrounding muscles at the same time. This step reduces the strain placed on the jawbone and temporomandibular joint, and it helps ensure that the mouth becomes better able to move with ease and efficiency.

Our team utilizes holistic treatment options to properly position our patients’ upper and lower jawbones. This way, the airway can remain unobstructed, and the jaw moves with natural fluidity. Correct positioning decreases pain, inflammation, stiffness, and the clicking and popping that often accompanies TMJ disorders upon moving the jaw.

Schedule an Appointment

In addition to relieving jaw pain and discomfort, treatment for TMJ disorders can help eliminate further health issues and contribute to better holistic (“overall” instead of holistic?) health. Call us at 913-491-4466 or schedule an appointment online to learn more about how we can help.
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Amazing care!!! They were able to get me in when I couldn’t get in to see where my Family Dentist referred. That location referred me to Dental Health by Herre. Dr. Herre was extremely thorough and very concerned about my oral health. I would recommend this to anyone!!

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Tracy M.
Leawood, KS

Location

Herre Holistic Dental KC

11201 Nall Avenue
Suite 120
Leawood, KS 66211

Hours

Monday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Thursday: 7:00am - 3:00pm