TMJ treatment relieves jaw pain, reduces tension, and restores comfortable movement to your temporomandibular joint. Our dentist performs this specialized service to address the source of your discomfort and protect your overall oral health. TMJ treatment eliminates headaches, eases jaw stiffness, and keeps your bite balanced and pain-free for a lifetime.

Are you looking for advanced dental care that will help you function properly, eat, talk, and move comfortably again? We at ABQ Dental Care welcome patients who are suffering from TMJ disorder, TMJ syndrome, and related TMD symptoms. We diagnose TMJ disorders using bite analysis, jaw range-of-motion measurements, and digital X-rays to identify joint inflammation, disc displacement, or muscle tension. Treatment options include custom-fitted occlusal splints, targeted occlusal adjustments, and laser therapy sessions to relieve chronic pain and restore normal jaw function. If you are experiencing jaw pain or related symptoms, our compassionate care team is here to help. Take the steps to schedule a checkup today.

TMJ treatment by ABQ Dental Care

What is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ Disorder, also referred to as TMJ Syndrome or TMD, is a painful and uncomfortable disorder affecting the temporomandibular joint – the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. It involves dysfunction of the joint itself, the surrounding jaw muscles, or both. This disorder creates problems that can make it difficult to eat, talk, chew, and even perform simple mouth movements like yawning or sneezing. In some cases, it also leads to clicking or popping sounds, jaw locking, and agonizing, radiating pain in the face, neck, or ears.

6 Potential Risks of TMJ Disorder

1. Chronic pain spreading

Untreated TMJ Disorder can cause pain to radiate beyond the jaw, reaching the neck area, shoulders, and upper back muscles. Patients suffering from this pain throughout many areas of the body will often notice any worsening over time if the condition is left without care.

2. Frequent headaches and migraines

Persistent jaw tension puts pressure to surrounding muscles, often triggering recurring headaches. There are plenty of patients who are at risk of developing chronic pain throughout the head and neck simply due to untreated TMJ syndrome, and the pain can be so severe it disrupts daily life.

3. Tooth damage

Ongoing grinding and clenching wears down tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity, cracking, broken tooth situations, or tooth loss over time. It is vital to stay away from habits that place additional pressure on the jaw and teeth, including chewing gum, which can aggravate the condition.

4. Joint deterioration

Prolonged stress to the temporomandibular joint can cause it to break down, making it more tense and difficult to operate properly. In more severe cases, jaw dislocation or chronic inflammatory disease can develop, potentially requiring surgical intervention.

5. Sleep disturbances

Pain-inflicted discomfort from TMJ Disorder often disrupts sleep, affecting overall health and daily function. Some patients are so severe in their symptoms that they wake during the night due to jaw pain or grinding jaw activity.

6. Jaw locking

In more advanced cases, the jaw may lock open or shut, severely limiting movement and quality of life.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Rohan Toor, DDS

Dentist

DDS

Dr. Chris Kim, DDS

Dentist

DDS

Without treatment, 15% of TMJ disorder patients develop a chronic condition that is significantly harder and more costly to manage than early-stage disease.


Source: PubMed

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Patients with TMJ syndrome often experience jaw pain or tenderness, face inflammation and swelling, and difficulty chewing or talking. They may also suffer from headaches and migraines, earaches or ringing in the ears, and clicking or popping swelling sensations and sounds in the chewing jaw. Teeth grinding and worn teeth are also common symptoms. Some patients notice any of these signs during activities as simple as yawning or sneezing and may not realize just how much TMD therapy can help.

TMJ Treatment Options We Offer

At our state-of-the-art dental office, we offer several approaches to managing TMJ pain, depending on its severity and cause. Our industry-leading treatment options are designed for lasting relief:

Oral Appliances

We provide custom mouthguards and orthodontic appliance options, including splints, to reduce pressure to the jaw and prevent grinding jaw activity. These are commonly the first step for patients who want to give conservative care a try and resist further damage to their teeth.

Orthodontic Solutions

For patients with bite issues contributing to TMJ pain, our clear aligners and other alignment treatments will help restore balance and comfort. These solutions correct any underlying misalignment that may be causing the jaw to sit incorrectly and strain the surrounding muscles.

Laser Therapy

We offer advanced laser therapy sessions to relieve chronic pain, reduce face inflammation, and support faster healing. TMJ screenings performed before treatment will help plan the ideal course of therapy sessions for your condition.

Bite Adjustment

Our team will sit down with you and discuss a plan to make precise adjustments to your bite in order to relieve uneven pressure to the jaw joints. Bite adjustment is best for patients whose TMJ pain is caused or worsened by misalignment that affects how the jaw closes.

Restorative Treatments

If TMJ has caused damage to your teeth, including a broken tooth or worn enamel, we can restore your smile with crowns, veneers, or other restorative solutions. Restoring proper tooth shape and fit will help the jaw function properly and reduce strain in the long run.

Lifestyle and At-Home Care Guidance

We educate our patients on helpful habits, relaxation techniques, and stress management techniques, including meditation, to support long-term jaw health. Simple at-home steps like applying a heat pack, choosing soft food over hard or chewy options, and learning to resist chewing gum can go a long way. Following these instructions, combined with a plan from our team, will help patients achieve relief for good.

The Cost of TMJ Treatment

The cost of TMJ treatment varies depending on the type of treatment, the severity of the condition, and the complexity of the case. Here is what patients can expect:

Oral appliances

Such as custom mouthguards and splints range from $300 to $800, depending on the type and materials used.

Orthodontic solutions

Such as clear aligners and other alignment treatments range from $3,500 to $8,500 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and the type of orthodontic system chosen.

Laser therapy

Typically costs between $75 to $150 per session for standard treatments, while more advanced laser options average $400 to $500 per session. Most patients require multiple sessions for lasting relief.

Bite adjustment

Costs vary by the extent of correction needed, with minor adjustments starting at around $50 per tooth and major adjustments reaching up to $1,500.

Restorative treatments

To repair TMJ-related tooth damage range from $200 to $600 for fillings, $800 to $3,000 for crowns, and $900 to $2,500 for veneers.

Looking for TMJ Treatment Near Me in Albuquerque?

When it comes to finding lasting relief from TMJ pain and dysfunction, ABQ Dental Care offers a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that sets us apart. Our compassionate care team will sit down with you, discuss your symptoms, and aim to find what is best for your needs in order to correct any dysfunction and restore proper jaw function. We take pride in being an industry leading, state-of-the-art dental office that combines advanced dental care with a one-on-one, personalized approach. Our TMJ screenings performed with precision digital tools will help us begin laser therapy, design a plan, or recommend the right orthodontic appliance, all tailored specifically for your case. With a proven track record of helping patients reclaim comfort, restore function, and improve quality of life, ABQ Dental Care is the trusted choice for TMJ treatment near you in Albuquerque. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief.

FAQs About TMJ Treatment

Mild cases may improve with rest and lifestyle changes, but chronic TMJ typically requires professional treatment. Ignoring persistent symptoms can lead to worsening pain and jaw dysfunction.

Yes, oral appliances reduce strain on the jaw and prevent teeth grinding, providing significant relief for many patients. They are one of the most common and effective non-surgical treatment options.

Treatment length varies depending on the severity of the condition. Some patients experience relief within a few weeks, while others may require ongoing care for several months.

Yes, TMJ disorders can cause earaches, ringing in the ears, and dizziness due to pressure on the surrounding joints and nerves. These symptoms often improve with proper TMJ treatment.

Surgery is rarely needed and is only considered when conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms. Most patients respond well to non-surgical options like oral appliances and physical therapy.

Yes, stress and anxiety often lead to clenching and grinding, which aggravates TMJ symptoms. Incorporating stress management techniques is an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Oral appliances typically last 3 to 5 years with proper care and regular dental checkups. Wear and tear may require adjustments or replacement over time.