TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint)

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) act like hinges that can also slide, connecting your jawbone to your skull on both sides of your face. TMJ disorders are known as  Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). Untreated, TMD can cause tension headaches, pain in the jaw muscles and jaw joints, ear fullness/aching, pain with chewing, restricted mouth opening and noises or clicking in the jaw joint(s).

Common Causes of TMD include:

  • Clenching and grinding your teeth
  • Arthritis
  • Trauma or injury
  • Damage to the disk
  • Genetics (research is still underway)

Thankfully, there are readily available treatments for TMD. Call our office to schedule a consultation if you are experiencing pain or tenderness in your jaw, reduced range of motion with opening or your jaw locks when opening or closing.

Exam

We will evaluate your range of motion, any noise in your jaw joint, examine areas around the jaw for pain and determine whether any teeth could be causing the pain. If necessary, radiographs may be suggested.

Treatment

With TMD, the goal is conservative treatment modalities. Some mild cases of TMD may only require self care, while others may require physical therapy, splint therapy, counseling or medications. In very rare cases, surgery or Botox may be suggested.

Sleep Apnea/Snoring

Sleeping well is an important part of living well each day. At Lake Superior Dental, we are committed to improving our patients’ overall health. Dentists are in a unique position to assist physicians in identifying patients that may have sleep apnea issues. We are able to do a brief screening for obstructive sleep apnea and may encourage you to speak with your physician or a sleep physician.

If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea by your physician, we may be able to assist in your treatment if a CPAP isn’t working for you. We use an appliance called a mandibular advancement device that works by moving your lower jaw forward, thus opening a portion of your upper airway. It has been shown to be greater than 90% effective for snoring, greater than 80% effective for mild apnea and greater than 70% effective for moderate apnea.

If you are interested in a mandibular advancement device, we will start with an exam to determine if an appliance may work for you. If you have any further questions about our process and services, please feel free to give us a call.

Implants

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that will closely replicate the look, feel and function of natural teeth. Dental implants are small titanium posts that are placed in the jawbone. Once placed they are allowed to heal for 3-6 months during which time the jawbone “fuses” with the implant providing a solid foundation on which crowns or dentures can be placed . At Lake Superior Dental we think patient first and know seeing an oral surgeon for a dental implant can take more time and effort. That is why one of our doctor’s is specially trained to place dental implants from start to finish, allowing you the convenience of seeing one doctor at one location.

Botox/Juvederm

Dentists are specially trained to understand the complex anatomy of the face, making them a smart choice for therapeutic Botox treatment and dermal fillers. Botox is used to relax muscles; this can help reduce pain from TMD or teeth clenching and grinding. It also improves the appearance of frown lines and crow’s feet or can reduce a gummy smile. Dermal fillers, such as Juvederm, restore lost volume due to the aging process. They smooth lines and wrinkles around the mouth and can augment and plump the lips. Schedule a consult with Dr. Meaghan Morrell-Huot today to find out which treatment may right for you!