Temporomandibular Joint Illustrated
Take a closer look at how the temporomandibular joint functions.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders cause the tissues that control jaw movement to become inflamed and can hinder the smooth movement of the jaw joint. This disorder can relate to bone, cartilage, nerves, or muscles and can cause prolonged pain and discomfort for the TMD patient.
There are many potential causes of TMJ disorders. Your genetics can carry down a TMD or it can be a symptom of another disorder, like arthritis. Your oral health can also play a part in the development of TMD. Dental trauma and clenching or grinding teeth can cause excessive strain to TMJs. Two particularly common causes of TMD are crooked teeth and a misaligned bite. Over time, these dental concerns can lead to unnecessary strain on your jaw joints, but a bite alignment can fix them and alleviate your symptoms.
Common Signs That You Have a TMJ Disorder
Popping or clicking in your jaw
Jaw locking up
Limited movement of the lower jaw
Headaches or migraines
Difficulty chewing or eating
Aching muscles in neck and back
Treatments to Help TMJ Patients
If you suffer from a TMJ disorder, our dental staff at Foothill Dental in Salt Lake City, UT, can help you find relief through different treatments.
Mouth Guards
Mouth guards are a standard solution for TMD patients to wear during the day. A mouth guard acts as a splint for your jaw. This splint can help patients who clench their jaw when under stress.Night Guards
If your jaw pain is heightened in the morning, it may be due to a tendency to clench or grind your teeth at night. If our dentists determine this to be the root of your TMD, a night guard can help alleviate TMJ symptoms and act as a splint for your jaw.BOTOX
BOTOX® can relax tense jaw muscles to alleviate jaw pain and clenching. In this application, BOTOX does not provide a cosmetic change to the face, only therapeutic relief for the temporomandibular joints.Bite Adjustments
Fixing an underbite, overbite, or the contour of your teeth can help TMD patients. Patients may be able to receive Invisalign® to correct the alignment of their bite to make the upper and lower jaws meet comfortably. Custom crowns can also help your upper and lower jaws to meet properly if certain teeth are underdeveloped or compromised.Misaligned Bite
A Before and After LookTeeth meet during activities like eating, smiling, and speaking. A misaligned bite in which your top and bottom teeth don’t meet properly causes strain on the jaw and TMJs, potentially leading to a TMD. By shifting the teeth and jaws into an aligned position, the symptoms of TMJ may fade.
Before
After
Reach Out for Relief
If You Suspect You Have a TMD, Contact Us Today
Drs. Matt Stohl and David Stohl at Foothill Dental Associates are board-certified and capable of providing the relief you need. Our practice has been around for over three decades and stays up to date with the latest technology and dental procedures. Relax in our luxury amenities and know you're in safe hands when visiting Foothill Dental in Salt Lake City.
Relief is right around the corner, and early intervention can help you avoid the need for invasive surgeries and high procedure costs down the line. Fill out our contact form or call us to request a consultation at our Salt Lake City office:
"They Made a Complete Game Plan for Me."
Hear what our patients in Northern Utah have to say about Foothill Dental.
Beth Plavan
2021
Foothill Dental is fantastic! The office has a warm and caring environment and the dental care is terrific. Rafael went the extra mile to make things happen for us before we were part of the practice and did even more throughout the course of the treatment plan. Dr. Bailey and her team were talented, thoughtful and incredibly kind. It made all the difference.
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Emily Wilson
2021
This was the best dental experience I have ever had... I come in and they made a complete game-plan for me and got to work. They are fast, efficient and friendly. I didnt realize how much my mouth was bothering me, but I'm half way done and I don't even get headaches anymore throughout the week. My bite sits comfortably, and they always make sure to do everything right down to the T...
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Why TMJ Treatment is Important
Thanks to TMJ treatment, TMD patients don't have to live with consistent pain and discomfort.
Dental Health Benefits
If left untreated, a TMD can cause long-term problems for your oral health. Grinding teeth can wear down your enamel. Joint damage and inflammation can also occur. Our treatments can help you avoid further complications.
Save Money Long-Term
Treating TMJ disorders as soon as possible can help you avoid the need for costly treatments, such as jaw surgery. With early intervention, symptoms can be alleviated more quickly and your total treatment cost can be lower.
Better Quality of Life
Physical pain can take an unwanted toll on many aspects of your life. For example, you may find yourself gravitating toward soft foods to avoid straining your TMJs. From improved chewing comfort to an elevated mood, a better quality of life exists without TMDs.
Relief From Pain and Discomfort
The constant pain and discomfort of your temporomandibular joints may cause you to forget what living without jaw pain felt like. After TMJ treatment, you'll wonder how you ever coped with the unending pain. Relief is possible and early intervention is key for TMD patients.
Steps in TMJ Treatment
TMJ treatment is unique for each patient, but your timeline may involve these steps:
Cost of TMJ Treatment
Mouth Guards
Our custom mouth guards cost $500-$600 and, with proper care, can last for years. If you tend to clench and grind your teeth, mouth guards can act as a comfortable barrier between your teeth to take the stress off your TMJs.
BOTOX
BOTOX to treat TMJ costs $500-$600. On average, the benefits of the injection last up to six months. BOTOX can calm overactive TMJ muscles and can be a great nonsurgical treatment to treat a TMD. Stop by our Salt Lake City office to see if you qualify for this treatment.
The cost for temporomandibular disorder treatment will vary depending on the severity of your case. One of our dentists can give you an estimate during a consultation.
"I Won't Be Going Anywhere Else."
More 5-Star Reviews
Katie Coles
2020
I’ve had a great experience with Foothill Dental so far with straightening my teeth. Dr. David is awesome and is amazing at explaining the steps of your treatment. Super friendly staff as well. Thank you!
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Tyler Buck
2021
To start, Heather has the best customer service you’ll find! Thank you Heather. Super friendly staff. The easiest dental care provider in Salt Lake City! I won’t be going anywhere else.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ)?
Two TMJs control the movement of the lower jaw. Located just under your ear, the TMJs are the hinge where your mandible jaw meets the temporal bone of your skull. These jaw joints help us chew, speak, and perform other functions throughout the day.
Who Is at Risk?
While anyone can develop a TMD, the disorder is more common in women than men. It usually affects those ages 20-40, and symptoms can worsen for those with high stress levels. Even if you don't fall under this demographic, if you have ongoing jaw pain, it's a good idea to request an examination.
Foothill Dental
Matt Stohl, DMD, & David Stohl, DDSOur dental practice provides comprehensive care to patients of all ages using state-of-the-art technology in a warm and welcoming environment. Our dentists are affiliated with the following organizations:
American Dental Association
Academy of Laser Dentistry
Academy of General Dentistry
Utah Dental Association
Salt Lake District Dental Society
To schedule a consultation, contact us online or call 801-582-5787.
