TMD Treatment in De Pere, WI

Your Path to Jaw Pain Relief at Fox View Dental

Are you experiencing persistent jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty chewing? You might be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). We understand the discomfort and frustration that TMD can bring. ​

At Fox View Dental, we strive to help patients like you relieve jaw, head, and neck pain caused by TMJ disorders. We offer tailored treatment plans to relieve your tension and get you back to life. Serving patients from across the Green Bay area, including Allouez, Ashwaubenon, and Howard, WI, we’re ready to help you smile again. Schedule your appointment online, or give our dentist in De Pere a call today: (920) 336-4201.

What Are Temporomandibular Joint Disorders?

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ disorders or TMD) refer to a range of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects your jawbone (mandible) to your skull (temporal bone) right in front of your ear. Temporomandibular disorders can cause significant pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement. TMD conditions range in severity and can be either temporary or chronic.

A Personalized Approach at Fox View Dental

At Fox View Dental, our philosophy is centered on personalized patient care. We understand that each case of TMJ disorder is different. Dr. Chad Yenchesky will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to understand your specific situation and needs. This assessment involves:

• A thorough review of your symptoms and medical history.
• A physical examination of your jaw joint, including assessing its range of motion and listening for any clicking or popping sounds.
• Palpation of the muscles around your jaw to identify areas of pain or discomfort.
• Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, if necessary, to get a clearer picture of the joint’s structure and identify any underlying issues.

Understanding the Causes and Symptoms

Determining the exact cause of TMD can sometimes be like solving a mystery. These factors may include genetics, arthritis, jaw injuries, teeth grinding, and even everyday wear and tear. Stress, which can lead to teeth clenching or jaw muscle tightening, is another common contributor. Other potential causes of TMJ-related symptoms include arthritis, fractures, dislocations, and structural problems present since birth.

Symptoms of TMD can vary but often include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders.
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth.
• Difficulty opening the mouth wide.
• Jaw that gets “stuck” or “lock” in the open- or closed-mouth position.
• Headaches, earaches, or dizziness.
• Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite.

Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? At Fox View Dental, we understand how these issues can affect your daily life. We’re here to help you find the right path to recovery. Give us a call today at (920) 336-4201 to discuss your options.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

For most patients, non-surgical treatments are the first line of defense against TMD. At Fox View Dental, we offer a range of conservative treatment options to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. These may include:

• Lifestyle modifications: Recommendations to avoid overuse of jaw muscles by eating soft foods, cutting food into small pieces, and avoiding chewing gum. We also advise becoming more aware of tension-related habits, such as clenching your jaw, grinding your teeth, or chewing on pencils, to reduce their frequency.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve muscle pain and swelling. In some cases, stronger pain relievers, tricyclic antidepressants, or muscle relaxants may be prescribed for a limited time.
• Physical therapy: We may recommend exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles, along with treatments such as ultrasound, moist heat, and ice.
• Oral splints or mouth guards: Wearing a soft or firm device inserted over your teeth can help ease muscle tension around the joint by keeping your upper and lower teeth from making contact.
• Stress management techniques: Since stress can worsen TMD symptoms, we may recommend relaxation techniques, counseling, or biofeedback to help manage stress and reduce teeth grinding or clenching.
• Botox injection therapy: Botox can be used to treat various painful conditions including migraines, bruxism (teeth grinding), and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

Surgical Treatment Options for TMD

When conservative methods don’t provide sufficient relief, surgical options may be considered. At Fox View Dental, we carefully assess each patient’s condition to determine if surgery is the most appropriate course of action. We’ll help you understand the potential benefits and risks of each procedure. Surgical options include:

• Arthrocentesis: This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting small needles into the joint to irrigate it and remove debris and inflammatory byproducts.
• TMJ arthroscopy: A small, thin tube (cannula) is placed into the joint space, and an arthroscope is inserted to view the area and perform minor surgical procedures. This can be as effective as open-joint surgery for certain TMJ disorders.
• Modified condylotomy: This procedure addresses the TMJ indirectly through surgery on the mandible to treat pain and locking.
• Open-joint surgery: This is suggested if jaw pain doesn’t resolve with more conservative treatments and appears to be caused by a structural problem in the joint. It involves more risks than other procedures and is considered carefully.

What to Expect During TMJ Treatment at Fox View Dental

From the moment you walk through our doors, we want you to feel comfortable and confident in the care you’ll receive. Here’s what you can expect during your TMJ treatment journey at Fox View Dental:

1. Comprehensive Consultation: Dr. Yenchesky will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and conduct a thorough clinical examination to properly diagnose your condition.
2. Customized Treatment Plan: Based on your evaluation, we’ll create a treatment plan that addresses your needs, preferences, and goals. This plan will outline the recommended therapies, procedures, and lifestyle changes.
3. Supportive Care: Throughout your treatment, our team will provide the care and support you need to achieve the best possible results. We’ll answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you through every step of the process.
4. Long-Term Management: We are dedicated to helping you manage your TMD in the long term. We’ll provide ongoing support, education, and preventive strategies to minimize flare-ups and maintain optimal jaw health.

Ready to Smile Without Facial Pain? Contact Fox View Dental

If you’re ready to find lasting relief from TMJ pain, Fox View Dental in De Pere is here to help. Dr. Chad Yenchesky and our team are dedicated to providing top-quality, personalized care to improve your jaw health and overall well-being. Serving patients in the greater Green Bay area, including Allouez, Ashwaubenon, and Howard, WI, we’re conveniently located to meet your dental needs.

Contact Fox View Dental today to schedule your TMJ consultation. Call us at (920) 336-4201, and let us help you start your journey to a more comfortable, pain-free life!

Frequently Asked Questions