402-421-3401

TMJ Disorder Treatment

Treat Your TMJ Disorder and Say Goodbye to Jaw Pain

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) serve an important function by holding both sides of the lower jawbone to the skull. If these ligaments and muscles do not work properly, TMJ disorder (TMD) can result. More than 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorder. Fortunately, TMD is highly treatable. Andrew R. Glenn, DDS, MD, offers mouth guards and oral splints to treat TMJ disorder at his dental practice in Lincoln, NE. When you undergo TMJ disorder treatment at our practice, you will be in expert hands. Dr. Glenn completed his general surgery internship at Truman Medical Center in 2004 and is affiliated with numerous dental and medical societies.

Mouth guards prevent jaw clenching, the primary source of discomfort associated with TMJ disorder.

The Benefits of Treating TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder can have detrimental health consequences if left untreated, ranging from loss of sleep to worn or cracked teeth. Once treated, however, patients can enjoy these benefits:

  • Fuller range of jaw motion
  • Cessation of discomfort while eating
  • More restful sleep
  • Improved concentration at school or work
  • Better bite balance
  • Cessation of bruxism
  • Reduced snoring
  • Prevention of permanent jaw injury
  • Relief from jaw pain

Are You a Candidate for Treatment?

There are many signs that you may be suffering from TMJ disorder. It can sometimes be difficult to diagnose TMD, since the symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. Dr. Glenn has more than ten years of professional experience diagnosing TMJ disorder. At our practice, we use advanced imaging technology, including a cone beam CT scanner, to accurately diagnose our patients’ conditions. During your visit, Dr. Glenn may look for these symptoms of TMJ disorder:

  • Jaw joint pain (one of the most common symptoms)
  • Facial pain
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Worn or cracked teeth
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Jaw popping when chewing
  • Ear pain

Good candidates for TMD treatment present one or more symptoms of the disorder and are committed to closely following treatment guidelines.

Your TMD Treatment Options

Nearly 90 percent of TMJ disorder cases can be successfully treated without surgery. Dr. Glenn offers the following treatment options:

  • Custom mouth guard: A mouth guard helps shift the jaw into proper alignment while preventing overextension of the jaw muscles. The guard prevents jaw clenching, the primary source of discomfort associated with TMJ disorder. Dr. Glenn will provide a mouth guard that is designed specifically to address your symptoms.
  • Oral splint: An oral splint prevents teeth grinding by correcting the alignment of the jaws. The plastic or acrylic resin appliance can cover all or a few teeth within a row. They are custom-designed to fit your mouth. Splints are designed to relieve jaw muscle tension. Depending on your needs, you may be prescribed an occlusional or permissive splint.
  • Surgery: Surgery is typically the last resort. If non-invasive treatments fail to relieve your TMJ disorder symptoms, Dr. Glenn will discuss your surgical options.

Start Treating Your TMJ Disorder Today

If you are experiencing pain or fatigue in your jawbone area, there is a chance you may have TMJ disorder. Left untreated, the symptoms are unlikely to subside. If you have concerns about the affordability of treatment, we accept CareCredit® payment plans. To schedule your appointment and begin treating your TMJ disorder, contact our office online or call (402) 421-3401.