FIND RELIEF
FROM JAW PAIN
Plano TMJ dentist Dr. Jacob Grapevine has focused his post-graduate training on the diagnosis and treatment of bite-related problems and temporomandibular disorders. He takes a functional approach to your symptoms and concerns.
Comprehensive TMJ
Diagnosis & Treatment
TMJ Treatment + Therapy
Dr. Grapevine creates personalized treatment plans to resolve symptoms and restore the health and comfort of your smile. Visit our dentist in Plano, TX today.
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TMJ: The Journey To Better Health
Do you experience headaches, jaw pain or neck & shoulder muscle tension? A TMD could be the underlying cause of your discomfort.
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Signs + Symptoms of TMJ
Headaches, jaw pain, teeth grinding: these are all symptoms of an underlying oral health condition called TMJ. Find help today.
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TMJ THERAPY AT SIGNATURE DENTISTRY
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, more often referred to as TMJ, is a condition that causes chronic or acute inflammation of the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects the mandible to the skull, and unbalanced muscles often cause much pain and discomfort. The inflammation can result in significant impairment and pain.
Examples of issues caused by TMJ are migraines, tooth wear, and grinding as well as limitations in chewing. The instances of pain in both jaws and face can be almost unbearable.
Very few medical professionals have experience with this complex disorder. Plano, Texas dentist Dr. Jacob Grapevine has special training and experience working with patients suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, commonly known as TMJ. Dr. Grapevine completed postgraduate training to be able to diagnose and treat TMJ dysfunction. In addition to providing non-surgical TMJ pain relief, we provide restorative dental treatment options.
COMPLIMENTARY TMD CALL
Fill out the forms linked below and send in your answers to our office. Dr. Grapevine will review your form and set up a complimentary call to discuss your TMD concerns.
Fill Out New Patient Questionnaire for TMD Issues
(Please fill out the 3 page form and return to our office for your complimentary call. Thank you!)
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY & TMJ TREATMENT
TMJ issues can be very complex and create limitations in the quality of life. Arriving at a proper diagnosis is critical for the success of treatment and relief of symptoms, Dr. Grapevine uses advanced technology as part of a comprehensive approach to both analysis and treatment. The goal is a long-term result that addresses the underlying issue affecting the function of the bite.
Our holistic treatment approach for TMJ disorders varies between the fields of both neuropathy and dentistry. While analgesic pain relief is often prescribed for those suffering from this disorder, often times the pain is more neurologic in cause and nature. As a result, pain relievers often don’t provide an adequate effect.
Another approach to pain management involves using tricyclic antidepressants such as Amitriptyline or Nortriptyline to provide pain modification. This approach proves to be more effective for those not searching for long-term treatment.
Orthodontics
for TMJ
Orthotics for TMJ
Dr. Grapevine is one of few Dallas area dentists using an orthotic approach to addressing a diagnosed bite disorder. An orthotic for TMJ is a special orthopedic appliance that is designed to correct an underlying orthopedic problem impacting the jaw and bite.
It will help your jaw rest in a natural position, one that doesn’t stress the joints or muscles and cause common symptoms of TMJ. Over time, an orthotic can facilitate physiologic changes in the fit of the bite for a long term resolution.
Oral Appliances
Mouthguard/Night guard: For many patients, the use of a custom mouthguard to stop teeth grinding can provide symptom relief and prevent further damage to the teeth and gums. Dr. Grapevine will evaluate all aspects of your occlusal system (this includes teeth, gums, and jaw joints) to identify the underlying cause of your bite problem and recommend non-surgical and non-invasive treatment options.
Most new patients tell us that if they were given a guard by another dental office, they couldn’t wear it because it was uncomfortable. How we approach guard therapy is different than most offices. Our patients who have been through guard therapy tell us they can’t sleep without it!
It is all about the technique, follow up, the proper type of adjustments. You should see improvements and can expect your guard to last for several years.
Left: Before and After TMJ treatment with an orthotic. Notice how the jaw muscles have relaxed and the face appears leaner. Patient weighs the same.
About Nightguards
Learn more about nightguards for TMJ with your Plano, TX dentist Dr. Jacob Grapevine.
Performing a thorough exam of the temporomandibular joints is recommended before commencing with further treatment to analyze the patient’s bite and joint. A less invasive treatment type might be bio-feedback. Using a headband for this type of therapy allows treatment during sleep while para-functional jaw habits are modified. Other treatments that involve an investment of time for results include:
- Occlusal Adjustment or Tooth Grinding: not usually recommended because of irreversible effects
- Mandibular Repositioning Splints
- Orthodontics
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Hypnotherapy: Used for pain management
Some treatments involve the elimination of para-functional habits through examining patient histories, which reveal much about symptoms and their causes. Jaw stretching and relaxation exercises, suggested by health care providers, can be done at home.
Surgery is sometimes indicated for TMJ, but usually only as a last resort. With more treatments coming to the fore that are less invasive, the use of MRIs or CAT scans is not as prevalent as it was in past years. TMJ has become a very treatable condition that no longer involves chronic pain in most patients.
TMJ Headaches Treatment
One out of every 10 Americans suffers from chronic headaches. They spend over half a billion dollars every year for over-the-counter medications to relieve their pain. They never imagine that their headaches may be caused by TMJ, and that their pain is the result of a bad bite.
Based on your evaluation with Dr. Grapevine, we may recommend one or several non-surgical treatment options to restore balance to the TMJ joints and occlusal system. TMJ pain relief may include the use of a custom night guard to prevent teeth grinding during sleep. Our dentist in Plano, TX may also recommend orthodontic treatment to straighten the teeth and create a harmonious bite relationship.
In Conversation With A Real Patient
What is Causing My Jaw Pain?
When your teeth do not fit together correctly and/or your jaw joints don’t work properly, pain, pressure, and limitations to chewing can occur. Common symptoms that can occur include: migraine headaches, frequent morning headaches, jaw popping/clicking, and unexplained facial, neck, shoulder or jaw pain.
How will I know if I need TMJ treatment?
Dr. Grapevine will evaluate your smile and help you determine if qualify for non-surgical TMJ treatments. Additionally, our office provides unique tests that provide quick results and a diagnosis to determine if a patient is clenching/grinding at night as well as during the daytime. Since there are many symptoms associated with TMJ, you should visit a certified TMJ specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
Do I need surgery to get rid of TMJ?
No, most TMJ issues can be addressed with non-invasive dental treatments. Only in severe cases will oral surgery be necessary to correct the issue. We will do our best to provide conservative treatments whenever possible to avoid recommending oral surgery.
Before & After TMJ Treatment
TMJ treatment can even change the shape of your jaw. These patients underwent TMJ therapy with Dr. Grapevine and experienced visible results.