TMJ
The pain caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can bring great difficulty and discomfort to your everyday life.
From intense headaches to distracting tinnitus, the symptoms of temporomandibular disorders are often overwhelming.
Dr. Goodman can make you a nightguard to help with clenching and grinding while sleeping at night.
Many patients understandably confuse TMJ and TMD. However, they're not interchangeable. Here's what they mean.
The Consequences of TMD
TMJ problems like clenching and grinding can inflame or tighten your jaw muscles, leading to jaw and dental pain.
Temporomandibular joint problems can have far-reaching consequences, leading to the degeneration of your jaw joints.
TMD can even lead to cracks, chips, and widespread erosion in your teeth.
Protect Your Teeth
The symptoms of TMJ disorders can disrupt your daily life to an unbearable degree.
Symptoms of TMD
A Closer Look at the TMJ
"Thank you Dr. Goodman for all that you do!" Why Kansas City, MO, Patients Trust Us
Polen Sprankle
2022
Dr. Goodman and his staff were honestly incredible. I’ve never been to a dentist that’s taken his time to talk me through recommendations, and had the best interest of the client in mind. I would absolutely recommend him! Probably the best dental experience I’ve ever had.
View on GoogleErica Warren
2020
The staff is so kind, welcoming & knowledgeable. They have made each experience so positive that I genuinely look forward to my teeth cleaning.
Thank-you Dr. Goodman for all that you do!
Although the exact causes of TMJ disorder are still being researched, TMD is generally related to factors like these.
Why Is TMD So Painful?
TMD results from the effects of strain, stress, and trauma to the temporomandibular joint.
When this jaw joint is strained, the jaw clenches and causes teeth grinding, muscle soreness, and inflammation. This leads to the blockage of circulation, build-up of lactic acid, toxins, and adhesions over time.
Those who have TMJ syndrome generally experience tenderness, weakness, soreness and mild to severe pain affecting daily life, especially sleep. They may experience jaw pain, dental pain, headaches, or a combination of all three.
TMD Has Lasting Effects
While you may be able to temporarily decrease your temporomandibular joint discomfort with anti-inflammatory medication, you will likely need a long-term solution.
Dr. Goodman Can Alleviate Your TMD Symptoms With a Non-Invasive Option
The idea of TMJ surgery may seem daunting, but there is a non-invasive, non-surgical alternative: a custom NTI (nociceptive trigeminal inhibition tension suppression system) device.
The NTI device is a small, acrylic, clear mouth guard worn at night that fits between your front top and bottom teeth.
This TMJ treatment prevents the posterior teeth from contacting each other. The NTI device is designed to be worn long term to suppress and eliminate the reflex to clench and grind.
It can take just 10 to 15 minutes to create this strong mouth guard at our Kansas City office. Visit us to learn more about reducing TMJ grinding.
How Dr. Goodman Can Treat Your TMD
Our dentist, Dr. Goodman, can diagnose your temporomandibular disorder using X-rays and a description of your symptoms. Then, he can begin your TMD treatment with a custom mouth guard called an NTI device, made in minutes at his Kansas City practice.
Think of temporomandibular joint treatment as an investment in your future health.
Protect Your Teeth From the Effects of Temporomandibular Disorders
As a dentist, Dr. Goodman has seen the dramatic impact TMD can have on your teeth.
If left untreated, TMJ problems like bruxism (teeth grinding) can gradually wear down your enamel. TMJ disorders can also lead to broken teeth, which may be more susceptible to infections. In turn, that problem could require root canal therapy.
Unfortunately, the treatment costs for temporomandibular disorders can really add up. In fact, they may even lead to the need for tooth restoration or replacement if allowed to progress.
However, you do have options to treat your TMJ disorder. By acting proactively now, you may be able to prevent these serious problems with your custom NTI device.
Contact our Kansas City office to learn more or call
(816) 842-8585
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james hake
2020
Dr. Goodman and his wonderful staff are amazing. The professional, personal experience they provide is top notch.
I would and have recommended this dentist office to to family and friends.
They earned and deserve each of the 5 stars I have given here. Not only did my dental hygiene improve with the guidance I received from here but also have something to truly smile about again. My overall confidence has improved ten fold, I feel happy again and can share that with everyone around me.
Thank you Dr. Goodman and staff for all that you did for me.
Susan Nessari
2016
Dr. Goodman is the best dentist in town. He is awesome, gentle, honest and a tremendous person. Dr. Goodman goes above and beyond your expectations. I get compliments everywhere I go on my new smile. Because of the smile he gave me, I even have people ask me if I am a Dentist! He has transformed my mouth in no time at all. He also designed a cool night guard for me to prevent me grinding my teeeth at night. Dr Goodman takes time to listen and make sure every question is answered and I always feel respected and appreciated. Thank you Dr. Goodman and your staff for the fabulous job you do. You have given me so much more of a reason to smile.
View on GoogleA Common TMD Predicament: How Do I Know if I Grind My Teeth at Night?
You may think that you do not have a temporomandibular joint condition because you have never caught yourself grinding your teeth during the day.
For those with a temporomandibular disorder, though, this is common. Many people with bruxism grind their teeth in their sleep — which means they don't even know that they have a TMD.
If you wake up with tender, sore jaws or you experience increasing jaw joint pain during the day, you may have a TMD.
Dr. Goodman can help you pursue a diagnosis with X-rays and examine your teeth and jaw at our dental practice. They may be able to reveal evidence of your temporomandibular disorder.
What If My NTI Device Doesn't Resolve All My TMD Symptoms?
In the event that your NTI device does not fully treat your TMJ problems, you still have hope.
Dr. Goodman can talk with you about your case and your TMJ symptoms.
If more invasive TMJ disorder treatment is needed beyond the NTI device, then Dr. Goodman will refer you out to a specialist.
I Already Wear a Nightly Retainer — How Will That Impact My Treatment?
Wearing your retainer each night is crucial for your teeth to remain straight after braces. If you faithfully wear your retainer, then you already understand the importance of consistency, which can be incredibly beneficial for TMD treatment.
There's no need to stress if you need to also wear a NTI device. Simply alternate them, wearing your retainer one night and your NTI device the next. Your dentist, Dr. Goodman, can explain the benefits to you at your next dental visit.
