The Challenge of Treating TMJ

This issue can be just as difficult to treat as it is to pronounce. TMJ (or TMD) is one of the most common disorders in the United States today with over 60 million people suffering from it. Issues can arise on either one or both sides of your jaw, which if left untreated, may cause major problems down the road. And while some TMJ issues may be temporary, lasting from a few days to a few weeks, there is always a possibility of your symptoms returning. Sadly, many people can suffer persistent TMJ symptoms for months or even years. For the people of Anchorage, AK and surrounding areas we have the solution for you — just come see Dr. Kendall, one of the few gneuromuscular dentists in Alaska!

Dr. Kendall has received extensive training in the treatment of TMJ at Occlusion Connections, an advanced teaching center upholding neuromuscular and gnathic principles at their highest levels. GNM is a blended advanced approach implementing both the G (gnathic) + NM (neuromuscular) principles of dentistry. Dr. Kendall has completed all of their advanced courses related to the diagnosis and treatment of this difficult condition.

TMJ Symptoms

TMJ (or TMD) is a very common condition and there are a few symptoms you should be aware of. If you are currently experiencing any of these, then a dental visit is definitely in order:

  • Pain in the jaw, face, head, neck, shoulders and/or teeth
  • Jaws that click, pop, or grind
  • Restricted jaw motion or locked jaw
  • Teeth that are worn
  • Teeth that are sensitive to cold
  • Teeth with a history of fractures, needing crowns and always needing root canals

In order to determine the cause of your condition, Dr. Kendall will examine your jaw, ask about your symptoms and use a specialized image called a tomography to accurately diagnose your TMJ disorder. With all this experience and skill, our Anchorage TMJ dental team can get you comfortable once and for all.

TMJ Treatment for Headaches in Anchorage

For many people, the primary symptoms of TMJ are actually not jaw symptoms but headaches. Tension headaches are often caused by TMJ because the muscles in the head partner with those in the jaw. TMJ has also been linked with migraines through irritation or overstimulation of the trigeminal nerve, known as a key trigger point in migraines.

In order to achieve a healthy status, Dr. Kendall will start by relaxing tense muscles in the jaw so you can experience improved comfort. He will use K7 and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) to relax your jaw. Taking into account the six dimensions of optimal occlusion we will create a removable appliance, called an orthotic, to correct your jaw position. This process is called Stage 1 Bite Therapy. The orthotic crates a balanced and harmonious bite position.

After you are comfortable and pain-free, Dr. Kendall will discuss with the best long-term solution to help you stay that way without a dental appliance. We may recommend orthodontics (braces) to further protect your bite and porcelain veneers and crowns to rebuild missing tooth structure; this is referred to as Stage 2. Our ultimate goal is to help you find long-term relief and address the actual etiology causing your pain. Our Anchorage dentists have been helping patients like you, become pain-free for over 20 years. See what they can do for you!

TMJ Treatment FAQs

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. TMD (temporomandibular disorder) refers to conditions or problems affecting this joint and the muscles around it. Many people use the terms interchangeably, but technically, TMJ is the joint, and TMD is the disorder.

If you experience jaw pain, frequent headaches, clicking or popping sounds, worn or sensitive teeth, neck or shoulder pain, or even tingling in your fingers, you may have a TMJ-related issue. These are signs that your jaw and bite are out of balance.

Many patients delay treatment because TMJ problems can be hard to diagnose, and most general dentists are not trained or equipped with the advanced technology needed to properly treat them. Dr. Kendall is one of the few neuromuscular dentists in Alaska with specialized training and tools for accurate diagnosis and effective care.

Watch this short video to learn why people often delay TMJ treatment and how Dr. Kendall’s advanced training and technology make a difference.

We use advanced tools like tomography imaging, the K7 Evaluation System, Panoramic imaging, CT 3D cone beam imaging, and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) to measure your jaw position, relax muscles, and create a balanced bite. This approach allows us to pinpoint the cause of your pain and design an effective treatment plan.

Treatment typically begins with Stage 1 Bite Therapy, where we use a removable orthotic to position your jaw comfortably and relieve muscle tension. Once your pain is gone, we may recommend long-term solutions like orthodontics, crowns, or veneers to maintain your healthy bite.

Many patients feel significant relief after just a few visits, especially once the jaw muscles are relaxed and balanced. Every case is unique, but our goal is to restore comfort as quickly as possible and then maintain it for the long term.

Contact Our Anchorage Dentists

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Why You Need Excellence in Dentistry

If you have any of the TMJ symptoms mentioned above, come see us at Excellence in Dentistry to avoid any further damage to your jaw muscles and joints.

Dr. Kendall has been dealing with this disorder in people for years and with his experience, can diagnose and treat TMJ disorders successfully. A very delicate and reproducible balance must occur in the chewing system for total harmony, comfort, and stability to exist. Let us correct your TMJ problem and help alleviate your pain so that you don’t have to suffer from TMD anymore.

If you’re having TMJ problems and looking for treatment, give our Anchorage neuromuscular dentist a call at (907) 349-0022 today, or use our online contact form to the left to request an appointment!