A typical temporomandibular disorder (TMD) may involve the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or any of its surrounding muscles or soft tissues. It may include symptoms such as:

• jaw joint pain
• limited jaw opening
• jaw muscle pain
• joint noise
• headache
• jaw locking
• tooth pain
• neck pain
• ear pain

Appointments can be made between the hours of 8:00AM and 5:00PM, Monday thru Thursday, or Fridays between 7:30AM and 12:00PM.

• For scheduling appointments in
  • St. Paul call (651)332-7474
  • Plymouth call (763)577-2484
  • Burnsville call (952) 892-6222
  • St. Cloud  call (763)577-2484

An orofacial pain dentist or physician will evaluate and review your current symptoms and medical history, examine area of the face, teeth, jaw, head and neck, and order any diagnostic testing if necessary. Typically this will include radiographs, imaging studies, and questionnaires. Also, the dentist will provide a self-care program to begin to reduce any strain to the area and encourage healing. A treatment plan will be developed to provide pain relief. If necessary, it will sent to your insurer for prior authorization, and a summary letter will go out to your referring doctor.

After your first visit, an individual treatment plan will be developed that typically may take 2 to 4 months, but may be longer for complex conditions. Referrals are made for medical consultations. Appointments with the physical therapist and/or health psychologist may be recommended to help reduce the pain. To begin treatment, the dentist often will insert a splint (mouthguard and/or prescribe medications. The physical therapist may give you exercises to help restore function and ease pain. The health psychologist will train you to relax your muscles and reduce other specific contributing factors. Relief usually occurs gradually, over 2-4 months, and depends on patient compliance.

Services in our clinic are often covered under your medical insurance. Please check your policy before your evaluation so you know what benefits are covered. If a referral is needed, please check with your physician before your first appointment. Patients are responsible for payment of their account. We will send a pre-authorization form to your insurance carrier if required.