Como Park Dentistry - St. Paul

TMJ Therapy in St. Paul

Dr. Hartman holds a strong commitment to safeguarding dental health, including the teeth and jaw. He presents the community's most budget-friendly occlusal guards, enabling patients to maintain and safeguard their smiles effectively. Feel free to contact our office and inquire about Dr. Hartman's economical night guards and sports guards.
Call 651-504-8464

Jaw Pain Is Not Normal.

If you find yourself experiencing jaw discomfort on a regular basis, you might consider it a normal occurrence. However, the reality is quite different: jaw pain is far from being a normal sensation and could potentially indicate a condition known as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) affecting one or both of your Temporomandibular Joints (TMJs), which are responsible for the movement of your lower jaw. When these joints undergo disease or misalignment, inflammation sets in around the TMJ and its vicinity, leading to the onset of pain and various associated symptoms.

What are the indicators of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)?

  • Headaches
  • Earaches and tenderness around the ear
  • Pain and tenderness in the face or jaw
  • Muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
  • Ear ringing
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
  • Difficulty when chewing, yawning, or opening the mouth

How Do We Diagnose And Treat TMJ Disorder?

Diagnosis

The process of addressing TMD starts with a thorough clinical assessment, encompassing an evaluation of your facial structure, jaw alignment, bite, joints, and teeth. Throughout the appointment, we will assess for any signs of discomfort or sensitivity, and pay attention to any clicking or popping sounds that might occur during mouth movements, swallowing, or chewing. In the event that the disorder is identified, an initial course of treatment frequently involves the suggestion of a bite splint or night guard.

Treatment and Relief

Our treatment approach incorporates bite splints – personalized plastic mouthpieces meticulously crafted to match the contours of your upper and/or lower teeth. These devices are specifically engineered to counteract the grinding and clenching actions that frequently contribute to the development or exacerbation of TMD. Additionally, the splint serves to readjust the jaw’s alignment, alleviating strain on the adjacent region.

Alternative Treatment Options

If your symptoms stem from a misaligned bite or gaps in your teeth, we might propose orthodontic treatment or dental restoration. In cases where your bite is stressing the TMJ (temporomandibular joint), adjusting the shape of specific teeth could be advised to evenly distribute the biting pressure.

Contact us today

to schedule an initial consultation & exam.

Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

TMJ is an abbreviation for Temporomandibular Joint. When this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed, it’s termed Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or simply TMD.

Signs or symptoms of TMD include pain and tenderness in or around the ear, the jaw joint, or the muscles of the jaw, face or temples. Other symptoms are problems opening or closing your mouth, and a clicking, popping, crunching or grinding noise when you chew, yawn or open your mouth. TMDs may be linked with neck pain and headaches.

TMD arises from a combination of factors, including jaw injuries and joint conditions like arthritis. It’s hypothesized that worsened TMD symptoms can result from bruxism (teeth clenching or grinding) and tension in the head or neck muscles. Stress might also play a role, although whether it causes TMD or is a consequence remains unclear. Additionally, ill-fitting partial or full dentures, along with habits like fingernail biting and biting on pens or pencils, can contribute to TMD. With such a diverse range of causes, diagnosing TMD can be challenging. To gain insight into your jaw pain symptoms, the best step is to schedule an appointment.

There are many possible causes of headaches. No doctor will be able to determine the cause of your headache without a physical examination.

Frequently, TMJ discomfort responds well to non-invasive treatments and therapies. Surgical intervention for TMD is an exceptionally uncommon course of action. Your well-being and contentment hold significant value, and we are committed to transparently discussing all available choices. We prioritize exploring the least invasive and most convenient options initially, and ultimately, the decision about the next steps will be yours to make.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Fantastic Dental Service

Extremely Friendly and Smooth Appointments

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    Google verified patient reviews

    They are so nice here! I get some extreme anxiety going to the dentist from past experiences at other dentist offices. Everyone here is so kind and makes everything so easy and quick though. Great staff, great services, they are the only dentist I will go to
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    Dr. Hartman did my cleaning so they could get me in faster even though the hygienists were booked. He and Jami were very personable, informative, and encouraging. I hadn't been to the dentist in a while and they didn't judge or make me feel bad. I will continue to go to Como Park Dental for my dentistry needs.
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    Jo
    2 months ago
    This was my first visit and I'm very happy I found them. Personable desk staff and dentist, excellent hygienist, and they have a great promo for brand new patients...an all inclusive price for the cleaning, exam, and ex-rays to get you started. The online form submission prior to the appointment was quite simple as well. Five stars for a very great first impression.
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    S SM
    2 weeks ago
    I had a great experience with Dr. Hartman. I am usually very nervous during dental visits, but Dr. Hartman was very patient and gentle. He ensures his patients are comfortable and answers all questions.
    More
    Steve Williams
    3 months ago
    These guys are ALL! AWESOME!! Few months ago I had a bad tooth. My wife called and they got me in for a quick look the next morning. And ended up needing to be pulled. They got me back at the end of the same day to pull the tooth. Then made an appt for 12/26/23 for a routine exam etc.. since I only had the bad tooth taken care of previously. I needed a deep cleaning and I was worried my wife may lose her Dental insurance. So, these wonderful folks got me in the the next morning 12/27/23 to do a deep cleaning. Great Atmosphere. Lots of Laughter and friendliness. Warm greeting. Just Great! I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND COMO PARK DENTISTRY
    More
    They are so nice here! I get some extreme anxiety going to the dentist from past experiences at other dentist offices. Everyone here is so kind and makes everything so easy and quick though. Great staff, great services, they are the only dentist I will go to
    More
    Dr. Hartman did my cleaning so they could get me in faster even though the hygienists were booked. He and Jami were very personable, informative, and encouraging. I hadn't been to the dentist in a while and they didn't judge or make me feel bad. I will continue to go to Como Park Dental for my dentistry needs.
    More
    Jo
    2 months ago
    This was my first visit and I'm very happy I found them. Personable desk staff and dentist, excellent hygienist, and they have a great promo for brand new patients...an all inclusive price for the cleaning, exam, and ex-rays to get you started. The online form submission prior to the appointment was quite simple as well. Five stars for a very great first impression.
    More
    S SM
    2 weeks ago
    I had a great experience with Dr. Hartman. I am usually very nervous during dental visits, but Dr. Hartman was very patient and gentle. He ensures his patients are comfortable and answers all questions.
    More
    Steve Williams
    3 months ago
    These guys are ALL! AWESOME!! Few months ago I had a bad tooth. My wife called and they got me in for a quick look the next morning. And ended up needing to be pulled. They got me back at the end of the same day to pull the tooth. Then made an appt for 12/26/23 for a routine exam etc.. since I only had the bad tooth taken care of previously. I needed a deep cleaning and I was worried my wife may lose her Dental insurance. So, these wonderful folks got me in the the next morning 12/27/23 to do a deep cleaning. Great Atmosphere. Lots of Laughter and friendliness. Warm greeting. Just Great! I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND COMO PARK DENTISTRY
    More
      Como Park Dentistry - St. Paul

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      Call 651-504-8464