TMJ Therapy in St. Louis Park, MN

Relief from Jaw Pain, Tension, and Headaches

If you’re struggling with jaw pain, clicking, or chronic headaches, your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) may be the source of the issue. At Creekside Dental, we offer personalized TMJ therapy to help diagnose, manage, and relieve discomfort associated with TMJ disorders (TMD).

With a focus on conservative, non-surgical treatments, our team addresses the root cause of your symptoms — not just the pain — using custom oral appliances, bite adjustments, and integrated care designed to restore balance and function to your jaw.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joints are located on both sides of your jaw and connect it to your skull. These joints help you chew, speak, and move your mouth smoothly. When the joint or surrounding muscles become inflamed, misaligned, or overworked, it can lead to a range of symptoms collectively referred to as TMJ disorder or TMD.

Common signs include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Limited jaw movement or locking
• Tension headaches or migraines
• Pain radiating to the neck, shoulders, or ears
• Difficulty chewing or biting evenly

Many cases of TMD develop gradually due to clenching, grinding (bruxism), bite misalignment, or injury. Identifying the cause is key to successful treatment.

How We Diagnose TMJ Disorders

During your exam, our experienced dentists — Dr. Gabe De Los Rios and Dr. Robert Laing — will:

1. Review your health and dental history
2. Evaluate your jaw movement and bite alignment
3. Palpate muscles and joints to detect tenderness or clicking
4. Examine for signs of bruxism, including worn or cracked teeth
5. Use intraoral cameras and digital scans for a detailed assessment of your bite

We’ll use this information to develop a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and severity of the condition.

Treatment Options for TMJ Dysfunction

We focus on non-invasive therapies that relieve stress on the joints, promote healing, and prevent long-term damage. Your TMJ treatment may include:

1. Custom Occlusal Guards

A personalized nightguard or splint helps prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching during sleep. These appliances reduce muscle tension and joint pressure, providing long-term relief. Learn more about occlusal mouthguards as part of our therapy approach.

2. Bite Adjustment

Minor adjustments to the way your teeth come together (also called occlusal equilibration) can reduce uneven forces on the jaw, alleviating joint strain.

3. Muscle Relaxation and At-Home Care

We’ll guide you through techniques to reduce jaw tension — including posture improvement, jaw exercises, and cold/heat therapy. In some cases, muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medication may be recommended.

4. Sedation Dentistry for Stress-Related Clenching

For patients with dental anxiety contributing to jaw tension, our sedation dentistry options can make care more comfortable and stress-free.

We tailor every treatment plan to your specific needs and comfort level — with the goal of managing your symptoms conservatively and effectively.

Long-Term Protection and Prevention

If TMJ pain is caused or worsened by bruxism, chronic stress, or malocclusion, early treatment can help you avoid damage to your teeth and restorations. Left untreated, TMJ issues may lead to:

• Cracked or worn teeth
• Damaged fillings or crowns
• Recurring headaches or migraines
• Muscle fatigue or joint degeneration
• Sleep disturbances

At Creekside Dental, we take a whole-patient approach to care. Whether we’re treating TMJ dysfunction, restoring your bite, or helping with sleep-related issues like sleep apnea, your long-term health is always our priority.

Serving St. Louis Park and Surrounding Communities

Our practice is located in St. Louis Park, and we’re proud to support patients throughout Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Richfield, and nearby Minneapolis neighborhoods. If jaw pain is disrupting your life, we’re here to provide clarity, relief, and long-term support.

If you're uninsured or looking for an affordable path to ongoing care, our Membership Plan helps you access exams, follow-ups, and preventive services with predictable costs and no surprises.