TMJ Treatment Palo Alto

Millions of Americans suffer from TMJ and craniofacial disorders. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. It is the joint that connects the lower jawbone to the skull. The human TMJ and jaw is essentially a lever system, complex in structure. Unfortunately this system is not ideal in design, often inefficient and subject to problems. Symptoms associated with this disorder include one or more of the following: chronic headaches and migraines, pain and ringing in the ears, vertigo (dizziness), sore/painful facial muscles, pain and/or stiffness in the neck, shoulder, and back. These symptoms are often so severe thus disabling one from normal daily activities and altering one’s quality of life.

Many of these symptoms are a result of poorly aligned teeth and an unbalanced “bad” bite. A bad bite can be caused by one or more of the following:

Clenching/grinding teeth
Orthodontic misalignment
High dental restorations (ie. crowns and filling)

In these circumstances, the TMJ and muscles have to work harder to bring teeth together in order to function properly. There is also a tendency for excessive subconscious clenching and/or grinding during the day and night while trying to find balance in the bite. As a result, teeth wear down and can fracture, and the TMJ and surrounding muscles become strained and fatigued.

Palo Alto Dentist Dr. Hansen provide works with board certified craniopathic specialists utilizing cranial-dental procedures in treating these TMJ disorders. Working together, a balanced bite is achieved. Treatment might include bite adjustments (removing and re-contouring high spots and premature contacts on teeth and restorations), and/or fabrication of an occlusal (bite) splint orthotic to protect the jaw and muscles from clenching/grinding.

Other times more involved procedures are necessary including one or more of the following:

Orthodontics (braces) to move teeth into a more balanced and physiologic position
Prosthetic solutions where restorations are placed on badly worn, broken-down, missing restorations and teeth in order to restore and stabilize function and balance in the bite.

If you have any of these symptoms or have questions please call our office to schedule a TMJ consultation appointment for a complete exam and a review of your options.

BOTOX Treatment For TMJ Palo Alto

BOTOX® is used as an alternative treatment for TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) disorders and associated jaw tension and pain. When injected into facial muscles afflicted with soreness and discomfort, BOTOX® relieves TMJ and jaw tension for many patients. The injections often eliminate headaches resulting from teeth grinding, and, in cases of severe stress, BOTOX® can even minimize lock jaw. Although BOTOX® treatment for these conditions is presently experimental; evidence indicates that it can be extremely effective.

Patient Testimonials & Reviews

Dr. Hansen's expertise, professionalism, and dedication to patient care is exceptional. My family and I (all Dr. Hansen's patients) are so grateful to be under her care. From a comprehensive initial evaluation, thorough hygienic visits and state of the art dental care (customized crowns made on site!), we are very pleased with the care we receive. The staff is very welcoming, knowledgeable, and trained very well. Dr. Hansen's dedication to quality and optimal patient care is superb. We have had several dental emergencies in the last year and Dr. Hansen has gone above and beyond to help us get thru them safely and with the best outcome possible. Thank you Dr. Hansen! We are so lucky to have you! The Lazarov family

After not seeing a dentist for several years, my teeth needed a lot of work. Dr. Hansen pointed out the most critical areas, presenting options for the remainder. Never had a prior dentist been as concerned for the long term health of my teeth. Dr. Hansen planned treatments in order of importance, and completed all within a year. The highly competent staff set up appointments for me when an outside specialist was required—and their work is highly commendable as well. Every member of the staff is courteous, gentle, supportive, and knowledgeable. They did an excellent job of explaining care and prevention of my teeth and gums. I was shocked at how little I knew about dental care before I went to Dr. Hansen. Now I have healthy, beautiful teeth that I know how to take care of!

Can't say enough about how amazing the entire team is here! Dr. Hansen has been a joy to work with, as has the entire team she has working with her. Everyone I have interacted with has been kind, attentive, and communicates clearly and thoroughly. I, along with my wife and 3 kids, all use and love Dr. Hansen and can't imagine using another dentist!