TMJ Treatment
A Closer Look at the TMJ
A Common TMD Predicament: How Do I Know if I Grind My Teeth at Night?
You may think that you do not have a temporomandibular joint condition because you have never caught yourself grinding your teeth during the day.
For those with a temporomandibular disorder, though, this is common. Many people with bruxism grind their teeth in their sleep — which means they don't even know that they have a TMD.
If you wake up with tender, sore jaws or you experience increasing jaw joint pain during the day, you may have a TMD.
Dr. Goodman can help you pursue a diagnosis with X-rays and examine your teeth and jaw at our dental practice. They may be able to reveal evidence of your temporomandibular disorder.
Symptoms of TMD
The symptoms of TMJ disorders can disrupt your daily life to an unbearable degree. These lasting effects include:
The Consequences of TMD
Can Be Avoided
TMJ problems like clenching and grinding can inflame or tighten your jaw muscles. Your temporomandibular joint issues can have far-reaching consequences, leading to the degeneration of your jaw joints.
This condition can also damage your teeth, leading to the need for more costly dental work in the future. Luckily, you don't necessarily have to deal with any further consequences of TMD. Simply visit our trusted Kansas City, MO, team to discuss your concerns and have your temporomandibular joints examined.
Offering Life-Changing Treatment for Kansas City, MO, Patients
Andrew Hunt
Kansas City, MO
2023
Dr. Goodman is excellent and everybody who works there is so nice. Complete smile transformation for me. Life changing
View on GooglePeter Mitchell
Kansas City, MO
2023
Moved here from Chicago and very happy Dr. Goodman was the first dentist I saw here in KC. The staff was super friendly, communicated well, and...I really felt like the center of care.
View on GoogleWhy Is TMD So Painful?
TMD results from the effects of strain, stress, and trauma to the temporomandibular joint.
When this jaw joint is strained, the jaw clenches and causes teeth grinding, muscle soreness, and inflammation. This leads to the blockage of circulation, build-up of lactic acid, toxins, and adhesions over time.
Those who have TMJ syndrome generally experience tenderness, weakness, soreness, and mild to severe pain affecting daily life, especially sleep. They may experience jaw pain, dental pain, headaches, or a combination of all three.
Dr. Goodman Can Alleviate Your TMD Symptoms With a Non-Invasive Option
While you may be able to temporarily decrease your temporomandibular joint discomfort with anti-inflammatory medication, you will likely need a long-term solution. Instead of TMJ surgery, we offer a non-invasive, non-surgical alternative: a custom NTI (nociceptive trigeminal inhibition tension suppression system) device.
The NTI device is a small, acrylic, clear mouth guard worn at night that fits between your front top and bottom teeth.
This TMJ treatment prevents the posterior teeth from contacting each other. The NTI device is designed to be worn long term to suppress and eliminate the reflex to clench and grind.
It can take just 10 to 15 minutes to create this strong mouth guard at our Kansas City office. Visit us to learn more about reducing TMJ grinding.
How Dr. Goodman Can Treat Your TMD
Our dentist, Dr. Goodman, can diagnose your temporomandibular disorder using X-rays and a description of your symptoms. Then, he can begin your TMD treatment with a custom mouth guard called an NTI device, made in minutes at his Kansas City practice.
Common Questions About NTI Devices
I Already Wear a Nightly Retainer —
How Will That Impact My Treatment?
Wearing your retainer each night is crucial for your teeth to remain straight after braces. If you faithfully wear your retainer, then you already understand the importance of consistency, which can be incredibly beneficial for TMD treatment. There's no need to stress if you need to also wear a NTI device. Simply alternate them, wearing your retainer one night and your NTI device the next. Your dentist, Dr. Goodman, can explain the benefits to you at your next dental visit.
What If My NTI Device
Doesn't Resolve All My TMD Symptoms?
In the event that your NTI device does not fully treat your TMJ problems, you still have hope. Dr. Goodman can talk with you about your case and your TMJ symptoms. If more invasive TMJ disorder treatment is needed beyond the NTI device, then Dr. Goodman will refer you out to a specialist.
Protect Your Teeth From the Effects of Temporomandibular Disorders
As a dentist, Dr. Goodman has seen the dramatic impact TMD can have on your teeth.
If left untreated, TMJ problems like bruxism (teeth grinding) can gradually wear down your enamel. TMJ disorders can also lead to broken teeth, which may be more susceptible to infections. In turn, that problem could require root canal therapy.
Unfortunately, the treatment costs for temporomandibular disorders can really add up. In fact, they may even lead to the need for tooth restoration or replacement if allowed to progress.
However, you do have options to treat your TMJ disorder. By acting proactively now, you may be able to prevent these serious problems with your custom NTI device.
Contact our Kansas City office to learn more or call
(816) 842-8585
A Real Jackson County, MO, Patient Talks About Their Dental Experience
"Dr. Goodman and his staff were honestly incredible. I’ve never been to a dentist that’s taken his time to talk me through recommendations, and had the best interest of the client in mind. I would absolutely recommend him! Probably the best dental experience I’ve ever had." Polen Sprankle
Get to Know Dr. Goodman Before You Visit
It can be intimidating to visit a new dentist, but ours is entirely approachable. In fact, patients feel so comfortable here that they bring their families in for dental care. Throughout his more than two decades in the field, Dr. Goodman has always appreciated the opportunity to make patients feel happier and healthier. If you're struggling with TMJ pain, let him provide you with a custom solution.
Visit a Kansas City Dentist That Puts You First
Though living with TMJ problems can be stressful, our office strives to make your treatment as smooth as possible. We improve your experience using patient-tailored benefits like:
Free Consultations
If your jaw joints hurt, you don't have to try to power through the pain. Our compassionate team provides free consultations, allowing you to explore your options at any time.
Comprehensive Care
Some patients with TMD may have worn or chipped teeth. Once your TMJ disorder is under control, our comprehensive practice can revitalize your smile with custom cosmetic and restorative dental treatments.
Dental Sedation
At our friendly practice, we'll do everything we can to keep you at ease. If you ever need a little more help staying calm, though, we can guide you through the advantages of safe, relaxing nitrous oxide sedation.
Patient Education
We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge about their condition and treatment. Whether you're curious about TMJ disorder, want to know how your NTI device works, or have other questions, Dr. Goodman is happy to keep you informed.
When the TMJs are strained, TMD generally progresses to grinding and results in heavy wear, sensitivity, soreness, chips, cracks, and broken teeth. Our dentist can help you stop the damage from getting worse. Find help with a team that cares by messaging us or calling
(816) 842-8585
"I would and have recommended this office to family and friends."
james hake
2020
Dr. Goodman and his wonderful staff are amazing. The professional, personal experience they provide is top notch. I would and have recommended this dentist office to to family and friends.
They earned and deserve each of the 5 stars I have given here. Not only did my dental hygiene improve with the guidance I received from here but also have something to truly smile about again. My overall confidence has improved ten fold, I feel happy again and can share that with everyone around me.
Thank you Dr. Goodman and staff for all that you did for me.
Grace Cooper
Kansas City, MO
2023
I was nervous for my appointment because it’d been 3 years since my last cleaning, but the staff here are absolutely excellent and made me feel so comfortable!
I’ve never left a dentist’s office with a genuine smile before, I’m genuinely excited to go back in six months.
I felt listened to and welcomed by everyone, including the receptionist, the dental hygienist, and Dr. Goodman himself.
I’ll be returning here for as long as I live in Kansas!
Is TMJ Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Though it does depend on your provider and plan, an NTI device can be eligible for coverage. After all, insurance companies recognize that by treating clenching and grinding, they can help you avoid much more expensive treatment in the future.
Instead of waiting until you need a crown, implant, or veneers, come talk to us about your case. Our Kansas City, MO, team accepts a variety of insurance providers — and we're happy to confirm ahead of time if we take yours. That way, you have complete peace of mind during your TMJ disorder screening.
Need Extra Help? We Accept Financing
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Think of temporomandibular joint treatment as an investment in your health. It's worth the cost — and we strive to make care feasible for our patients. In addition to accepting cash and credit cards, we also accept financing from CareCredit®. Plus, we offer free consultations, so that it won't cost you a penny to explore the possibilities.
