TMD Archives - Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

My TMJ Journey to a Healthy and Beautiful Smile – Kathy’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Kathy has been a patient of Dr. Elizabeth Eggert for well over 10 years. When she came as a new patient, she started by seeking guidance about how to proceed with treatment recommended previously by her former dentist. She shared that her past dental experiences had not always been positive and that she was looking for a provider she could trust, someone who would take the time to understand her concerns and help her move forward with confidence.

At the time, Kathy told Dr. Elizabeth that she often had significant jaw discomfort related to her “TMJ” or temporomandibular joint. Pain at the TMJ is often referred to as TMD or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This condition often involves the joints themselves, but can also be related to muscles or nerves, as well as alignment, sleep, airway, or mental health issues. Common symptoms include pain in the face, neck, and jaw, as well as clicking, popping, or even locking of the jaw. In Kathy’s case, she reported increasing jaw pain following prior dental work and had developed a habit of chewing primarily on one side to avoid discomfort.

TMD can be influenced by several factors, including stress, bruxism, joint injury, or underlying conditions such as Arthritis. Kathy’s dental history was complex, involving multiple restorations, including crowns, bridges, and root canal treatments, all of which required careful evaluation as part of her comprehensive care plan.

What was recommended?

Initially, Kathy wasn’t looking for a comprehensive plan, and she was able to manage her TMD, so Dr. Elizabeth did the treatment Kathy needed, including replacing a bridge due to decay. But, over the years, Kathy experienced a number of medical systemic issues, and her TMD got harder for her to manage on her own. Dr. Elizabeth then talked to Kathy about undergoing the Records Process to better understand the underlying causes of her discomfort and guide her to appropriate treatment. It took Kathy nearly six years – and several additional crowns and fillings before she felt ready to move forward with this recommendation, but eventually she was ready.

The Records Process is a detailed diagnostic approach that allows Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff to evaluate not just the teeth, but the entire system. In Kathy’s case, it really helped both Kathy and Dr. Elizabeth understand that Kathy’s bite was playing a large role in her TMD.

The first recommendation for Kathy was for her to undergo splint therapy with an Anterior Deprogrammer splint. This type of appliance is designed to help relax the jaw muscles, reduce strain on the joints, and to help determine the position where Dr. Elizabeth could help create a more stable, comfortable bite for Kathy. It would be an important step in managing her TMD.

What was involved?

Following five months of splint therapy, Kathy experienced significant improvement in her comfort and jaw function. With the information Dr. Elizabeth got from splint therapy, she was able to help Kathy understand that the current positions of her teeth were contributing to her TMD. It would take a lot of dentistry or some dentistry and orthodontics to position Kathy’s teeth into a more stable bite. Kathy elected to change her teeth and forgo orthodontics so a plan was developed to redesign her whole dentition.

A laboratory wax-up was completed to serve as a precise “blueprint” for Kathy’s future restorations. This step ensured that both Kathy’s functional goals and aesthetic expectations were carefully aligned.

Over the course of two appointments, nearly all her teeth were meticulously prepared for the placement of custom porcelain crowns and veneers. These restorations were designed to improve her bite and overall function, but Kathy was also satisfied that they enhanced the appearance of her smile as well. Kathy didn’t complete all of her treatment at once, and so she initially continued to have some issues with her bite instability and TMD, but as she finished the work on all her teeth, she noticed a vast improvement for her stability and pain.

What does Kathy think?

Patient feedback is an essential part of how we evaluate and continually improve the care we provide. We asked Kathy to share her perspective – what she thought before beginning treatment, how she feels now that it’s complete, and what she would say to others considering a similar procedure.

Kathy told us that before treatment, she was probably a little skeptical, which is why it took her a while to get started. But, now that her treatment is complete, she said, “It’s fixed problems I should have addressed a long time ago. I probably should have done it sooner. It’s helped relax my jaw, and of course, the teeth look wonderful!”

Her experience reflects the kind of functional and esthetic improvements often seen when underlying bite issues and temporomandibular joint dysfunction are properly diagnosed and treated.

When asked what she would say to someone considering this type of treatment, Kathy added,

“It’s worth it, especially if you’ve had ongoing problems like I did. Just be prepared, it’s a process. You have to have patience and put your trust in Dr. Elizabeth.“

Congratulations, Kathy! Thank you for placing your trust in our team throughout this journey. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we are committed to helping our patients achieve a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles and yours is a shining example of what’s possible with thoughtful, comprehensive care.

It has been a privilege to guide you through each step of this process, from addressing your temporomandibular joint dysfunction to restoring both your function and esthetics. We look forward to continuing to care for you and your family for many years to come!

A New Bite, A New Life: How Full Mouth Reconstruction Can Transform Your TMJ and Breathing

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

If you’ve been living with jaw pain, worn teeth, or chronic discomfort, you may not realize how much your bite is affecting your entire body. A full mouth reconstruction—essentially rebuilding and rebalancing all of your teeth—is about far more than just a beautiful smile. At its core, this treatment is designed to bring your teeth, muscles, and jaw joints into harmony. When everything works together the way it should, you can experience less pain, better function, and even improvements in how you breathe and sleep.

When your bite is off, your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and surrounding muscles are forced to compensate. This imbalance can lead to TMD (temporomandibular disorder), which may show up as jaw pain, headaches, clicking, or even neck and shoulder discomfort. As we’ve noted in previous blog articles, misalignment places excessive pressure on certain teeth and muscles, leading to inflammation and dysfunction. By rebuilding your bite through a full mouth reconstruction, you help redistribute those forces evenly—allowing your jaw muscles to relax and your joints to function the way they were designed to.

What many people don’t realize is that your bite and jaw position can also influence your airway. At Eggert Family Dentistry, advanced diagnostic approaches—including our CBCT technology—help us view the TMJ and the airway like never before. This also helps us better understand how your jaw position impacts breathing, which gives us an inkling as to why you may overwork the jaw muscles like you do. In some cases, adjusting the position of your teeth and jaw through a full mouth reconstruction can help open your airway, encouraging more nasal breathing and better sleep. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert use a step-by-step approach to find an ideal jaw position for you. They can demonstrate how closely connected your bite, breathing, and overall health truly are.

When you undergo a full mouth reconstruction at Eggert Family Dentistry, you’re not just getting new teeth—you’re getting a comprehensive plan tailored specifically to you. As described on our website, the process begins with detailed records and a thorough evaluation of how your muscles, jaw, and teeth all work together. From there, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert of North Oaks, MN design a step-by-step treatment plan using restorations like crowns, veneers, or fillings to create a balanced, functional, and esthetic result. The goal is to bring your entire system into harmony so everything “works and looks just right.”

What truly sets this care apart is the life-changing impact it can have. Many patients who complete a full mouth reconstruction report not only a more confident smile, but also significant relief from chronic discomfort and improved day-to-day function. While not every patient needs this level of treatment, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert have the advanced training to identify when it is appropriate—and the results are transformative. If your bite has been holding you back, this comprehensive approach could help you feel better, sleep better, and live more comfortably than you have in years.

Learn more and schedule your comprehensive evaluation to see if this treatment is right for you. Call Eggert Family Dentistry at 651.482.8412.

Could Your Jaw Be Affecting Your Breathing? The Hidden TMJ-Airway Connection

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

A lot of patients come into Eggert Family Dentistry thinking they have just one issue. Maybe it’s jaw pain that won’t go away, or maybe it’s snoring that’s starting to affect their sleep. Some people don’t even notice a specific problem; they just feel tired, foggy, or uncomfortable throughout the day.

When Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert start asking a few more questions, a bigger pattern often begins to show. Symptoms that seem unrelated at first (like jaw-clenching and trouble breathing) can actually be very much connected. And in many cases, the airway is a big part of that story.

What Is the TMJ?

Put simply, the TMJ (temporomandibular joints) are the connected joints that allow your jaw to move. You have two TMJ’s, located by your right and left ears. Unlike any other joints in the body, your TMJ’s are splinted together by your mandible (lower jaw bone) and all your teeth affect how your TMJ’s function. Therefore, the TMJ’s are not independent joints and they have heavy influencers.

Most people think of TMJ problems as just jaw pain or clicking. Those certainly are common symptoms, but there are a lot of other signs to keep an eye out for. At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert often see patients with TMJ problems (known as temporomandibular joint disorder, TMD) who also experience:

Breathing difficulty or shortness of breath
Snoring
Headaches
Facial pain
Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
Ear pain
Tooth pain or damage

These symptoms don’t always point clearly to a single cause, which can make TMJ issues more complex than they first appear — and in many cases, they overlap with concerns related to airway health (especially when breathing or sleep is affected).

👉Learn more here: Understanding TMD: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

When airway-related symptoms are part of the picture, a deeper connection needs to be explored.

What Do We Mean by “Airway Health?”

Airway health is all about how easily air moves through your nose, mouth, throat, lungs, and really your whole body. Ideally, you breathe through your nose, which helps filter and prepare the air before it reaches your lungs.

👉Nasal breathing can be challenging this time of year! Check out Dr. Elizabeth Eggert’s blog: Breathe Easier: How to Improve Your Nasal Breathing During Allergy Season

But many people (especially during sleep) breathe through their mouth or have some level of restricted airflow. When that happens, the body starts to adapt. Over time, those changes can affect how the muscles in the face and jaw work, as well as posture and even the TMJ-airway connection.

In children, this is especially important. Snoring or mouth breathing can be a sign that airflow is partly blocked. Even if a child is growing or the pediatrician says the child is developing fine, disrupted breathing at night can affect sleep quality, growth, and focus during the day.

👉Learn more here: What Thumb-Sucking, Pacifiers, and Snoring Mean for Children’s Oral Development

Mouth breathing also changes how the tongue and jaw develop. Instead of supporting normal growth, the mouth will develop with less space, which can lead to crowding or bite issues over time.

That’s why Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN look at airway health as part of the bigger picture; it can affect breathing, sleep, and oral development more than most people realize.

How the TMJ and the Airway Are Connected

Your TMJ and your airway are closely connected. The position of your jaw directly affects where your tongue rests, and that, in turn, affects how open your airway is.

🦷 Try it now — take a nice, deep breath in your neutral position. Good, right?

If the jaw sits too far back or moves in a certain way, it can reduce the space available for airflow, prompting the body to naturally adapt. One common response is to shift the jaw forward to help open the airway (especially during sleep). Over time, this repeated adjustment is very hard on your muscles and it will lead to changes in the bite and increased stress on the TMJ.

🦷 Now, try it again — move your jaw forward. Take a deep breath. Notice how your tongue moved too? And how your jaw felt a little strained? Imagine breathing like that all night! Of course, if you already breathe “normally” in this forward position, try putting your jaw back and notice if you struggle more to breathe.

This TMJ-airway connection goes both directions. TMJ dysfunction can influence the airway by affecting muscle balance and jaw position, while airway obstruction can lead to habits like clenching or grinding that strain the joint and muscles. This creates a cycle where breathing issues and jaw problems continue to reinforce each other over time.

TMJ dysfunction → Airway becomes restricted → Breathing becomes harder → Body compensates → TMJ strain (or strain in other areas of the body) → Repeat

How Eggert Family Dentistry Can Help

Many people don’t realize that dentists like Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert can play an important role in identifying airway-related issues. Because they routinely evaluate the teeth, jaw, tongue, and surrounding structures, dentists are uniquely positioned to notice patterns that might otherwise go overlooked. Unfortunately, not everyone in the dental profession understands this link. At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth have studied these links over many years and have dedicated hundreds of hours to continuing education (CE) courses to learn more so you can stay healthier!

👉Dr. Elizabeth Eggert explains it more here: The Link Between Airway and Dental Issues

At Eggert Family Dentistry, care begins with a thorough evaluation that may include:

A physical exam
A discussion of symptoms and sleep habits
An assessment of jaw function
Imaging, when needed, to better understand underlying structures

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert take a comprehensive approach, connecting the dots between symptoms rather than viewing concerns like jaw pain or breathing issues in isolation.

Treatment Approach

Depending on the patient’s needs, treatment options for issues with the TMJ-airway connection always starts with The Records Process, but then may include:

Custom oral splints
Stress-management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and breathwork
Occlusal equilibration (a process which involves subtly and precisely reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth to correct the alignment of the bite and the position of the jaw)
Orthodontics
Jaw surgery, which may include specific surgeries related to TMD

At Eggert Family Dentistry, the goal is to go beyond just relieving symptoms. Tackling the root cause helps patients breathe more easily, sleep more soundly, and reduce long-term strain on the jaw, muscles, and teeth.

👉 Check out a real patient success story: Ann’s Story. See how Dr. Elizabeth Eggert guided Ann through a comprehensive evaluation that uncovered how her airway was being affected. Along the way, Ann gained a deeper understanding of what was happening and felt confident choosing a treatment plan that truly fit her needs.

Eggert Family Dentistry’s Whole-Health Approach to the TMJ-Airway Connection

If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain or breathing issues, you don’t have to figure it out alone. These symptoms are often connected in ways that aren’t immediately obvious, and getting the right perspective can make all the difference.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert take a whole-health approach, looking beyond individual symptoms to understand how your jaw and airway work together to contribute to your overall wellness. It’s about so much more than simply relieving discomfort; it’s about helping you breathe and feel better every day.

If any of this sounds familiar, we invite you to schedule an evaluation and see us for comprehensive dental care. Call 651.482.8412 to schedule your next appointment.

We can’t wait to see you soon!

“Can I Get a New Night Guard?” – Sleep Questions Addressed with the Seattle Protocol and a New Splint – Ann’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Ann returned to Eggert Family Dentistry a few years ago after concerns arose at her previous dental office, where she often felt she was being “up-sold” on dental recommendations. In addition, her husband and mom have been patients at Eggert Family Dentistry for years and have been very happy with their experiences. Ann made it very clear from the start that her main concern is overall tooth health, and while she wants a beautiful smile, she is happy with her smile, so she didn’t feel the need to discuss cosmetic options. Ann mentioned at her new patient appointment that she had undergone a sleep study and she was told she didn’t have sleep apnea, but she has been told she snores so she wonders if she is as rested as she could be. She was also told by her previous dentist that she had “TMJ” or Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) and wanted Dr. Elizabeth’s opinion on that. Ann really didn’t have many symptoms of TMD and she wanted to better understand what the previous dentist was seeing.

What was revealed during the records process?

Dr. Elizabeth invited Ann to come back for The Records Process in order to help Ann understand her current dental conditions, including the status of her potential TMD. In the Records Process, we used models, photos, and x-rays, as well as results from an extensive analysis of how Ann’s teeth function. The details of The Records Process revealed that Ann had some evidence of an unstable bite and while it wasn’t causing Ann day-to-day problems, it has the potential to cause faster breakdown of her jaw joints, muscles, and teeth. In addition, with her snoring, Ann had the option of working through the Seattle Protocol, an innovative approach to treating sleep disordered breathing with dental resources, like dental splints. Even though Ann did have evidence of TMD (without current symptoms), she wasn’t interested in pursuing treatment for that, which may have included orthodontics, but she was interested in helping her snoring, so she elected to undergo the Seattle Protocol.

What was involved?

The Seattle Protocol helps us determine the jaw position that best alleviates the patient’s likely airway compromise. The protocol moves the patient through a series of diagnostic steps and treatments using various trial splints (using the myTap system) to find the most effective solution specific to each individual patient. The goal is to move through incremental vertical and horizontal increases to the jaw position. Each step builds upon the last, but patients don’t necessarily need to complete the entire process as the purpose of the protocol is to determine the phase that provides the best relief of the patient’s symptoms.

Seattle Protocol Six Steps

1. Nasal breathing therapy

2. Lower jaw orthotic trial splint

3. Lower jaw anterior repositioning trial splint

4. Dual arch trial splint

5. Dual arch repositioning trial splint

6. Dual arch repositioning trial splint in more forward position.

For Ann, like all patients starting with the Seattle Protocol, we started with Nose Clearing and Mouth Taping, with the goal of rerouting Ann’s breathing through her nose. Ann ended up moving through the first 4 stages and found relief from her snoring and reported sleeping better with stage 3.

What does Ann think?

We asked Ann what she thought about the process of undergoing the Seattle Protocol. She told us she found it very easy and the time went pretty quickly. “Both Dr. Eggert and Tracy helped me move fast through the treatment and my appointments always went smoothly and started on time.” She also found it to be really helpful and that the mouth taping was very beneficial, she even recommended it to some of her friends that she felt it would help.

Ann liked the different options of oral appliances and finding the right one for her after going through all the Seattle Protocol. We asked Ann what she would tell a friend or family member if they were having similar symptoms or issues and she said that she would highly recommend the treatment and working with Eggert Family Dentistry. “You really have to sleep on it! Literally, you have to sleep with the different splints as it is not possible to know how they will benefit you until you try them out. If one version does not work for you, you will know it.”

Congratulations Ann! Thank you for letting us be part of your journey. We’re happy to have found a conservative treatment option that addresses your goals and current conditions. We look forward to working with you and your family for many more years to come!

Elevating Dentistry: Dr. Eggert’s Insights from the AES Meeting & Other Updates

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Did you know that to be a licensed dentist in Minnesota, 50 hours of continuing education (CE) is required every 2 years? Did you also know that Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert of Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN participate in over 4 times the amount of required CE, by attending over 100 hours of dental education courses EVERY year?! We are so thankful to be able to take the extra time to be able to give our patients the latest and greatest experience in dentistry.

This month, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert attended the American Equilibration Society (AES) meeting in Chicago. The AES is a world-respected group that holds a meeting each year, originating as a group that focuses on temporal mandibular disorders (TMD). This group has evolved to include what’s up and coming in dentistry. This year’s theme for the meeting was “The Better Dentist Project.”

Dr. Elizabeth Eggert was lucky to hear presentations about Digital Smile design and what is happening with digital mock-ups for case planning. There is so much that can occur digitally, but the question always remains – will the digital result be better than the tried and true analog methods? There really are a lot of exciting things happening in this realm.

Another topic addressed during the meeting is a concept Dr. Elizabeth is familiar with, but doesn’t get the opportunity to put into practice very often. Did you know there is a strong connection between pain, including pain in the TMJ, and full-body alignment? Without the body in a neutral position, the muscles are pulling, and dysfunction often occurs. The splints Dr. Elizabeth fabricates help to give the body a different neurologic reference point, however, at times other forces in the feet, hips, spine, or shoulders fight the progress until we can also work with a physical therapist (PT) to help get the body in that neutral position. Dr. Elizabeth is excited to see the strides PT and dentistry can make together once we train more PT providers in this area.

Dr. Elizabeth heard Dr. Erin Elliott from Idaho talk about the State of the Union of Dental Sleep Medicine – the Past, Present, and Future. This talk was again a good review of concepts Dr. Elizabeth works to put into practice for her patients so they can be the best versions of themselves. Without adequate sleep, especially great sleep quality, it is impossible to thrive! Dr. Elliott works with many sleep appliances to help her patients and it was great to get her take on what is working best. There have been improvements in the materials available in the last few years and it was nice to get a summary of what’s out there.

The meeting wrapped up with new concepts in periodontal health, implants, and the future of dentistry (“Dentistry in the Metaverse”). It’s an exciting time to not only be a dentist, but to be a dental patient! Call us at 651-482-8412 to schedule your next dental visit. Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert can’t wait to share their knowledge with you.

Avoiding “Spooky” Front Teeth- Mary Kay’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Mary Kay is a longtime patient of Dr. Elizabeth. She noted at her first appointment that she had “TMJ” and her right side was experiencing clicking and she was seeking therapy for the condition. TMJ disorders (or TMD) can manifest with different signs or symptoms for different people and encompass a wide variety of diagnoses. Typically, people with TMD experience pain in the jaw joint and/or in the muscles that control jaw movement. Dr. Elizabeth suspected that Mary Kay’s TMD could be related to how her teeth fit together and talked to Mary Kay about the benefits of orthodontics for her. Mary Kay wasn’t ready at that time, but after a few more sessions with Dr. Elizabeth and realizing that the cracking occurring on her teeth and the fact that she had already lost a few teeth at a relatively young age, Mary Kay did want to hear more.

Mary Kay’s Panoramic Image 2021, note the implant and some missing teeth.

Mary Kay suffered for years with TMD. Her bite put uneven forces on the teeth, she had crowding, and when she went into her chewing movements, her back teeth hit very hard. Luckily, orthodontics can improve a number of the issues Mary Kay had. When Mary Kay was ready, she went for a consult with Dr. DeVoe of DeVoe Orthodontics. Dr. Elizabeth works closely with Dr. DeVoe and she had confidence that he could help improve Mary Kay’s bite and therefore, her TMD symptoms. During the course of treatment, Dr. DeVoe discussed options with Dr. Elizabeth for Mary Kay’s front two teeth. Originally, Mary Kay had one existing porcelain-fused-to-metal crown on her right central incisor. With the wear pattern Mary Kay had on her other teeth, this crowned tooth no longer matched its neighbor in either color or size and shape.

What was involved?

Mary Kay completed her orthodontics with Dr. DeVoe. Mary Kay noticed an improvement to her bite and her TMD symptoms did improve as well. Mary Kay was also lucky enough to address a deviated nasal septum with nasal surgery. This also helped improve her breathing and helped her sleep improve. Improvements in sleep always help underlying pain issues with not only TMD, but other chronic pain conditions. To fine tune the bite, Dr. DeVoe asked Dr. Elizabeth to complete equilibration for Mary Kay in order to sync her tooth bite with her jaw bite. This also helped solidify a better bite for Mary Kay.

For her front teeth, Dr. Elizabeth discussed options with Mary Kay. Mary Kay had many options, including doing nothing. She could also have chosen to bleach all her natural teeth and leave her existing crown as is. Dr. Elizabeth recommended, for best color match and to be most conservative, that Mary Kay bleach her natural teeth and then replace her crown on her right central and also complete a crown for her left central to gain symmetry in shape, color, and contour. Mary Kay underwent Zoom in-office bleaching and then her new crowns were completed.

What does Mary Kay think?

Before having the procedures done, Mary Kay was just hoping her teeth would look better when all the treatment was completed. She said that the process of braces hurt at first, but noted that she got used to it and it was less intense the longer she had the braces on. “All of the steps from braces to replacing the front teeth went very smoothly. I am very happy with the outcome. My teeth look much better.” Mary Kay would highly recommend to anyone considering treatment with Dr. Elizabeth to do so because all the steps Dr. Elizabeth works through creates a great outcome as everything comes together!

Mary Kay – we are so happy that you are pleased with your results, thank you for your commitment and the trust you put into the treatment as well! Congratulations on your new smile! We look forward to treating you and your friends and family for many years to come!

How CBCT Technology at Eggert Family Dentistry Can Help with TMD Diagnosis and Treatment

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

If you’ve been struggling with jaw pain, popping, clicking, or stiffness, you may be dealing with TMD (temporal mandibular joint dysfunction). At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, we’re committed to helping you get to the root of what’s causing your discomfort. Thanks to our advanced CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) technology, we now have an even more precise way to diagnose and treat TMD, so you can find relief and regain comfort in your jaw.

CBCT scans offer 3D imaging that provides Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert with a comprehensive look at your jaw joint, surrounding bones, and expected areas for soft tissues. Unlike traditional X-rays, which offer only 2D images, CBCT technology gives us a 3D and detailed view of the complex structures that may be contributing to your TMD. This advanced imaging allows us to pinpoint any misalignments, degeneration, or abnormalities in your temporomandibular joint that could be causing your pain.

With this clearer picture, Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth can create a more targeted treatment plan designed specifically for your needs. Whether you need custom oral appliances, physical therapy, or even changes to your bite alignment, our goal is to help you manage your symptoms or keep you pain-free altogether. Having access to detailed CBCT images ensures that no aspect of your jaw’s health goes overlooked, giving us the ability to offer you more accurate and effective solutions.

If you’ve been dealing with chronic jaw pain or discomfort and aren’t sure what’s causing it, CBCT imaging could be the key to finding answers. Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert want to help you get to the bottom of what’s happening with your jaw joint. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we’re here to guide you toward relief and help you take steps toward a pain-free future. Call us for your consultation today! 651-482-8412.

Understanding TMD: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

You’ve probably heard of TMJ, but the term is commonly misused. TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint in your jaw or where your jaw opens and closes. What people often refer to as TMJ is actually TMJ disorder or TMD. When it comes to oral health, it’s critical to understand what TMD is, how it can present, and what you can do if you suspect TMD is an issue for you.

What is TMD?

When things are properly aligned and working as they should, we don’t give our temporomandibular joints a second thought. They are two of our body’s many unsung heroes. However, anytime you yawn, speak, or chew, you can thank your TMJs for making it possible!

Unfortunately, our jaw joints and the muscles and ligaments surrounding them can cease to work properly, resulting in jaw clicking, jaw and facial pain, and a cascade of other issues. 5-12% of people deal with TMD at some point in their lives.

What Causes TMD?

There is no singular cause of TMD. Instead, several conditions can result in a misaligned jaw and issues with the temporomandibular joints.

These include:

A jaw injury (often from sports or a car accident)
Malocclusion
Sleep apnea
Bruxism
Stress

Additional causes or activities that can aggravate TMD include:

Oral habits, like chewing on pencils, fingernails, ice, etc.
Poor posture
Stomach sleeping

Common Symptoms of TMD

Even though jaw and face pain are common symptoms, they’re not always present, or they’re accompanied by other seemingly unrelated symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

Jaw and facial pain
Jaw stiffness
Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
Jaw popping, clicking, or locking
Neck or shoulder pain
Pain behind the eyes
Back pain
Toothache or earache
Headaches or especially migraines
Dizziness
Ear ringing (tinnitus)
Teeth sensitivity with no other detectable causes
Loose teeth
Receding gums
Worn down or cracked teeth

Diagnosing TMD

If you have one or several of these symptoms and are suspicious that you’re dealing with TMD, make an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert. They will explore your health history, perform a dental exam, and take any necessary imaging to diagnose or rule out TMD. During your dental exam, they will observe and feel your jaw joints and muscles when you open and close your mouth and may press on your face and jaws to test for areas of sensitivity.

Treatment Options for TMD

TMD treatment runs the gamut:

Pain relievers, NSAIDs, and muscle relaxers can help with day-to-day discomfort. For some people, however, the pain is persistent, and over-the-counter and prescription meds don’t cut it. They’re dealing with other bothersome symptoms and need a more proactive approach. This medicinal approach works best for short-lived or acute TMD issues.
Custom oral splints can relieve tension in the jaw and keep it properly aligned, reducing clenching and grinding.
Botox injections help relax jaw muscles and can lessen jaw discomfort. However, Botox will need to be repeated about every 3 months to maintain relief. Instead of Botox long-term, it is usually best to work to figure out the actual diagnosis of what is happening with your joint and look to make dental changes that can work for long-term relief.
If stress is the underlying cause of TMD, stress-management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and breathwork can get to the root of the problem.
If the atlas, or C1 vertebrae is out of alignment and causing the jaw to be misaligned, working with an upper cervical (NUCCA) chiropractor can be an effective way to realign the jaw and alleviate TMD symptoms.
After an oral exam and x-rays, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert may determine you’re a good candidate for occlusal equilibration. Occlusal equilibration involves subtly and precisely reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth to correct the alignment of the bite and the position of the jaw. This process allows jaw muscles to relax and reduces or eliminates pain and sensitivity.
Orthodontics can also be an effective way to change tooth positions and your bite to help alleviate the muscle and joint strain of TMD.
In severe cases when less invasive treatments and techniques don’t alleviate TMJ issues, TMJ surgery may be required. Arthroscopy, arthrocentesis, and open-joint surgery are two surgical approaches to TMD.

Prevention for TMD

A recent NIDCR study identified clinical, psychological, sensory, genetic, and nervous system factors that may increase a person’s risk for TMD. In other words, while it’s treatable, it isn’t always avoidable. However, there are a few precautions you can take to reduce the likelihood of developing TMD.

Don’t stomach sleep. Sleep in a position that properly supports your head, neck, and spine.
Maintain good posture. Utilize physical therapy or chiropractic treatments to stay in alignment or consider yoga with a certified instructor.
Practice stress-reduction techniques.
Be mindful of chewing. Don’t chew on inanimate objects like pencils and don’t chew your fingernails. Avoid taking huge bites of food and overextending your jaw. Minimize or eliminate gum chewing.
Schedule routine recare visits at Eggert Family Dentistry!

If you’re experiencing bothersome symptoms and suspect you’re dealing with TMD, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert of North Oaks, MN will perform a TMD evaluation. If they detect TMD, they’ll create a personalized treatment plan that realigns your jaw and alleviates pain. Give us a call at 651.482.8412 to schedule your appointment!

Which Splint is Right for You?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

When it comes to dental health, particularly addressing issues related to your bite, splints or also known as “dental appliances” can be a game-changer. At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert offer a variety of splints designed to cater to your specific needs, ensuring you receive the best care possible. Understanding the different types of splints available and their benefits can help you make an informed decision about your dental health.

Splints Available at Eggert Family Dentistry, Explained!

One of the splints offered is the anterior deprogrammer. This appliance is designed to temporarily disengage the bite, allowing the muscles of the jaw to relax. It’s particularly useful for diagnosing bite problems and can provide relief from muscle pain caused by bruxism (teeth grinding). If you experience frequent headaches or jaw pain, an anterior deprogrammer might be recommended to help alleviate these symptoms and to determine if your bite is a contributing factor.

For those dealing with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), TMD splints or orthotics are an excellent option. These splints are custom-made to fit your mouth and are designed to reposition the jaw to a more comfortable position, reducing stress on the TMJ. Patients with TMD often suffer from jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty in opening their mouths fully. A TMD splint can help reduce these symptoms by providing a stable and balanced bite.

Another specialized appliance is the Tanner appliance, which is used for treating bruxism and in designing a new bite. The Tanner appliance is a full lower arch anatomical splint. It is the best adjusted version of a TMD splint and it often is worn only at night. This appliance helps us to determine where the muscles sit in a comfortable position and analyze the tooth position there. Often after wearing a Tanner appliance, you will have a great idea of how the positioning of your teeth affects your overall health and well-being and it helps us plan for a new bite so you can enjoy the improved effects day in and day out!

For those who need a more flexible solution, softguards offer a comfortable and adaptable option. Made from a softer material, these guards are ideal for light bruxism. They are especially useful for patients who may not tolerate harder materials well or those who need a lot more support for their joints over their muscles. If you experience occasional teeth grinding or clenching, a softguard may provide the necessary protection without discomfort.

Essix retainers are another versatile option, primarily used to maintain tooth alignment after orthodontic treatment. These clear, thin, removable retainers are comfortable and virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for post-orthodontic care. If you’ve recently had braces or other orthodontic work done, an Essix retainer will help keep your teeth in their new positions. For some people, it can help protect teeth from the effects of bruxism, but typically, for moderate to heavy bruxism, the retainers will wear out quickly.

For more comprehensive protection, custom fit occlusal guards (also known as night guards) are highly effective. These guards are tailored to fit your mouth precisely, providing robust protection against moderate and severe bruxism. They are made from durable materials and are designed to withstand significant grinding and clenching forces. The downside to a standard occlusal guard is that if the bruxism is caused by an airway compromise, by wearing the occlusal guard, the airway collapse may be more significant while wearing the appliance because it helps to keep your muscles relaxed. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis of why you are bruxing is important.

The Seattle Protocol is an innovative approach to diagnosing and treating TMD and related issues where airway compromise is suspected. This protocol involves a series of diagnostic steps and treatments, including the use of various trial splints to find the most effective solution for each patient. By systematically evaluating different treatment options, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert can pinpoint the best appliance to best improve your airway, which should improve any signs or symptoms you are having from sleep apnea. If you find yourself waking up tired or experiencing frequent sleep interruptions, the Seattle Protocol is a suitable option to explore.

Finally, for patients suffering from diagnosed mild or moderate sleep apnea, a mandibular advancement appliance can be a lifesaver. This device works by holding the lower jaw forward, keeping the airway open during sleep. If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, this appliance can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall health by reducing snoring and apneic events and associated risks. You will find your sleep quality will improve significantly because your body can get the oxygen it needs!

How You Can Get Help

At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert utilize a comprehensive evaluation process known as the Records Process to determine the best splint for your needs. This process involves a thorough examination of your bite, jaw function, and overall oral health. By analyzing this data, they can recommend the most appropriate splint to address your specific issues. Whether you need relief from TMD, protection from bruxism, or help with sleep apnea, Eggert Family Dentistry will guide you through each step, ensuring you receive the best possible care tailored to your needs.

Choosing the right splint can make a significant difference in your dental health and overall well-being. At Eggert Family Dentistry, you can trust that you will receive personalized, expert care designed to meet your unique needs. Call us today! 651-482-8412!

The Impact of Teeth Grinding on Your Oral Health: Risks and Consequences

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Clenching or grinding your teeth — also known as bruxism — is common, but that doesn’t mean it’s something you should ignore.

While some consequences of bruxism are simply annoying, others are more serious and can negatively affect your oral health. Let’s take a few minutes to dive into the impact of teeth grinding, signs to watch for, serious consequences that can occur, and how to treat and prevent it.

Understanding Teeth Grinding and Its Causes

Teeth grinding can affect children and adults alike. Small children are notorious for grinding when they’re cutting baby or permanent teeth, but they generally grow out of it. Not everyone grows out of bruxism, however, and adults often report their sleeping partners grinding so loudly it actually wakes them up out of a sound sleep!

While you might think of bruxism occurring only when you’re asleep (sleep bruxism or SB), it can occur just as frequently during your awake hours (awake bruxism or AB). In either case, the person generally doesn’t realize they’re clenching or grinding their teeth and often attributes their symptoms to the wrong causes.

Teeth grinding — and the uncomfortable side effects of it — generally has one of several root causes: improper alignment of teeth; stress, anxiety, anger; caffeine consumption, alcohol consumption; tobacco use; prescription medications; or airway issues.

Stress

Stress affects the human body in a variety of ways. It causes surges of adrenaline and cortisol, as well as increased heart rate and breathing.

When this happens, our bodies shift from “rest and digest” mode into “fight or flight” mode, and our muscles tense up and prepare for action. This tension is often noticeable in our neck, shoulders, and hips. Our jaw muscles often tense up too, and we grind unconsciously to cope with the pressure.

Caffeine

We love coffee and other foods and beverages with caffeine because they give us energy. But they’re also a muscle stimulant and can increase muscle activity in the jaw, resulting in grinding.

Tobacco

Just like caffeine, tobacco is a stimulant and increases muscle activity in the jaw.

Alcohol

Not only does alcohol consumption affect our sleep patterns, but it actually alters the neurotransmitters in our brain. Consequently, jaw muscles can overcompensate and become tense, resulting in grinding.

Also, if not properly managed, alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, which makes our mouth dry and can lead to teeth grinding.

Airway Issues

Sleep disordered breathing can result in teeth grinding. If you’re having a difficult time breathing at night, you may unconsciously move your teeth around or grind them to open up your airway. This also occurs during the day, unconsciously. For example, if your body feels that your airway is more “open” with your jaw in a position that puts more stress on your teeth, but less stress on your airway, your body will choose to keep your airway open over keeping pressures off your teeth.

Prescription Medications

Some prescription medications, including antidepressants and psychiatric meds, can alter neurotransmitters in the brain and cause jaw tension and teeth grinding.

Tip: If you suspect you’re grinding your teeth as a result of a prescription medicine, talk to your prescribing doctor to see if your dosage can safely be adjusted or if there is another medication choice you can try.

Impact of Teeth Grinding: Signs and Symptoms

Do you think you or your loved one might be dealing with bruxism? Here are some signs to watch for:

Tooth damage: chipped, worn down, fractured, or loose teeth
Tooth sensitivity
Headaches or earaches
A jaw that clicks or doesn’t open and close smoothly
A sore jaw
Irritated cheek tissue
Tongue indentations
Gum recession
Gingivitis
Damaged dental work

Tip: If you catch yourself clenching or grinding, place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth behind your top teeth. This will automatically unclench your teeth and relax your jaw. This isn’t a permanent fix but can help provide relief from jaw tension in the moment.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Changes

You and your loved ones don’t need to live with the uncomfortable and potentially damaging effects of teeth grinding.

Successful treatment of bruxism addresses the root cause: If the root cause is physiological, dentistry, orthodontia, or airway treatment could help; If the root cause is stress, managing it is imperative. In other words, there are several effective treatment options! Let’s take a closer look:

Splint/Occlusal Appliance

In order to protect your teeth from chipping, cracking, or wearing down during sleep bruxism, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert can create a custom in-mouth appliance, or splint. This splint will fit your teeth perfectly, protect their surfaces, and absorb bite force. There are different ways to design splints based on your individual needs. Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth are happy to help you determine which might be best!

Dental Restorations

When teeth grinding has been undetected or left untreated for a long time, teeth can become permanently damaged.

If needed, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert can create crowns or veneers for your teeth to restore their strength and integrity and improve the appearance of your worn-down teeth. Properly shaping the teeth can also help relieve extra pressure on your jaw.

Orthodontia

If Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff determines that the root cause of bruxism is due to severely misaligned teeth or jaw bones, they will refer you to an orthodontist for a consultation or sometimes we can even do the orthodontics in our office with Inivisalign. Braces and other orthodontic interventions can widen your palate, realign teeth, and reposition the jaw, correcting your bite. They can even help with breathing issues!

Treatment for Airway Issues

If Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert suspects that sleep disordered breathing is a factor for you, they will schedule an evaluation and discuss possible treatment options, including the reputable Seattle Protocol.

Botox

If the grinding is persistent and the effects are severe, Botox injections can provide temporary relief. Botox is a neurotoxin that can be injected and has been found to temporarily relax muscles and reduce nerve signals in the jaw that lend themselves to teeth grinding.

De-Stressing Techniques:

If you’re under significant stress and it’s the likely cause of your teeth grinding condition, pursuing de-stressing techniques, such as therapy, breathwork, stretching, and journaling, can help reduce stress or help you manage it better. These interventions can also help alleviate overall body tension and stress-induced pain.

If you’re dealing with symptoms of teeth grinding, we’d encourage you to schedule a bruxism evaluation appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert or Dr. Jeff Eggert. Give our office a call at 651.482.8412 to schedule your appointment.