A Legacy of Excellence since 1948

Jaw Pain TMJ/TMD Therapy

TMJ/TMD Treatment - Rochester, MN

Say Goodbye to Facial Pain

Does your jaw pop and click every time you move it? Is it sore, or does it even become stuck sometimes while opening and closing? If so, then you may be suffering from TMJ disorder or TMD. Your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the set of hinges located below your ears that enables your lower jaw to move in all directions, and it can develop inflammation and dysfunction that leads to chronic pain throughout the head, face, and neck. TMD is actually one of the leading causes of migraines! Fortunately, at Gentling Dental Care, we can provide the specialty treatment patients need to get out of pain and back to their regular lives. 

Why Choose Us for TMJ/TMD Treatment?

  • Custom-made oral appliances for every patient
  • Able to improve function & relieve pain at the same time
  • Team led by 4 highly-trained dentists

Diagnosis & Treatment

We examine the TMJ at every routine checkup, and if a patient is reporting or showing any signs of a TMD, we’ll examine the joint further in order to determine what is causing the problem. This may involve testing the range of mobility and taking X-rays to get a better look. Once we figure out the underlying cause of the dysfunction (which can be an injury, arthritis, or a misaligned bite), we can then recommend the appropriate treatment. 

Equilibration/Occlusal Adjustments

When the upper and lower teeth aren’t able to come together properly, this can put a strain on the muscles and nerves of the TMJ, leading to pain and stiffness in and around the jaw. One easy way to fix things is to simply adjust the teeth. With an equilibration, we reshape a few key teeth so that the bite is able to come together correctly, enabling the joint to reach its natural resting position, which should quickly relieve any discomfort. 

Occlusal Splints

Another way we can treat TMD is by having a patient wear a therapeutic mouthpiece to bed called an occlusal splint. These work by slightly adjusting the jaw into a more natural position so that the muscles surrounding the joint are able to relax and heal on their own. These splints can also protect the teeth from another common symptom of TMD-nocturnal teeth grinding. After a few months of consistent use, a patient should be able to go throughout their day symptom-free. 

Meet Your
Award-Winning Doctors

A Qualified Team of Dentists Dedicated to Your Smile

At Gentling Dental Care, we strongly believe that four heads are better than one – that’s why our dental office features a team of knowledgeable doctors who all bring unique strengths and skills to the table! At the same time, they share a similar passion for trustworthy, family-friendly dentistry that always adheres to very high clinical standards. To put it simply, they never perform care that they wouldn’t recommend to their very own loved ones.

Dr. Ryan Henrichsen

Dr. Phil Pattee

Dr. Melissa McColloch

Dr. Erich Eichwald

Dr. Scott Gruwell

Read Our Reviews

The Proof is in Our Patients

“Gentling staff graciously fit me into a busy day for a tooth pain emergency. The dentist and assistant quickly found the problem, applied a temporary fix and gave me a treatment plan for follow up. Everyone clearly knew what they were doing. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. All good here!”

- George D.

“I had a wonderful experience during my recent visit. The staff were not only friendly and professional but also genuinely cared about me as both a person and a patient. They consistently take the time to get to know you, your family, and your care needs. Additionally, the services provided were top-notch. Overall, I highly recommend this dental practice to anyone looking for exceptional care.”

- Joe D.

“I had chipped the corner of my front tooth when I was a kid and had a composite filling that time really took a toll on. So, I got an appointment scheduled to get a new filling! Dr. Melissa and Kristie did a wonderful, efficient, and painless job on my tooth. They matched the color and shape perfectly. You can't even tell I have a filling! Thanks for your great work!”

- Meredith M.

“Gentling 's dentists and staff are all very kind, patient, and friendly. Our entire family agreed upon a five star rating for Gentling. We highly recommend Gentling for any family, kids and adults.”

- Todd Z.

See What Makes Us Different

Our Friendly Dental Team Treats Everyone Like Family

1-on-1,
Thorough Consultation

Customized
Treatment Plan

Every Dental
Need Covered

Committed to Continuous Improvement

Our Location

Phone

Address

Working Hours

Monday

8AM - 5PM

Tuesday

7:30AM - 5PM

Wednesday

7:30AM - 5PM

Thursday

7AM - 5PM

Friday

8AM - 12PM