Get TMJ Pain Relief with Oral Appliance Therapy
The objective of TMJ therapy at my practice, Gallagher Dentistry & Facial Pain Center in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is to stabilize the jaw joint. I establish my patients jaw stability by creating a custom-made Condylar Centering Orthotic (C2O)/MAGO (Maxillary Anterior Guided Orthotic.)
If you have been diagnosed with an unstable bite/joint relationship that does include a dysfunction to your TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint), I can help. We know that there is a direct correlation between the health of the joint and your occlusion (your bite, or the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.) The key to stabilizing the joint and relaxing the inflamed muscles is to keep the teeth apart and to center the TMJ into its most stable position. If this is not done the joint will continue to worsen over time.
C2O/MAGO Therapy allows us to stabilize the joint as we make calculated adjustments on the C2O/MAGO every week thereby allowing the TMJ to move into a healthy position. I keep meticulous records to accurately record the exact position of the jaw (a measurement known as the hinge axis.) If necessary, I will restore any damaged teeth.
Often my patients see a relief in discomfort within the first weeks of wearing a C2O/MAGO. In many cases we achieve complete cessation of adverse and painful symptoms with C2O/MAGO Therapy. While C2O/MAGO Therapy is therapeutic it is NOT a cure. C2O/MAGO Therapy has been recommended for you because either your teeth or your TMJ have signs and symptoms indicating instability between the teeth and jaw joint.
The primary reason for C2O/MAGO Therapy is to stabilize the TMJ so that an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can be made that will keep your jaw stable. A secondary benefit to C2O/MAGO Therapy is that more often than not, your debilitating symptoms can be reduced or even eliminated. This commonly occurs and is very reassuring to the patient. However, there can be other reasons in addition to your malocclusion causing the painful symptoms and so they might continue even though splint therapy is successful. Once the jaw is stable, usually after 4-12 weeks (although some cases take longer,) a diagnosis can be made. Not until then can a final treatment plan be made to keep the jaw stable and comfortable without full time use of the C2O/MAGO.
So, the primary purpose of C2O/MAGO Therapy is to allow me to make an accurate diagnosis and establish a treatment plan to properly restore your bite so that you can avoid future breakdown and problems. My goal is always to do the least amount of dentistry to return your oral system to health.
More About Gallagher Dentistry & Facial Pain Center
Dr. Michael Gallagher and our Eden Prairie Dentistry team are committed to providing exceptional care and empowering our patients with information about their dental health. If you have any questions about our services or would like to schedule an appointment, we invite you to give us a call at (952) 942-9600. The outstanding experience of our dental team, Dr. Gallagher, and the skills of our staff have helped us in successfully treating our patient’s oral problems. We’re always welcoming new patients throughout Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Bloomington, Minnetonka, Edina, Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Burnsville, Plymouth, Eagan, Richfield and surrounding areas. For more information, please contact us!
