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TMJ Disorder Treatment in Boise, Idaho

The Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ is a dental clinic dedicated to helping you with sleep apnea, snoring, and TMJ pain. It’s time to smile again as you finally get a good night’s rest!

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What are my treatment options?

Treatment for TMJ / TMD and jaw pain often involves conservative therapy with use of oral orthotics or “splints.” In our office, day use splints are usually fabricated to be worn on the bottom teeth to make it more comfortable, less noticeable and easier to speak with it in. We generally prescribe a separate splint for night time use which is worn on the upper teeth. In addition to use of the splints, other therapies for jaw pain treatment may include:

  • Therapeutic injections to help “unlock” your jaw
  • Prolo-therapy
  • Trigger point injections
  • Botox
  • Medical acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Moist heat application
  • TENS therapy
  • Ultrasound
  • Iontophoresis
  • Use of medications as needed

Why Choose us for TMJ Disorder Treatment

in Boise, Idaho


You can count on receiving not only the best care possible for your sleep apnea and TMJ needs at The Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ in Meridian, Idaho, but also comprehensive care designed to enhance your general health. At our TMJ clinic in Meridian, Idaho, we look beyond the mouth to assess other parts of the body and their health in order to rule out any underlying causes of your orthodontic or aesthetic issues. To achieve a healthy mind and body, you'll receive holistic treatment that addresses your problems and naturopathic difficulties.


Our team takes a comprehensive approach to patient care and values open communication and patient education because they help each patient make decisions about their care and treatment and promote a good doctor-patient relationship. 


Our doctor is committed to providing patients with the best treatment for jaw pain and sleep apnea. When treating a patient, we carefully analyze the interrelationships between the patient's teeth, bone structure, muscles, TMJ, airway, food allergies, nutritional deficiencies and excesses, and endocrine balances.



Causes and Symptoms of TMJ disorder


Are you bothered by crippling headaches, neck discomfort, and pain and clicking in your jaw? All of your issues may be caused by the little temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which controls how the mouth opens and closes. Only 25% of people seek therapy for their TMJ symptoms, which can develop into chronic TMJ diseases if left untreated.


TMJ issues could have many different causes. A few of the recognized causes are:


  • TMJ issues could develop as a result of teeth grinding during the night

  • Damage to the body

  • Sleeping with the teeth clenched or ground down due to arthritis

  • Autoimmunistic illnesses

  • Oral surgical infections


Generic, hormonal, or environmental factors are possible additional explanations. Researchers are actively investigating hormonal factors for TMJ because it has been found that women experience TMJ issues more frequently than men.


Numerous symptoms, including the following, are connected to TMJ:


  • Headaches

  • Inflammation near the cheek or jaw

  • Pain in the ears or around

  • Face pain

  • Tense jaws

  • When opening the mouth, there are popping or clicking noises.

  • The jaw is locked.

  • Chewing challenges


TMJ Treatment Option at Our TMJ Clinic

 in Boise, Idaho


In order to promote relaxation of the TMJ muscles, our doctor frequently recommends a specially constructed stabilizing splint (bite plate, sleep guard). They strongly advise against using any equipment purchased from a pharmacy. For a comprehensive diagnosis of the disorder's symptoms and its suitable TMJ disorder treatment, it is crucial to visit our office. A dental occlusion adjustment may occasionally be required to assist with other treatment techniques.


Patients with joint problems have access to a variety of TMJ treatments at The Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ, including:


  • PRF treatments
  • Trigger point injections
  • Custom splints
  • Botox injections
  • Steroid injections
  • Unlocking procedures
  • Home care therapies

If you are unsure of your diagnosis or jaw pain treatment, you should AVOID any type of “irreversible” therapy, such as:


  • Equilibration—or grinding on the teeth to improve the bite*
  • Orthodontics or braces*
  • Crowning the teeth*
  • Root canals
  • Extraction of teeth
  • ANY type of surgery on the TMJ or jaw


* The American Dental Association refers to these procedures as “phase two therapy,” and as such, they should only be performed AFTER successful phase one therapy.”


In our practice, necessity of orthodontics or crowning of the teeth after phase one splint therapy is extremely rare. The necessity of surgical therapy for jaw pain is even more rare. If you suffer from jaw pain, contact our office today to schedule a consultation at: (208) 376-3600

Sleep Apnea is a serious medical concern. Find out how we can help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the long-term effects of untreated TMJ?

    Untreated TMJ can result in persistent tinnitus, or ear ringing, which can interfere with sleep and make it difficult to concentrate. Because our body senses balance in the inner ears, TMJ disorder's inflammation can affect balance as well, causing vertigo, shakiness, and dizziness.

  • Will treatment require surgery?

    Here at The Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ, we first focus on finding a non-surgical solution. We specialize in non-surgical treatments. Surgery is only considered a last resort when all other avenues of treatment have been explored.

  • Will I have to take medication?

    Most of the treatments do not require the use of medications. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help alleviate some of the pain caused by TMJ.

  • Are TMJ and ear pain related?

    One of the typical symptoms of TMJ dysfunction is ear pain. Due to the TMJ's proximity to the auditory canal, discomfort and inflammation in this joint might impact the ear, causing tinnitus or ringing in the ears, which is a common symptom of TMJ.


  • TMJ, headaches, and sleep disorders. Are they related?

    According to research, 85% of TMJ patients also have painful disorders in other body parts. Research has shown that untreated obstructive sleep apnea can be a cause of headaches and TMJ type pain. To determine what is causing your pain, reach out to The Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ today.

  • Can using a CPAP cause a TMJ problem?

    While uncommon, there are times when patients report TMJ-like symptoms while using CPAP therapy.

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