TMJ Treatment in Billings: Relief for Jaw Pain, Headaches, and Daily Discomfort
Jaw pain has a way of creeping into everything. Eating. Talking. Sleeping. Even smiling. If you’re dealing with clicking, tightness, headaches, or facial pain that just won’t quit, it may be more than stress — it could be a temporomandibular joint disorder.
At Legacy Smiles, we offer personalized TMJ treatment in Billings to help relieve pain, restore jaw function, and improve your overall quality of life. Led by Dr. Kolten Astle, our team focuses on conservative, non-surgical solutions designed to reduce discomfort and protect your long-term oral health.
What Is a TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and allows you to chew, speak, and yawn. When this joint or the surrounding muscles aren’t working properly, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms.
TMJ disorders often develop due to:
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- Bite misalignment
- Stress-related muscle tension
- Injury or trauma
- Arthritis affecting the jaw joint
TMJ issues can worsen over time if left untreated, which is why early evaluation matters.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders don’t always look the same for everyone. Symptoms may include:
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Facial pain or tenderness
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening the mouth
- Difficulty opening or closing the jaw fully
- Pain while chewing
- Neck or shoulder tension
If these symptoms sound familiar, TMJ treatment may help bring lasting relief.
TMJ Treatment Options at Legacy Smiles
Every patient’s TMJ condition is different. That’s why we take a personalized approach focused on relieving pain and improving function — without jumping straight to invasive treatments.
Conservative TMJ Therapy
For mild to moderate cases, treatment may begin with lifestyle changes, stress reduction techniques, and jaw exercises to ease muscle tension.
Custom Oral Appliances
Custom night guards in Billings MT or oral splints can help realign the jaw, reduce pressure on the joint, and protect teeth from grinding and clenching.
Pain and Inflammation Management
Medications such as anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants may be recommended to reduce discomfort during flare-ups.
Physical Therapy
Targeted physical therapy exercises can improve jaw mobility, reduce stiffness, and support healing.
Advanced TMJ Treatments
In some cases, additional therapies such as Botox injections may be considered to relax overactive jaw muscles and reduce pain.
Surgery is rarely needed and is only considered after conservative options have been explored.
What to Expect During Your TMJ Evaluation
Comprehensive Consultation
Your TMJ treatment journey begins with a detailed consultation. Dr. Astle will review your symptoms, medical history, and perform an evaluation of your bite and jaw function.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your diagnosis, we’ll create a tailored treatment plan focused on relieving pain and improving jaw movement.
Ongoing Support
TMJ treatment is often a process, not a one-time fix. We monitor your progress and adjust your care as needed to ensure long-term relief.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment
What causes TMJ disorders?
TMJ disorders can result from teeth grinding, jaw clenching, arthritis, injury, stress, or bite alignment issues.
How do I know if I have a TMJ disorder?
Common signs include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, facial pain, and limited jaw movement. A dental evaluation can confirm the diagnosis.
Can TMJ disorders be cured?
While not all TMJ disorders can be “cured,” symptoms can often be effectively managed with proper treatment.
Is surgery necessary for TMJ treatment?
In most cases, no. The majority of patients experience improvement with non-surgical treatment options.
Why Choose Legacy Smiles for TMJ Treatment in Billings
Patients throughout Billings — including the West End, Ironwood, Cooper Ridge, and the 59106 and 59102 communities — trust Legacy Smiles because we provide:
- Conservative, non-surgical TMJ care
- Custom oral appliances designed for comfort
- Modern diagnostic technology
- Clear explanations and personalized treatment plans
- Compassionate, judgment-free care
We focus on relieving pain while protecting your long-term oral health.
Find Relief from TMJ Pain Today
Living with jaw pain, headaches, or facial tension doesn’t have to be your normal. Relief may be closer than you think.
Contact Legacy Smiles to schedule a consultation and learn more about TMJ treatment in Billings. Our team is here to help you restore comfort, improve function, and get back to feeling like yourself again.