TMJ Treatment
in Sequim, WA
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Jaw pain, clicking, popping, facial tension, and chronic headaches are not just inconvenient. They can significantly affect your quality of life. If you have been told you have TMJ disorder, or if you suspect your jaw is the source of ongoing discomfort, the team at EOM Dental Center in Sequim, Washington has something unique to offer: a truly integrative approach that combines dental expertise with East Asian Medicine.
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What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint or the muscles surrounding it become stressed or misaligned, it can lead to a condition known as TMJ disorder, or TMD. Symptoms range from mild jaw soreness to debilitating pain that radiates into the head, neck, and shoulders.
Common causes include teeth grinding, jaw clenching, bite misalignment, stress, and injury. Many people live with TMD for years without connecting their symptoms to their jaw.
A Different Kind of TMJ Care
What sets EOM Dental Center apart is the collaboration between Dr. Churchill and Theresa Churchill, LAc, EAMP. Most dental practices treat TMJ with appliances alone. We offer that, and we also offer something more: acupuncture and acupressure specifically targeted at the muscles and meridians associated with jaw tension and TMJ dysfunction.
Research supports acupuncture as an effective, drug-free option for reducing jaw muscle tension, decreasing pain, and addressing the stress component that often underlies TMD. For patients who are looking for relief beyond what an oral appliance alone can provide, this integrative approach can be genuinely transformative.
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Acupuncture and Acupressure for TMJ
Theresa Churchill brings her background in East Asian Medicine and her experience working with musculoskeletal conditions directly to bear on TMJ care. During an acupuncture session, fine needles are placed at specific points around the jaw, face, neck, and hands to release tension, improve circulation, and activate the body's natural pain-reducing response. Acupressure uses the same principles without needles, applying targeted pressure to the same points.
Many patients experience meaningful relief after just a few sessions. Combined with dental treatment, the results can be long-lasting.
Dental TMJ Treatment Options
TMJ Disorder Treatment
Dr. Churchill evaluates your bite, jaw function, and muscle tension to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation. In many cases, a combination of behavioral guidance, appliance therapy, and acupuncture is the most effective path to relief.
Oral Appliances for TMJ
Custom-fitted oral appliances, including night guards and bruxism guards, can protect your teeth from grinding and help reposition the jaw in a more comfortable resting position. These appliances are fabricated from precise impressions of your teeth for the most accurate fit possible.
Why Choose EOM Dental Center for TMJ Care in Sequim
- The only practice in the area offering both dental and acupuncture-based TMJ treatment under one roof
- Collaborative care between Dr. Churchill and Theresa Churchill, LAc
- Drug-free options for patients who prefer natural approaches
- Custom oral appliances fabricated with digital impressions for precision fit
- CBCT imaging available for complex TMJ evaluation
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have TMJ disorder?
Common signs include jaw pain or soreness, clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth, difficulty chewing, facial pain, frequent headaches, and neck or shoulder tension. Dr. Churchill can evaluate your symptoms and confirm whether TMD is the cause.
How does acupuncture help with TMJ?
Acupuncture helps relieve TMJ symptoms by releasing tension in the jaw muscles, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and addressing the stress and nervous system dysregulation that often contribute to chronic TMD. It is a well-documented complementary treatment for musculoskeletal pain.
Is a night guard enough to treat TMJ disorder?
For some patients, an oral appliance is sufficient. For others, especially those with significant muscle involvement or stress-related clenching, a more comprehensive approach that includes acupuncture or acupressure alongside the appliance tends to produce better results.
How many acupuncture sessions will I need?
This varies depending on the severity of your symptoms. Some patients notice improvement after two to three sessions. Theresa will assess your individual situation and develop a care plan that makes sense for where you are starting from.
Will my insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Some PPO dental plans include partial coverage for TMJ-related appliances and treatment. Coverage for acupuncture varies by plan. Our team will help you understand your benefits before treatment begins.