Advanced TMJ Technology Wauwatosa

CBCT Imaging

With our CBCT scanner, we’re able to capture several X-rays of your head from multiple angles, and these can then be used to create a 3D model that shows all of your teeth, both jaws, and nearby facial bones and nerves. This helps Dr. Brunner get a complete picture of your oral anatomy and offers much more information compared to a regular X-ray. It serves as a vital step in both diagnosing and treatment planning to ensure the best possible result.

Joint Vibration Analysis

Many patients experience clicking and popping in their jaw when they move their mouth, and joint vibration analysis (JVA) uses those sounds to our advantage. With it, Dr. Brunner uses a device to listen closely to the sounds produced by the TMJ during movement, and this can help him identify what is causing the noise and where it is coming from, better informing him on where to apply treatment. 

MLS Cold Laser

If a patient is in pain, we want to make it go away as soon as possible. One of the fastest ways to do so is by using our MLS cold laser. It can quickly and comfortably soothe an aching jaw joint while also reducing swelling and inflammation. It enables a patient to enjoy immediate relief while a more robust treatment works to solve the underlying issue, helping make each step of their experience nice and comfortable.

State-of-the-Art Custom Oral Appliances

Oral appliances can be used to solve many problems for those suffering from TMD. They can prevent a patient from grinding their teeth at night, put the jaw into a more relaxed position, and even open the upper airway to alleviate sleep and snoring issues. Each device is custom designed by Dr. Brunner to fit comfortably and perfectly suit a patient's needs, and the high-quality materials ensure that the device will stand the test of time as well.

Phonophoresis

Most patients dealing with TMD have used an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen/Advil to help with their pain, but when you take a drug orally, its effects are distributed throughout the entire body. To provide more focused relief, we can use phonophoresis, which involves applying a topical pain reliever (like hydrocortisone cream) to the TMJ, and then ultrasound helps facilitate a better transfer of the medicine. Essentially, it provides a concentrated dose of respite right where it is needed.

Prolotherapy

With prolotherapy, a mixture of dextrose (sugar) and lidocaine is injected into the TMJ. The dextrose causes a minor inflammatory response without actually damaging the tissues, and the lidocaine ensures that this doesn’t cause the patient any pain. This “tricks” the body into focusing its natural healing ability right where a patient needs it, which can help with pain, swelling, and other unpleasant symptoms connected to TMD.

SphenoCath

This minimally invasive and relatively quick procedure involves injecting lidocaine to numb the hard-to-reach nerves toward the back of the nasal cavity that are often the source of the discomfort associated with headaches and migraines. The device itself has a soft tip, so the treatment is virtually painless, and it’s able to offer almost immediate relief for patients who have been suffering from head/jaw pain for years.