Find Relief with TMJ Treatment
At Smiles For Life, we offer comprehensive TMJ treatment to help alleviate your symptoms and restore harmony to your jaw function.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) at either side of your jaw make it possible to open and close your mouth. When these joints become inflamed, it can cause a condition called TMJ disorder. Symptoms of TMJ disorder can range from pain or tenderness in the jaw to facial pain and headaches.
In addition to pain or tenderness in the jaw, facial pain, and headaches, TMJ disorder can present with a variety of other symptoms. Some individuals may experience a clicking or popping sound when they open or close their mouth, which can be accompanied by a sensation of the jaw getting stuck or locked in position. This can make it difficult to fully open or close the mouth and may result in discomfort while speaking, chewing, or yawning.
Causes of TMJ?
Stress
Emotional stress can lead to increased muscle tension, including the muscles around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This muscle tension can contribute to the development or exacerbation of TMJ disorder symptoms.
Jaw trauma
Trauma to the jaw, such as from a sports injury, accident, or a direct blow to the face, can damage the structures of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or the surrounding tissues.
Chronic inflammatory arthritis
In some cases, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be affected by these conditions, leading to TMJ disorder. The inflammation in the TMJ can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty in jaw movement.
Grinding or clenching your teeth
In some cases, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be affected by these conditions, leading to TMJ disorder. The inflammation in the TMJ can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty in jaw movement.
Symptoms of TMJ
- Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw, or neck
- Ear pain or cracking sounds in the ears
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Pain, swelling, or a lump in the temple area
- Ringing or popping sounds in the ears
- Pain that feels like a toothache
- Painful popping, grating, or clicking in the jaw joint
- Difficulty chewing
- Limited movement or locking of the jaw
- Shoulder pain
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Muscle spasms in the jaw
Diagnosis of TMJ
At Smiles for Life, we can assess your medical history and symptoms. During your appointment, Dr. McIntyre or Dr. Whiting can examine your jaw, including the range of motion and any signs of incorrect movement.
We can also take a series of scans and x-rays to reveal problems with the joint or jawbone. Depending on the results of this examination, your dentist can design a treatment plan to address TMJ issues and alleviate your symptoms.
Say Goodbye To Jaw Pain: Quick TMJ Solutions
Are you ready to bid goodbye to jaw pain and those constant headaches? Then our Quick TMJ Solutions are just what you need! We provide reliable solutions specifically tailored to help manage and even get rid of your tension myositis syndrome.
Treatment Options
For many patients, TMJ disorder can be resolved through self-care techniques. Some home remedies we recommend include:
- Applying ice or cold packs
- Eating soft foods that do not require extensive chewing
- Minimizing extreme jaw movements, such as wide yawning, loud singing, or gum chewing
- Gentle stretching of jaw and neck muscles
- Practicing relaxation and stress management techniques
Additionally, over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories are often helpful in reducing pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorder. For other patients, treatment of an underlying cause may be necessary. In some cases, a misalignment can be corrected using Invisalign® or a dental crown to reduce stress on your TMJs.
If your symptoms persist, your dentist can provide you with a custom mouth guard to wear while you sleep. The oral appliance gently moves your jaw into alignment and can prevent any grinding or clenching from worsening your symptoms.
Diagnosis of TMJ
The symptoms of TMJ disorder can be persistent and painful, significantly impacting a person’s quality of life. At Smiles for Life, we recognize the importance of addressing this condition promptly and effectively to alleviate discomfort and restore proper jaw function.
Left untreated, TMJ disorder can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain, limited jaw movement, and difficulties with everyday activities such as eating, speaking, and even smiling. The pain and discomfort can extend beyond the jaw, affecting the surrounding facial muscles, neck, and even causing headaches.
Our experienced team at Smiles for Life is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with TMJ disorder. We offer a range of personalized treatment options tailored to address the unique needs of each individual. Through a thorough evaluation, including a detailed examination of your jaw joint, muscles, and bite, we can accurately diagnose the underlying causes of your TMJ disorder and develop an effective treatment plan.
Our approach to TMJ disorder treatment may involve a combination of conservative measures and advanced techniques. We prioritize non-invasive approaches whenever possible, such as recommending lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and jaw exercises to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.
In addition, we may suggest the use of oral appliances, also known as splints or mouthguards, to help reposition the jaw and provide relief from grinding or clenching habits. These custom-made appliances are designed to alleviate pressure on the TMJ and protect the teeth from further damage caused by bruxism.
Meet The Team
Staunton Location
Bridgewater Location
Our Smiles for Life Patients Know
LaDawn Knicely
Cathy is always amazing. She remembers personal care details about my visit each time which shows me that she is a great listener, she has heard me and follows through with such care.
Cathy Ryan
I had Dr. Whiting for the first time and the practice will be in excellent hands when Dr. McIntire retires in Sept. He was profesional yet had an engaging demeanor when interacting with me. What makes this practice exceptional is the support staff- the welcoming friendliness of the front desk and the business office personnel. In particular, I would like to give high praises to the dental technician, Faith. She is warm, engaging and puts you at ease. She educates you during the whole process and is extremely knowledgeable about the procedures. Without a doubt, this is the best dental practice in the Valley.
Howard Dean
Dr. Whiting and staff did an excellent job. They were respectful, professional, and very helpful during the process of getting some dental implants. They expedited my appointments to get my new teeth before Father’s Day. Very happy with the results!
Susan Hairston
Dr. Mac performed a small miracle for me yesterday during my appointment. I was having an issue with my temporary bridge and he squeezed me in with his other patients to fix it. He went to great lengths to help me and I am very grateful. Thank you SFL!!
Dottie Westhafer
I had every intention of shopping around before committing to the extensive dental work I needed. However, after visiting the practice and seeing how dedicated they were to making life changing improvement for their patients, I looked no further. It is a process, starting with evaluations, recommendations, x-rays and scheduling. Beginning with my first appointment I marveled at the kindness, care and professionalism I received. I was taken care of skillfully and gently as we began my transformation. Today, June 6, 2024, I left their office with a beautiful smile without discoloration, wear, and misaligned teeth, and I now have a corrected bite and completely restored teeth that I am proud to show. Dr. Geo is very caring and meticulous, striving to complete his work with skill and perfection. I’m so glad that I came to Smiles For Life.
Charles Kimbrough
Smiles for Life has taken care of my dentistry needs for the last 6 years or so. Other offices in the past have had difficult times fitting me in when I needed an appointment. That hasn’t been the case here. Today, I needed to reschedule my appointment for next Monday, and they had an opening today with Cathy Batton instead of my regular hygienist. Cathy does a great job with years of experience and has a way about her to make you feel comfortable.
Linda Clague
Alex, . Morgan, and Dr Geo are very personable and professional. I felt very relaxed the entire visit.I especially appreciated Dr. Geo's careful mouth and teeth exam. They explained everything step by step and allowed time for questions.
Mclatt
On my first visit I meet Becky, we sat down and talked about everything they do there and she allowed me to tell her about my issues with my teeth and she felt that they could help me with my problem. This is the first time I have ever been able to explain, in detail, about my past and present experiences with my dental problems. She made me feel very comfortable in taking about my care and what I would like to have done with my denture issue's. I have set up my next appointment to have x-rays done and feel very good about that! I'm looking forward to my visit and what they have to say about fixing my problem .
