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
Warren Wise
Just had my first visit with Dr. Whiting at Smiles for Life in Bridgewater. My welcome to the office was warm and inviting. The dental assistant was professional, proficient, and very gentle. Dr.Whiting is very good at explaining problems he saw with my teeth and outline options for addressing those problems.
Jennifer Harper
Cathy Batton is an amazing hygienist and is so gentle but very thorough. She is very kind, and I am always happy to see her when I go to the dentist! She makes going to the dentist more fun!
Sandy Miller
I love Cathy!! She does a great job and is always very personable and professional. Give her a raise!! 😊 Everyone at Smiles for Life is great! If you’re looking for a dentist, I would highly recommend them.
Adam Harper
As always, my dental hygienist was amazing! Kathy has always done a great job and she is so very pleasant! I enjoy talking with her and she is extremely gentle when it comes to cleaning my teeth! Thanks for everything Kathy!
Sergen Keles
I recently visited this place and was extremely impressed. The staff was friendly, the clinic clean, and the appointment was punctual. Dr. Dan Whiting provided professional, gentle care, and explained everything clearly. Highly recommend!
Regina Pierce
Cathy Batton has been my hygienist since I (Dean) started at this practice and she is absolutely the best! Very gentle and caring! This group has brought me a long way from where I started! Thank you Cathy! The ladies at the desk (Jodie, Tara) thank you for keeping me in check! All of the people at this practice are great!
Chimdindu Ojibe
I had the best experience here. Every one was so nice to me and I felt very comfortable throughout my appointment. The doctor and all the staff were very friendly. They even gave me a free scan which was so nice of them. If you’re looking for a new dentist I 100% recommend Smiles for Life.
Clinton Huntley
Great Dentist!!!! VERY Professional, Polite, and most of all more worried about my condition and understanding my circumstances and and my opinion on what I believe should be done… will definitely recommend him to everyone thank you once again for everything I greatly appreciate you and all your staff!!!
