TMJ Disorder Treatment in Clifton, NJ

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The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) allow us to move our jaw, so they work similarly to a hinge mechanism. However, some patients experience inflammation, chronic pain, and other difficulties in this area, which usually stem from TMJ disorders.

At Harmony Dental Art, our team of dentists and oral care experts specialize in treating TMJ disorders in Clifton, NJ. Dr. Sokolina, our board-certified dentist, carefully assesses each patient in order to determine the root of the problem and create a tailored treatment plan to help control the symptoms. To learn more about our TMJ disorder treatments in NJ, contact us and book an appointment today.

What are TMJ Disorders?

TMJ disorders are conditions that put a large amount of pressure on the temporomandibular joint through jaw clenching and grinding. Some of the most common and troublesome symptoms of TMJ syndrome include:

  • Shoulder pain
  • Jaw joint pain
  • Earaches
  • Headaches
  • Tooth pain
  • Clicking or popping in the jaw

The causes of TMJ disorders are unknown and the symptoms may appear in different parts of the joint. There is no known cure for TMJ syndrome and other conditions, but a series of treatments can help control the painful symptoms and greatly improve your quality of life.

TMJ Disorder Treatment Overview

TMJ symptoms include teeth grinding, headaches, and jaw misalignment. Depending on each patient’s specific issues, our dentists create a tailored action plan that may include a protective mouthguard, jaw exercises, surgical intervention in some cases, and other treatments that reduce the symptoms and give you more control of the muscles in this area.

a patient with her hand to her mouth because of tooth pain

Benefits of Treating TMJ Disorders

There are many benefits that come with treating TMJ disorders, including:

  • Reduces pain and discomfort
  • Lowers the chance of dental damage
  • Improve your mood and overall quality of life
  • Protect your ears and jaw
  • Enjoy meals and social situations again

Ideal Candidates

TMJ can affect people of all ages and most patients that have this condition experience symptoms like:

  • Locking of the jaw
  • Pain or tenderness in the temporomandibular joints
  • Intense pain around the ear
  • Difficulties chewing
  • Unexplained facial pain

Risks Associated with TMJ Disorder Treatments

There are different treatments that can be used to control TMJ disorder symptoms, all of which are regarded as generally safe. Some patients may require surgical intervention, which brings side-effects like:

  • Temporary discomfort
  • Numbness
  • Side-effects related to anesthesia, like nausea

Why Choose Harmony Dental Arts for TMJ Disorder Treatment in New Jersey?

At Harmony Dental Arts, our team of trained professionals offers bite therapy to patients who suffer from the symptoms of TMJ syndrome. By performing an extensive analysis of the jawbones, joints, and muscles, our team can pinpoint the exact cause of the symptoms, thus allowing us to put together a detailed treatment plan for our patients.

We provide patients with jaw exercises that help mitigate clenching and grinding. Moreover, these exercises can prevent jaw misalignment and offer patients more control of their jaw. To learn more about our TMJ disorder treatments in Clifton, contact Harmony Dental Arts and book a consultation today.

FAQ

What is the best treatment for TMJ disorders?

TMJ disorders may occur for a variety of reasons. Therefore, the best treatment will depend on the root of the problem. In order to find the best alternative, you should consult with a board-certified dentist in your area.

Can a TMJ disorder go away on its own?

While some patients experience TMJ disorder relief without treatment, the pain and discomfort don’t usually recede without medical attention. By scheduling an appointment with a dentist, you’ll learn methods to control the discomfort and relieve pressure in your jaws, which can improve your experience during meals and social situations.

Are TMJ disorders serious?

TMJ disorders are not fatal, but they can greatly reduce a patient’s quality of life. For this reason, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice grinding, jaw pain, or other TMJ disorder symptoms.

What happens if a TMJ disorder goes untreated?

If left untreated, TMJ disorders may result in chronic pain, jaw misalignment, dental problems, ear issues, and other complications. In severe cases, TMJ can even produce facial asymmetry and locking of the joint, which prevents patients from opening or closing their jaws.

Do muscle relaxers help TMJ disorders?

In some cases, muscle relaxers can help relieve intense TMJ disorder pain. However, it’s important to note that taking muscle relaxants is not a sustainable long-term treatment plan as the pain usually returns. A dental care expert can design a long-term plan that provides relief without relying solely on pain killers or muscle relaxers.

Written by Dr. Sokolina

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