TMJ Therapy in Hillsborough, NJ
Our Central New Jersey Dental Office Can Help You Overcome Chronic Pain
Problems in your jaw can cause significant discomfort and can be downright debilitating. The temporomandibular joint or TMJ is a tiny joint located in the hinge of your jaw. When there is damage or excessive stress or strain on this joint, there can be a variety of signs and symptoms that people experience in the head and neck area. When this happens, we call it a TMJ Disorder can include:
- Clicking, popping, locking and/or soreness just in front of the ear
- Headaches
- Sore jaw, neck and head muscles
- Bite problems
- Worn teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Bruxism (grinding and teeth clenching)
- Sinus-like issues
If TMJ Disorders are left untreated, chronic pain and discomfort may increase over time, jaw mobility may be reduced and you may lose some of your jaw’s ability to function normally. After a thorough examination of your jaw system, Dr. Heather may recommend splints or retainers, bite balancing with a procedure called equilibration, medications for inflammation and muscle relaxation and/or a nightguard. If a more serious joint problem is suspected, Dr. Heather may refer you to an orthodontis and/or oral surgeon for further evaluation and intervention.
What are Splints?
Splints and retainers have various designs which can help correct poor bites, decrease stress at the joint level and reduce hypersensitivity such as clenching and grinding.
What is Equilibration?
Your bite may look normal, but if it is slightly unbalanced, it can cause a disharmony between your teeth, muscles and joints that can lead to TMJ Disorder symptoms. Dr. Heather thoroughly assesses your entire jaw system by making models of your teeth and a wax recording of how your upper and lower teeth fit together. If Dr. Heather discovers that your bite is not balanced she may recommend equilibration or bite-balancing to allow your teeth relationship to be in harmony with where your TMJ and surrounding muscles are most stable and therefore most comfortable.
Don’t ignore pain! Discomfort can disrupt your life. Find a solution by scheduling a visit at Dubitsky Family Dental so we can get you back to feeling normal.