Maintain a Healthy, Pain-free Smile with TMJ Pain Treatment
Do you experience unexplained headaches or jaw pain? Do your jaws lock or produce clicking sounds when closing and opening your mouth? TMJ pain, which affects the two hinge-like joints on either side of the face, could be the culprit. If left untreated, TMJ pain can progress, making everyday activities such as chewing and speaking painful.
Luckily, TMJ pain is treatable, and it doesn’t involve surgery or lifelong medications. Heritage Dental uses a custom-fitted mouthguard and natural therapies to overcome TMJ pain in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania, and the nearby locations. Whether you’ve been experiencing TMJ pain for months or years, trust Dr. Beth Skovron to guide you toward a pain-free lifestyle.
What is TMJ pain?
TMJ pain is complex because various structures contribute to it—ligaments, tendons, bones, and teeth. However, the leading cause of TMJ pain is the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) that connect your lower jaw to the skull. The TMJ uses a combination of hinge and sliding motions to allow the jaws to move in almost every direction when chewing, talking, yawning, etc.
Healthy TMJs rarely cause any symptoms. However, when infected or injured, TMJs cause a host of problems, including:
- Tension headaches.
- Jaw pain or soreness.
- Clicking or popping sounds when using your jaws.
- Earaches.
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
- Pain in the facial, ear, and upper back region.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Painful chewing.
Various factors, such as bruxism, can cause TMJ pain. Bruxism causes involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep. This poor oral habit can place immense pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Over time, this excessive force can lead to inflammation, muscle tension, and even structural damage to the joint, which can cause discomfort and pain.
How is TMJ pain treated?
Before treatment, we’ll physically examine your jaw joints to determine their range of motion and detect any restrictions or unusual sounds when opening and closing your jaws. Sometimes, we may need digital X-rays and CT scans to check for structural abnormalities.
Dr. Skovron uses a custom-fitted oral device to manage TMJ pain. This device fits snugly over your teeth to absorb the pressure induced by bruxism. Over time, the nightguard allows the TMJs to relax and heal, reducing unpleasant symptoms.
Our doctor can complement oral appliance therapy with other treatments like:
- Orthodontics.
- Jaw rehabilitation exercises.
- Lifestyle changes, including stress management, soft foods, etc.
- Anti-inflammatory medication.
- Restorative dental work.
We know there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for TMJ pain. Each patient’s situation is unique, with varying causes, symptoms, and severity. After diagnosis, we’ll craft a treatment plan that works for you.
Are you interested in TMJ pain treatment?
Discover a healthy, pain-free lifestyle with TMJ treatment in Montgomeryville, PA. Many of our patients have found relief from headaches, jaw pain, and other symptoms through our TMJ therapies. Don’t struggle with pain any longer. Instead, call (215) 792-2227 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Skovron for TMJ pain treatment.
FAQs
What is TMJ disorder, and what are its symptoms?
TMJ disorder, or TMD, affects the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), causing symptoms like headaches, jaw pain, clicking sounds, and difficulty opening your mouth.
How is TMJ disorder diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive examination by a TMJ dentist like Dr. Beth Skovron, who can identify the cause and recommend suitable treatment options.
What are the treatment options for TMJ disorder?
Treatment may include custom mouthguards to alleviate tooth grinding, jaw exercises, lifestyle adjustments, orthodontics, anti-inflammatory medication, and stress management techniques.
How do custom mouthguards help with TMJ disorder?
Custom mouthguards act as a protective barrier between teeth, reducing the impact of grinding, relieving pressure on the jaw muscles, and allowing pain-free jaw movement.
Where can I find TMJ disorder treatment in Montgomeryville, PA?
For effective TMJ treatment and to live a pain-free life, contact Heritage Dental at (215) 792-2227 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Skovron and her team.
Dr. Beth Skovron, DDS, FAGD, is a distinguished State University of New York graduate at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. With advanced training in oral surgery and therapeutic procedures, she embodies a legacy of dentistry—both her father and uncle were dentists, while her mother was a dental hygienist. Dr. Skovron's passion for dentistry extends to creating a serene, spa-like environment for patients. Renowned for her expertise in cosmetic reconstructions, she is a certified CEREC® mentor and a graduate of the prestigious SPEAR® program. Trust Dr. Skovron to provide exceptional dental care, integrating cutting-edge techniques to ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience during your visit.