How Can My Dentist Help with TMJ Jaw Pain?

TMJ jaw pain in West Orange
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Category: Jaw pain, TMJ

If you’re living with TMJ jaw pain, you know how it can disrupt your life. At the Headache & TMJ Center of New Jersey in West Orange, Dr. Ivan Stein and Dr. Allan Stein specialize in treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

With decades of experience and the latest technology, they offer innovative solutions to help relieve pain and restore function. Their comprehensive treatment plans address the root causes of TMJ jaw pain to give you long-lasting relief.

Dentists: Your Secret Weapon Against TMJ

Of all the medical field professionals out there, dentists are uniquely well-suited to address TMJ disorders. They have specialized knowledge of the jaw, teeth, and oral structures.

Dentists understand how bite problems and habits like teeth grinding contribute to TMJ pain.

Their expertise in jaw anatomy and function allows dentists to create individualized plans that address the root causes of TMJ pain.

This helps to restore proper jaw movement, relieve discomfort, and prevent further joint and tooth damage. This comprehensive approach makes dentists highly effective in managing TMJ disorders.

TMJ Treatment Options

Treating TMJ involves more than just addressing the pain. We use advanced diagnostic tools to create a personalized plan to relieve your TMJ symptoms. Here are some common treatment options:

  • Appliance Therapy: Custom dental appliances reposition the jaw, preventing problems contributing to pain, like teeth grinding or muscle spasms.
  • Ultrasound Therapy: Ultrasound waves disrupt scar tissue and increase local circulation, promoting healing to ease jaw pain.
  • Microcurrent Therapy: Low-level electrical currents increase cellular activity, which boosts adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and leads to lactic acid release, relieving pain.
  • Low-Level Laser Therapy: Cold lasers can reduce muscle tension, alleviate inflammation, boost blood flow, and promote faster healing to ease pain. 
  • Botox Therapy: Botox injections can temporarily reduce movement in the muscles controlling your jaw. It can ease TMJ pain for up to six months.
  • Steroid Injections: Steroid injections can rapidly decrease inflammation, reducing jaw pain.
  • Disclusion Time Reduction: Disclusion time reduction focuses on correcting an imbalanced bite, minimizing teeth contact time, and reducing muscle tension in and around the jaw.

In many cases, we recommend a blend of approaches to help maximize your healing and pain relief.

What Are the Benefits of Treating TMJ?

Addressing your TMJ pain can improve many areas of your life. Benefits include:

  • Reduced Pain: Relief from jaw discomfort, headaches, and ear pain
  • Improved Function: Restored jaw movement and alignment for easier speaking and chewing
  • Better Sleep: Elimination of teeth grinding and clenching, leading to more restful sleep

By seeking treatment, you can prevent long-term damage to your jaw and enjoy daily activities without pain.

Help With Jaw Pain in West Orange, NJ

If you’re struggling with TMJ jaw pain, contact the Headache & TMJ Center of New Jersey in West Orange. Our TMJ specialists offer the latest treatments, combined with superior expertise. Call us at 855-865-3627 to schedule your consultation today.