How Our TMJ Treatment in Pennington, NJ can Help Manage Pain

03 Mar How Our TMJ Treatment in Pennington, NJ can Help Manage Pain

Have you ever had to deal with the pain that is onset from holding your teeth tight together? If so, you may be one of the many patients who are afflicted by temporomandibular joint dysfunction). The pain can be difficult for many patients, but it’s not something that you will need to just suck up and deal with. As a provider of TMJ treatment in Pennington NJ, Brookside Dental Arts has made it a mission to diagnose, manage, and treat patients who are dealing with mild or chronic bouts of TMJ. Today– we will be examining how our practice can help manage your TMJ pain with our TMJ treatment plans.

What is TMJ?

Since there are a variety of ailments that share similar signs and symptoms, allow us to provide a refresher on the basics of TMJ. TMJ or (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) is when pain and compromised movement occurs in the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. The TMJ acts like a sliding hinge, connecting the jawbone to the skull. When dysfunction is present, it can bring much pain and discomfort to the individual. 

Types of TMJ Treatments?

While a great deal of patients view the dentist as just teeth doctors, you cannot receive proper TMJ treatment in Pennington NJ if someone from our team doesn’t examine your mouth. It’s all a part of the same system (which definitely includes the temporomandibular joint). Dentists can help in diagnosing all cases of TMJ, and if needed, will refer you to a physician or specialist for further diagnosis. Since TMJ can be caused by tooth and jaw alignment issues, there are dental treatments that can help. See below for the types of treatment methods that are utilized for TMJ treatment in Pennington NJ.

• Referral to orthodontist (to receive TMJ treatment with braces; seeks to realign the teeth and jaws so that the mouth can close in the proper position)

• Custom mouthguards for patients that grind or clench their teeth. Often known as a bite plate or splint, this appliance can safeguard your teeth, working to keep the top teeth from grinding against the lower teeth. Additionally, the bite guard will prevent wear and tear on the teeth.

• TMJ exercise for relieving pain (strengthening jaw muscles, stretching the jaw, increasing mobility, reduce jaw clicking, promote jaw healing)

• Using hot and cold packs

• Taking anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxing meds.

• Learning relaxation techniques that reduce tension in the jaw muscles. 

Having A Heart To Heart With Your Family Dentist

It’s fair to say that you will have options when addressing your TMJ ailments. Your family dentist will openly discuss the best course of action on a case by case basis. What may work for one person may not work as well for you. That’s why having a heart to heart with your dentist is so important for creating a custom treatment plan.

Our Affordable TMJ Treatment In Pennington NJ | Brookside Dental Arts

Brookside Dental Arts offers many services for all of our patients, including treatment for TMJ. If you are in need of some answers, contact us today at 609-737-7662 to book an appointment!