TMJ Treatment Collingswood, NJ

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders can cause discomfort and affect the proper function of your jaw. At our practice in Collingswood, NJ, Dr. Wahl and our team specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders to help alleviate symptoms and improve your oral health.

Early diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders can prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life. If you experience persistent jaw pain, clicking sounds, or difficulty chewing, it’s essential to consult with Dr. Wahl for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Our goal is to help you achieve relief from TMJ symptoms and maintain optimal oral health.

TMJ Treatment in Collingswood, NJ

What are TMJ Disorders?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders refer to conditions that affect this joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. These disorders can cause pain and affect the ability to chew, speak, and open or close your mouth comfortably.

Several factors can contribute to TMJ disorders, including:

  • Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism): Habitual grinding or clenching of teeth can put pressure on the TMJ.
  • Jaw Injury: Trauma to the jaw or head, such as a blow or whiplash injury, can damage the TMJ.
  • Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to TMJ inflammation and pain.
  • Stress: Emotional or psychological stress may cause individuals to clench their jaw or grind their teeth, exacerbating TMJ symptoms.

While there are several factors to developing TMJ disorders, you should know what signs and symptoms to look out for. Common signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

  • Jaw Pain or Tenderness: Pain in the jaw joint area or muscles around the jaw.
  • Difficulty Chewing: Discomfort or pain while chewing food.
  • Clicking or Popping Sounds: Noises when opening or closing the mouth, often accompanied by jaw joint stiffness.
  • Locking of the Jaw: Inability to open or close the mouth fully.

How TMJ Can Affect Your Oral Health

Untreated TMJ disorders can lead to several oral health issues. For instance, bruxism associated with TMJ can cause excessive tooth wear and damage. Continuous jaw clenching or grinding may also contribute to gum recession and increased tooth sensitivity. Moreover, the muscle tension and pain from TMJ can trigger headaches or migraines. Difficulty with oral hygiene may arise due to pain and restricted jaw movement, potentially leading to poor dental health outcomes.

TMJ Treatment Options in Collingswood, NJ

Effective management of TMJ disorders often involves a combination of approaches tailored to the individual’s symptoms and severity. Conservative treatments focus on alleviating symptoms and may include medications such as pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce TMJ-related pain and inflammation. Night guards or splints, custom-fitted oral appliances worn during sleep, can help prevent teeth grinding and relieve pressure on the TMJ. We would consider these to be conservative treatments.

For moderate TMJ symptoms, you may try alternate therapies. Furthermore, you can change or modify your behaviors to reduce your TMJ pains. Therapeutic interventions aim to address underlying causes and improve jaw function. Physical therapy involves exercises and stretches to strengthen jaw muscles, improve jaw mobility, and reduce tension. Techniques like ultrasound or laser therapy may be used to reduce pain and promote healing in the TMJ area. Lifestyle modifications, such as stress management techniques and dietary adjustments to avoid hard or chewy foods, complement these treatments to alleviate TMJ symptoms further and improve overall oral health.