TMJ Treatment in Wyomissing, PA

The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the area where your lower jaw connects to each side of your skull and enables you to open your jaw smoothly. Sometimes the joint or surrounding tissues become injured or overworked, causing a debilitating condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder or dysfunction (TMD). If you are experiencing pain or hearing sounds when you move your jaw, schedule an appointment with our highly trained general dentists to see if TMD is impacting your jaw. At Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics in Wyomissing and Reading, PA, we can carefully assess and treat TMJ issues to ease pain and enhance jaw function. While treatment will be based on the cause of your TMD and specific condition, we may recommend night guard therapy, bite adjustments, orthodontics, or other types of solutions. Talk with our team today to schedule your visit and find the relief you need from TMJ-related jaw pain.

Temporomandibular joint disorder may be brought on by an injury to the jaw, years of jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism), dental malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth), or other factors. Medical conditions that can result in TMD include arthritis or a tumor in the TMJ. Sometimes the cause of TMD is unclear, but if you are having signs and symptoms, our team can help you find a viable treatment solution. The most typical symptoms of TMD are pain or tenderness in the temporomandibular joint, spasms in your facial muscles, feeling as if your jaw is stiff or stuck, and headaches that start in front of your ears. Signs of a TMJ problem often include popping, cracking, or clicking whenever you open your jaw, difficulty when biting or chewing, and limited jaw opening. You may be a candidate for TMJ treatment if you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms.

To diagnose a temporomandibular disorder, our dentists will carefully listen and understand your concerns. During the examination, we will evaluate the movement of your jaw and look for signs of teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and misalignment of your teeth and then palpate the jaw and lower face for any tenderness and inflammation. Depending on your needs, we may take digital images of your lower head or recommend an analysis of your bite to search for underlying factors that may determine your treatment approach. After we have fully examined your condition, we will customize treatment recommendations to help provide relief and protect your oral structures. TMD treatment may include a custom-made night guard to protect the teeth and jaw at night, adjusting the biting surfaces of the teeth to create a more even interface, teeth straightening with orthodontics, or restorative dentistry (crowns, fillings, or other restorations).

Along with procedures to address the root cause of your temporomandibular joint dysfunction, our team may recommend palliative ways to relieve pain and other discomforts on your own. This may include a liquid or soft food diet, avoiding ice or chewing gum, heat packs and cold compresses on your jaw, and relaxation techniques. We may also suggest exercises to strengthen your jaw or prescribe medicine to relax your facial muscles (and to relieve pain, nervousness, or inflammation). We recommend that you continue to attend follow-up visits at Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics as needed so that we can monitor the results of your TMJ treatment and help maintain jaw joint health.

Dental insurance policies for diagnosing TMJ pain and treating temporomandibular joint dysfunction may vary so we will contact your provider to learn about your individual benefits. If you do not carry insurance or if a portion of your care remains uncovered, our team can help you select a convenient payment solution to make your treatment affordable. Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics takes many payment methods, including flexible financing plans through Wells Fargo.

Could my migraine or headaches be a result of TMJ?
If you have headaches or migraines and you're not sure of the cause, it could be TMJ. If you visit our office, we can help determine if TMJ is the cause of your headaches.

What happens if TMJ is left untreated?
Left untreated, TMJ symptoms may continue to worsen until treatment is sought out. Symptoms often include:

• Headaches or migraines
• Damage of the jaw joint
• Worn or cracked teeth
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Jaw clicking
• Sore jaw muscles

Occasionally, symptoms can resolve on their own, but this is not always the case.

Where does TMJ come from?
There are several genetic and environmental factors that can contribute to a person getting TMJ. A few include clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth (bruxism), genetic inheritance, and even poor posture. When you visit Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics for TMJ treatments in Wyomissing, PA, we can often determine the root cause.

TMJ pain and other uncomfortable symptoms can make it difficult to eat, talk, and enjoy your day-to-day life. Since there are many potential causes, signs, and solutions for TMD, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our expert dental team in our Wyomissing or Reading, PA practice locations. Our team will provide a thorough exam and discuss treatment options to meet your needs. Get in touch with Grove Dental Group and Orthodontics today to learn more and to schedule your visit.