Waking up with jaw pain or struggling through the day with clicking, locking or discomfort while chewing can make even simple moments feel exhausting. Often, these issues are tied to the TMJ, the delicate joints that connect your jaw and allow it to move. When they’re under too much strain, pain and tension quickly follow. At Lifetime Dental of Gainesville, Dr. Her takes the time to carefully examine your jaw, understand what’s happening and create a personalized plan to bring you lasting relief. Our goal is simple: to ease your pain, restore your comfort and help you get back to enjoying life without jaw discomfort holding you back.
Why Lifetime Dental of Gainesville?
- Digital Impressions for Precision: Our advanced digital impressions ensure a detailed assessment for accurate diagnosis.
- Customized Oral Appliances: We offer custom-made mouthguards to alleviate pressure and reduce pain caused by misalignment.
- Use of 3D Cone Beam Scanner: This technology simplifies diagnosing the cause of your pain, allowing for tailored treatment.
Understanding TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is vital for opening and closing your mouth, involving muscles, ligaments and bones. When this complex joint is dysfunctional, it leads to TMJ disorder, which can cause significant discomfort, affecting everyday functions.
Recognizing Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
Common signs include:
- Persistent jaw pain or soreness
- Clicking or popping when moving the jaw
- Difficulty fully opening or closing your mouth
- Headaches and migraines
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Facial pain
- Upper back discomfort
- Earaches and ringing in the ears
Treatment & Diagnosis For TMJ/TMD Disorder
When you come in for your exam, we’ll begin by gently evaluating how your bite fits together and listening closely as you share your symptoms and experiences. Every detail matters, because your pain is unique to you. After a careful examination, Dr. Her will provide a clear diagnosis and walk you through the treatment options best suited to your needs. Our focus is always on your comfort and long-term health, so we only recommend therapies we truly believe will relieve your jaw pain and help you feel like yourself again.
Occlusal Adjustments/Equilibration
When patients experience problems with their jaw joints, it’s often because their bite is uneven. That means as you chew certain foods, certain areas of the mouth are experiencing more force than they should be. With equilibration and occlusal adjustments, we can make modifications to your current tooth enamel/restorations in order to make them more even as you bite down. We’ll go over your treatment in detail before making any changes to your current oral structures.
Occlusal Splints
Alternatively, our dental office can design an occlusal splint that protects teeth from bruxism, a condition associated with chronic teeth grinding and clenching, especially during sleep. Once worn, it guides the jaw as it moves side-to-side and front-to-back. Overall, it’s designed to support the TMJ and the muscles typically used while chewing. In most cases, patients experience a difference after just a few days of use!
Real Stories from Our Patients
“I had constant headaches from my TMJ, but thanks to Dr. Her’s treatment plan, I’m feeling so much better and can enjoy my daily life without pain,”
– shares a relieved patient.
Where Lasting Comfort Begins
TMJ disorder involves dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. This condition can lead to pain in the jaw, face, head and neck, impacting daily activities like chewing and speaking.
Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, frequent headaches, and neck or shoulder tension.
We use digital impressions and a 3D Cone Beam Scanner to accurately diagnose TMJ disorders. These tools allow for precise evaluation of jaw alignment and identification of the underlying causes of your symptoms.
TMJ disorder can be caused by a combination of factors, including jaw misalignment, stress leading to jaw clenching or teeth grinding, arthritis or jaw injuries.
When done by a qualified dentist, TMJ treatment is very safe. It won’t damage your jaw or any other areas near your mouth.
Many TMJ treatments are covered by insurance plans. We assist in navigating your benefits and offer financing options to manage any additional costs.
Because You Deserve to Feel Your Best
Your comfort is our priority, and we’re here to help you overcome TMJ pain. Contact us at Lifetime Dental of Gainesville at (770) 536-6688 or visit 1419 Pearce Cir, Gainesville, GA, to start your journey toward a pain-free life.