It’s not all in your head, or is it? Sewell, NJ TMJ is a complex and upsetting physical problem of the jaw joint located under the ear. Used to open and close the mouth, the temporomandibular joint sometimes malfunctions, causing a variety of symptoms which doctors and dentists used to think patients were imagining. Dr. Christopher J. Connolly and his associate dentists offer real solutions for the real problem of TMJ, giving patients relief and hope.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. is the ball and socket joint located at the angle of the jaw at either side of the head. Problems with the movement of this joint often cause distressing symptoms such as:
- Earaches
- Headaches
- Neck, back and shoulder pain
- A noticeable popping or clicking noise coming from the jaw
- Uneven wearing of tooth enamel
- Tinnitus, a buzzing or ringing sound in the ears
- Vertigo
In addition, the joint itself may dislocate as the ball-like condyle moves forward out of the TMJ and basically becomes jammed in front of the articular eminence of the jaw bone. This disconcerting and painful condition prevents the individual from closing his mouth and requires an urgent visit to the primary care physician or to Dr. Christopher J. Connolly, Dr. John McCarty or Dr. Christopher John Connolly at Connolly Aesthetic Family Dentistry. These doctors possess the skills to move the jaw downward and backward into its functional and comfortable position.
Treatment of TMJ dysfunction
Any treatment approach requires a thorough occlusal analysis by a skilled dentist or oral surgeon. He will take digital x-rays and many times, an MRI, to discover the structure and function of the jaw joint. Common treatment for TMJ dysfunction include:
- Muscle relaxants
- Medications to tighten lax connective tissue around the jaw joint
- Muscle relaxants, ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Surgery to remove the ball-like articular eminence from the jaw bone
- Orthodontic correction of misaligned teeth
- Dental crowns to even how teeth bite together
Drs. Connolly and McCarty often prescribe a custom-made bite guard to treat the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. This occlusal guard corrects the bite problems associated with TMJ dysfunction, bringing a cushioning comfort and alleviating destructive clenching and grinding.
The dentists at Connolly Aesthetic Family Dentistry have completed continuing education courses with TMJ experts Dr. Peter Dawson and Dr. Mark Piper. So, patients can rest assured that their occlusal problems receive the best in diagnostics and the most precise TMJ treatments available in Sewell, NJ.
Find out more
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says that about 10 million adults in the US alone haveTMJ dysfunction in one degree or other. Are you one of them? Don’t suffer, and don’t allow your oral function to degrade.
Contact the dedicated team at Connolly Aesthetic Family Dentistry for a thorough evaluation of and solution to your TMJ symptoms.
