TMJ Treatment

Relieve Jaw Pain, Headaches & Tension with Expert TMJ Care

Professional TMJ Treatment

TMJ Treatment at The Bellport Village Dentist

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, and it is a hinge that joins your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. This joint allows you to move your jaw side to side and up and down, and facilitates chewing, talking, and yawning. In some cases, there can be a problem with this joint that is referred to as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMD.

Causes of TMJ Disorder

The primary cause of TMJ disorder is problems with the jaw muscles or the joint. Injuries to the jaw, neck, and head can lead to TMJ Disorder. Common causes of TMJ Disorder include whiplash, clenching or grinding of teeth, arthritis pain, and stress that might cause clenching and tightening of facial muscles or the jaw.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder can be quite painful and cause a large amount of discomfort. Some of the common symptoms include difficulty opening the mouth, jaws that get stuck open or closed, a clicking or popping sound while moving the mouth or chewing, or tenderness and pain in the face, neck, jaw, and around the ear. Other symptoms that someone with TMJ disorder might experience are headaches, toothaches, dizziness, ringing in the ear, and upper shoulder pain.

TMJ Treatment in Bellport

It is essential to seek assistance from a dental expert to treat the TMJ disorder. Here is how a dentist can help you:

Over-the-counter-drugs: Dentists will prescribe the medications to soothe the dental swelling and pain. He might also suggest you relax the muscles by avoiding the clenching or grinding of the teeth.
Nightguard or splint: It is one of the most recommended TMJ treatments by dentists as a plastic mouthpiece is fit over the upper or lower teeth so that they don’t touch each other. It minimizes the effect of grinding or clenching and helps in improving the bite.
Dental work: The dentist might replace missing teeth or use bridges or crowns to balance the biting surface of the teeth and correct any bite problems. Only in severe cases are dental surgeries suggested.

If case you are experiencing TMJ problems, contact us and we will guide you through this dental treatment process and answer all your concerns.

Benefits of TMJ Treatment

Pain Relief

TMJ treatment relieves chronic jaw pain, facial tension, and related discomfort—helping you chew, speak, and smile comfortably again.

Improved Jaw Function

Treatment restores smoother, more natural jaw movement by reducing clicking, locking, and stiffness in the joints.

Prevents Tooth Damage

By addressing clenching and grinding, oral appliances help prevent worn-down, cracked, or broken teeth—saving you from future dental repairs.

Fewer Headaches and Earaches

Many TMJ patients experience frequent headaches or ear pain. Treatment can greatly reduce these symptoms, improving daily focus and comfort.

Non-Surgical Relief

Most TMJ disorders can be successfully managed without surgery using conservative treatments like splints, exercises, and habit changes.

Better Sleep and Stress Reduction

Less jaw tension means fewer nighttime disturbances. Many patients sleep more soundly and feel more relaxed throughout the day after treatment.

Our TMJ Treatment Process

We begin with a thorough examination of your jaw, teeth, and bite. This includes checking your jaw movement, listening for clicking or popping sounds, reviewing your symptoms, and taking X-rays if necessary. This helps us diagnose the severity and root cause of your TMJ disorder.

Once diagnosed, we’ll create a customized treatment plan based on the source of your symptoms—such as teeth grinding, stress, bite misalignment, or joint inflammation. This plan may include one or more therapy options tailored to your lifestyle and comfort.

A soft or hard oral appliance is created to fit your teeth precisely. Worn during sleep, it helps relax jaw muscles, prevents teeth grinding or clenching, and reduces pressure on the TMJ joint.

If your bite is contributing to your jaw pain, selective reshaping of teeth or orthodontic adjustments may be recommended to improve alignment and reduce joint stress.

We may teach you gentle exercises or refer you to a therapist to stretch, strengthen, and relax the jaw muscles. These exercises help improve jaw function and reduce tension.

TMJ therapy often requires ongoing monitoring. We’ll schedule follow-ups to ensure your symptoms are improving and adjust your treatment plan if needed.

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Testimonials

What Our Patients Are Saying

Jessica T

I hadn’t had a cleaning in over a year, but they made me feel so comfortable. The hygienist was gentle, thorough, and kind. My teeth have never felt better!

Mark R

From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed. The dental cleaning was quick, painless, and incredibly thorough. My teeth look and feel amazing!

Aisha P

Highly professional service. The staff explained each step and made sure I was at ease throughout the cleaning. Definitely coming back!

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TMJ disorder permanent?

Not necessarily. With proper care and early treatment, many patients experience long-term relief or complete resolution of symptoms.

How do I know if I have TMJ disorder?

A comprehensive exam, including jaw evaluation and bite analysis, will help us diagnose TMJ and recommend the right treatment.

Will I need surgery for TMJ?

Surgery is rarely needed. Most cases can be treated successfully with non-invasive therapies like oral appliances and jaw exercises.

Can TMJ disorder cause headaches and ear pain?

Yes. TMJ disorder is often linked to chronic headaches, tension-type migraines, and ear symptoms like ringing or pressure.

Healthy

Regain Comfort and Jaw Function—Without Surgery

If you’re tired of living with jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing, we can help. Our personalized TMJ treatment options are designed to get to the root of your discomfort and restore your quality of life.