Commonly Asked Questions About TMJ

What is TMJ disorder?

The TMJ is the joint that allows you to speak and chew normally. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is caused by problems in your jaw, facial muscles, and joints

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

Be on the lookout for common TMJ symptoms, including:
Chronic headaches and migraines
Jaw joint pain or locking
Clicking sound in your jaw
Discomfort while chewing
Ear and sinus pain

What causes TMJ disorder?

Your jaw disk erodes or moves out of proper alignment
The cartilage of your TMJ is damaged by arthritis
Damage caused by a blow or other impact
Teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching
Arthritis
Certain connective tissue disorders
Stress

How to treat TMJ pain?

Dermal Fillers is one of our most-recommended treatments for TMJ disorder. Tight muscles are often the cause or a contributing factor to your TMJ issues. They relax your jaw muscles, eliminates tension in your mouth, and prevents grinding and clenching.
Thanks to Dermal Fillers, many of our patients are now headache free after decades of suffering. Even if your migraines or headaches are more complex and involve more than just your muscles, Dermal Fillers can eliminate the portion of your pain that comes from these muscles and might offer you some relief from your suffering.

Other TMJ treatment options

Occlusal Splints — Custom-made and advanced “night guards” prevent clenching and reposition your jaw to a more favorable and comfortable position.
Invisalign — If a bite issue is the cause of your TMJ pain, we may recommend Invisalign to fix the alignment of your jaw.
Surgery — In rare situations, you may require a more advanced surgical treatment to correct the issue. If that’s the case, we can refer you to someone who can provide the care you need.

Most Common Questions About Dental Emergencies

What is considered a dental emergency?

If you’re in pain or worried about a dental issue, contact us and we’ll let you know for sure whether or not you need emergent care. You’re usually experiencing a dental emergency if…

You have a toothache

It hurts to chew, brush, or speak

A tooth is loose or broken

Your gums are swollen or bleeding and won’t stop

 

Will my tooth need to be pulled?

Just because you have a toothache or other dental concern doesn’t mean you need an extraction. We’ll conduct a thorough examination and diagnosis to determine whether or not we can repair the issue with a filling, crown, or root canal. If a dental extraction is necessary, we’ll help you know what to expect and create a plan for replacing the tooth.

 

What are the signs of an infected tooth?

Constant toothache

Lingering tooth sensitivity

Sore and sensitive jawbone

 

Will a toothache go away on its own?

It’s possible your toothache may lessen or disappear, but this doesn’t mean the problem went away. In fact, the longer you wait, the more damage (and discomfort) you risk. Always seek help for a toothache (and avoid a bigger issue) right away.

 

What should I do if I lose a tooth?

If your tooth is still in one piece, pick it up by the crown (don’t touch the root) and gently rinse it off under running water. Carefully place the tooth back into the socket and call us right away to let us know what happened. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances that we can save your tooth