TMJ Treatment Succasunna, NJ

Dr. Ira Goldberg is an experienced restorative dentist with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders and bite problems. At Morris County Dental Associates, Dr. Goldberg and the professional dental care team work with patients individually to discover solutions for all types of restorative dental problems, including issues with TMJ. We offer restorative dentistry treatments to help our patients find relief from their dental problems. Dr. Goldberg is a Dawson Academy Scholar and incorporates the principles of Complete Dentistry into the diagnosis and treatment planning. One of the services we offer is TMJ treatment in Succasunna, NJ for patients with TMJ disorder and bite problems.

Utilizing the Principles of Complete Dentistry allows our dental team to analyze each patient’s bite. The approach is comprehensive in nature and takes into consideration the function of the bite as well as the health of the teeth and gums. There is a range of risk factors and causes for the discomfort associated with a TMJ disorder. Dr. Goldberg identifies the root cause of your unique symptoms to ensure the best possible outcome.

TMJ Treatment in Succasunna, NJ

What is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?

The temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull. It is located on both sides of the head just in front of the ears. These joints are responsible for smooth movement of the lower jaw. This is how you are able to bite and chew food, speak clearly, and yawn. It helps perform many activities with our mouth such as sing and play instruments as well.

What is a TMJ Disorder?

A TMJ disorder is the term used to describe a wide variety of issues that affect the TMJ as well as the surrounding muscles in the face, neck and nerves. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are typically caused by an injury to your jaw, structural abnormalities such as an uneven bite, arthritis, teeth grinding, teeth clenching, overuse, or when the TMJ are not functioning naturally due to other dental problems. These things can affect the jaw joints as well as the surrounding ligaments and muscles leading to many uncomfortable and painful symptoms.

A TMJ disorder may cause a patient to suffer from frequent headaches, facial pain, worn down teeth, and jaw pain. Often the result of an imbalance in the bite or teeth grinding, TMJ can result in painful symptoms and compromise overall oral health.

What Are Common TMJ Symptoms?

The symptoms of a TMJ disorder can be different for each patient. However, most patients will agree it is a painful condition that will affect your quality of life. Symptoms can be mild or intense and hard to manage. It is also sometimes difficult to diagnose a TMJ disorder since the symptoms are similar with other medical issues. The following are commone TMJ symptoms:

  • Teeth grinding or clenching
  • Jaw pain
  • Frequent headaches
  • Facial pain
  • Tooth wear or damage
  • Earaches
  • Neck pain
  • Limited mobility in the jaw
  • Shoulder pain
  • Jaw clicking or popping

If you have noticed any of these signs of TMJ, call our office at 973-298-5893.

TMJ Treatment in Succasunna, NJ

If you are showing signs of a TMJ disorder, your dentist will examine your teeth and jaw and discuss your lifestyle habits. This way they can suggest the best treatment for you, and help you find relief from your TMJ symptoms.

You can treat mild to moderate cases of temporomandibular joint disorders with at-home solutions. These home remedies can alleviate TMJ pain and symptoms that are mild enough:

  • Jaw exercises
  • Relaxing your facial muscles
  • Sleeping on your side
  • Using an ice pack in a clean cloth
  • Using a heat pack
  • Eating soft foods to help your jaw rest

However, patients with more moderate cases of TMJ can receive a custom oral appliance to wear at night or during stressful situations. Oral appliances are devices that act similarly to mouthguards. This appliance is often the most effective option for relieving painful TMJ symptoms.

It can fit comfortably in the mouth to realign the upper and lower jaw. An oral appliance can also hold the jaw in place while allowing the muscles and jaw joints to relax. Patients who feel TMJ pain because of continued teeth grinding often find this treatment method useful in alleviating their symptoms.

Patients who suffered from tooth damage due to teeth grinding may require restorative dentistry treatments to fix the damage. Constant grinding and clenching can lead to worn down, chipped, or cracked teeth. Restorative treatment includes dental crowns, tooth bonding, dental veneers or other necessary dental treatments.

TMJ Disorder FAQs

Read answers to commonly asked questions about TMJ disorders and TMJ treatments to learn more. Contact us if you have additional questions or concerns.

How long does TMJ treatment take?

An average TMJ treatment lasts between 1-3 years. Treatment includes massaging and stretching of the jaw and neck. It takes time to see the results from treatment, but you will feel the difference.

Is ice or heat better for TMJ?

Ice and heat are both good for treating TMJ issues. Ice can reduce swelling and help ease the pain. Heat can relax the muscle and relieve tension in the jaw.

What should you not do with TMJ?

Patients with TMJ should avoid chewing hard or excessively chewy foods such as gum, hard candies, caramel, etc. Patients should also avoid chewing with one side of their jaw, and clenching and grinding their teeth.

Can a TMJ disorder change your face shape?

Over time, it is possible for a TMJ disorder to can change the shape of your face. TMJ issues can affect tooth alignment and can cause your jaw to become inflamed and swollen. This may appear as your jaw becomes square shaped, or swollen on one particular side.

Where do you massage TMJ?

The best place to massage TMJ is below your cheekbones and underneath your jawbone. TMJ commonly causes muscular tension in these areas. Patients may also massage their necks to help relieve TMJ pain.

Can TMJ heal itself naturally?

The best way to relieve TMJ symptoms naturally is to change your diet. Eating foods that are soft and don’t require as much chewing and jaw work will help relieve TMJ pain. The less pressure you use to chew, the less stress is put on your jaw. This will give your TMJ time to settle and for swelling to decrease.


Schedule a Consultation for TMJ Treatment in Succasunna, NJ

You may have a TMJ disorder. Contact Morris County Dental Associates at 973-298-5893 or schedule an appointment online. Dr. Goldberg offers TMJ treatment in Succasunna, NJ for patients who are feeling pain in their jaw and facial muscles. He works one-on-one with patients to help determine the right solution that aligns with their specific needs.