Patients who come in to see me with chronic jaw pain or TMJ or teeth clenching or teeth grinding can be as frustrated as it can be to diagnose these patients for some dentists. For me, I welcome the challenge. I have years of training and years of experience treating patients successfully with all facets of TMJ issues: clenching, grinding, headache, sleep apnea. Patients who come in to see me for TMJ issues or headache issues or clenching or grinding are usually very frustrated. They have yet to find a provider who is able to truly find the cause of their problem. But this could be a symptom of an underlying disorder that’s much more important.
Tooth clenching and tooth grinding or nighttime bruxing as we call it can be a symptom of something like obstructive sleep apnea or it can be a symptom of a neurological condition. Patients that come in with either headaches or teeth grinding and have really yet to find the root cause of their problem, this is what the practice is founded on. We treat their whole body. We treat them as patients and not teeth. I am very successful for decades in finding the root cause of a patient’s tooth grinding, headaches, TMJ.
Reclaim Pain-Free Oral Function With a Personalized Treatment Plan
If you’re experiencing symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, clicking or popping in your jaw, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth, you may be dealing with a TMJ disorder. During your regular checkup, don’t hesitate to bring up any existing concerns. Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth and take digital X-rays. It will help us determine the right TMJ treatment for you. If you struggle with teeth grinding specifically, you may also be dealing with sleep apnea. Your dentist will discuss your symptoms completely. Airway testing can help us determine the right treatment for you.
We may recommend a wide range of solutions:
- Oral Appliances – A specialized oral appliance will protect your teeth and create proper jaw alignment.
- TENS Treatment – TENS (or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is ideal for pain relief and muscle relaxation.
- CBD Ointment – Topical CBD applications can help with pain and inflammation management.
- Essential Oils – Aromatherapy can encourage relaxation and stress reduction.
- Orthodontic Treatment – We may recommend clear aligner orthodontics if your TMJ problem is related to a misaligned bite. Aligner treatment can typically be completed within 12-18 months.
- Botox and Neuromodulator Therapy – These injections relax your muscles, often providing relief for both TMJ pain and headaches.
- Vivos Treatment – Wearing this device, which looks like a retainer, helps move your jaw forward. It creates better airflow, improves your tongue posture and bite function, and reduces teeth clenching.
Call 732-422-5122 for TMJ treatment in Somerset. You can also schedule online.