Treatments

TMJ Disorders

TMJ Disorders - Synera Dental Wellness

At Synera Dental Wellness, we understand the significant impact that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can have on your comfort, function, and overall quality of life. Dr. Jeremy Montrose has specialized training and a comprehensive approach to diagnose and manage TMJ disorders, helping patients find relief from pain and restore proper jaw function.

Understanding TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joints and the surrounding muscles responsible for chewing, speaking, and other jaw movements. The TMJs are hinge joints that connect the jawbone to the skull, and problems with these joints and muscles can lead to a variety of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms.

Common Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders May Include:

Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders

Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth

Difficulty opening the mouth wide

Jaw locking or getting stuck in an open or closed position

Headaches, particularly temple headaches

Earaches or a feeling of fullness in the ears

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Dizziness

Toothaches or sensitive teeth

Changes in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other conditions. A thorough evaluation by a trained professional is crucial for accurate diagnosis of a TMJ disorder.

Our Comprehensive Approach to TMJ Disorders

At Synera Dental Wellness, Dr. Montrose employs a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to evaluating and managing TMJ disorders. We understand that TMD can have various contributing factors, and our assessment goes beyond a simple physical examination. We focus on:

Detailed History and Symptom Evaluation: We carefully gather information about your symptoms, their onset, duration, and any factors that seem to trigger or alleviate them.

Thorough Clinical Examination: Dr. Montrose conducts a comprehensive examination of your jaw joints, facial muscles, bite, and neck to identify any signs of dysfunction or tenderness.

Functional Analysis: We assess your jaw movement, range of motion, and any limitations or deviations during opening and closing.

Diagnostic Records (when necessary): In some cases, we may utilize diagnostic tools such as X-rays or advanced imaging (like MRI) to gain a better understanding of the joint structures and rule out other conditions.

Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders

If a TMJ disorder is diagnosed, Dr. Montrose offers a range of treatment options tailored to your specific needs and the severity of your condition. Our approach focuses on conservative and reversible treatments whenever possible:

Our Approach to TMJ Disorder Treatment:

Focus on Pain Relief and Function Restoration: Our primary goals are to alleviate your pain and improve your jaw function.

Conservative and Reversible Therapies: We often begin with non-invasive treatments such as patient education, lifestyle modifications, exercises, and soft diet recommendations.

Physical Therapy and Exercises: We may recommend specific exercises to improve jaw mobility, reduce pain, and strengthen the surrounding muscles.

Occlusal Appliances (Splints or Night Guards): Custom-made oral appliances can help stabilize the bite, reduce muscle tension, and protect the teeth from grinding or clenching.

Why Choose Synera Dental Wellness for TMJ Disorders?

Specialized Expertise: Dr. Jeremy Montrose has dedicated training and a thorough understanding of the complexities of TMJ disorders.

Holistic Philosophy: We consider the interconnectedness of your oral health, musculoskeletal system, and overall well-being in addressing TMJ issues.

Comprehensive Evaluation: We conduct thorough assessments to accurately diagnose the underlying causes of your TMJ pain and dysfunction.

Compassionate Care: We provide a supportive and understanding environment for patients experiencing the often-frustrating symptoms of TMD.

Focus on Long-Term Relief: Our goal is not just to manage symptoms but to address the root causes and promote long-term comfort and function.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a TMJ disorder, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Montrose at Synera Dental Wellness. We are dedicated to helping you find relief and restore comfortable jaw function.