Overcome Constant Headaches and Jaw Pain with TMJ Pain Treatment

Your jaw is attached to the head with a tiny, hinge-like joint called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint allows the mouth to make numerous movements when eating, chewing, yawning, and performing other oral functions. When your TMJ is well-functioning, you rarely think about it. However, it can be a source of terrible discomfort when strained, injured, or inflamed. 

Dr. Balaji Srinivasan has specialized training in neuromuscular (physiologic) dentistry. So, when you come to our office with orofacial pain, we are well-equipped to offer you effective and long-term solutions. Aesthetic Dental Creations has helped many patients in Jackson, New Jersey, overcome TMJ-related pain after years of painkillers and hopping from one doctor to another.

How to tell you have TMJ dysfunction (TMD)

TMJ pain causes unpleasant experiences to its sufferers. While the symptoms vary from patient to patient, many complain of morning headaches, jaw soreness, and facial pain. In severe cases, the condition may cause pain even when performing simple activities like eating. Sometimes, the jaw may lock when open, making it challenging and painful to close your mouth. 

While there is no scientific evidence to pinpoint the exact cause of TMJ pain, several factors have been linked to this condition. Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) puts extreme pressure on the jaw muscles and joints, causing pain. Stress, arthritis, and lifestyle choices like excessive chewing have also been linked to TMD.

Available treatments for TMJ disorder

When treating TMD, there is no single treatment that works for everyone. Fortunately, for TMD sufferers, there are plenty of treatment options to manage pain and restore full health. Once we establish the cause of your TMJ-related pain, we’ll recommend one or a combination of the treatments below.

• Oral appliance therapy (OAT): A custom-fitted dental device can relieve muscle and joint tension. A TMD nightguard prevents the upper and lower teeth from meeting, so teeth grinding can’t generate enough force to destabilize the jaw structures. A nightguard effectively treats TMD, especially if bruxism is the cause.
• Jaw exercises: Specific jaw exercises and massages can help take off tension from the TMJs to relieve pain and promote healing.
• Orthodontics: A bad bite can contribute to bruxism and TMJ disorder. Orthodontics realigns your smile to improve your TMJ symptoms.

Nobody deserves to live in pain. So, if you have TMJ-related pain in Jackson, New Jersey, please dial (732) 451-3570 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Balaji Srinivasan for TMD treatment. Soon, you’ll live a pain-free lifestyle.