TMJ Treatment
CONSULT IN SHREWSBURY, PA
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the foundation of the chewing mechanism, located beneath the ear, and connects each side of the skull to the lower jaw. The TMJ supports the motion of opening the mouth and moving the jaw. Without proper joint health and function, nothing else functions correctly. If you experience tenderness in the jaw or frequent head or neck aches, there’s a possibility you’re suffering from temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMD. With the right treatment from Dr. Haywood, there is relief in sight. Learn about common TMJ or TMD symptoms and how our team at Southern York Smile Care can help.
SCHEDULE YOUR TMJ CONSULT TODAY
CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF TMJ DISORDER
There are a number of factors that may cause TMJ disorder, ranging anywhere from injury to anatomical irregularities with regard to the joint and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Dr. Haywood will examine your TMJ for irregularities and assess your joint health as an essential part of our thorough restorative approach to dental care.
Facial swelling and jaw pain
Lockjaw, also known as tetanus
Jaw clicking or jaw popping sounds when moving the sore jaw
Misaligned bite
Headaches, toothaches, or earaches
Neck pain
DR. HAYWOOD CAN HELP EASE YOUR BITE PAIN
Here at Southern York Smile Care, we’re committed to your comfort and to achieving optimal functioning and comfortable jaws. Our goal is providing proper care so that you can chew, eat, speak, smile, laugh, and sing without discomfort.
Dr. Haywood has extensive experience in helping to reduce pain and perfect your smile. We will work closely with you to determine the treatment plan that is most ideally suited to your individual needs. Treatment methods available to treat TMD may include:
Sleep analysis
Occlusal equilibration
Bite analysis
Deprogramming splints
Occlusal orthotics or appliances
Imaging of the joint itself by CT scan
Doppler sounding for joint abnormalities
Muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medications
Mouth guard for TMJ
Counseling
OTHER SPECIALTY DENTAL SERVICES
Sedation Dentistry
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome can occasionally affect us all. For some patients, jaw pain and tooth wear can significantly deteriorate quality of life. At Southern York Smile Care in Shrewsbury PA, we treat TMJ pain and TMD symptoms to help you live your best life, free from jaw pain and the tooth damage that can result.
Oral Surgery Extractions
Dr. Haywood provides surgical extractions for teeth that are severely damaged, impacted under the bone, or that cannot be removed intact and must be removed in separate pieces. Surgical extractions can be done while experiencing a mild form of oral sedation or by using just profound local anesthesia. Your comfort is our main concern.
Holistic Dentistry
A holistic dentist like Dr. Haywood is concerned with the specific wellness and oral health needs of each client who seeks a better level of health, using safer products and eliminating toxic materials and Biologic toxins. Dr. Haywood understands how your oral health affects your entire body and he provides safe, scientific solutions to address patient’s needs.
BEFORE & AFTER
TESTIMONIALS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can TMJ therapy benefit me?
Seeking treatment for TMJ disorder is extremely beneficial in eliminating pain and discomfort, as well as:
- Increasing comfort while sleeping
- Reducing jaw stress, including bruxism
- Relieving aches associated with TMJ
- Improving jaw alignment
- Preventing tooth or jaw damage
Are there any natural remedies to help relieve TMJ pain?
Making certain lifestyle changes may help relieve TMJ symptoms in the short-term. Some natural remedies may include acupuncture, massage, jaw stretches, and sleep position. However, it’s important to remember that these are temporary fixes and shouldn’t be considered a long-term solution. Give us a call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Haywood so he can help determine an effective treatment for you.
Can grinding your teeth cause TMJ?
It’s surprising how grinding can cause TMJ. Grinding your teeth can cause pain in the jaw, earaches, TMJ headache, and many other symptoms.
Are there additional factors that may cause TMD?
Along with injury to anatomical irregularities, there are many other factors that may cause TMJ disorder. This may include bruxism, missing teeth, certain types of arthritis in the TMJ, or dislocation of the ball and socket of the TMJ. At your appointment, Dr. Haywood will assess your symptoms and entire mouth to determine the cause of your TMJ pain.
When should I seek treatment for TMJ pain?
If TMJ pain is taking a toll on your everyday life, it’s time to seek professional treatment. Pain and stiffness from TMJ can be impairing, but you don’t have to power through it. Dr. Haywood and his experienced team have the necessary and effective tools to help ease pain related to TMJ and get you back on track. Don’t hesitate to seek treatment today.
What is the main cause of TMJ?
There are many potential causes of TMJ, but the main one is jaw misalignment. When the jaw is not properly aligned, it can put a lot of stress on the TMJ joint, leading to pain and other TMJ symptoms. Other causes of TMJ include teeth grinding and arthritis.ghing gas. This gas is mixed with oxygen and delivered through a mask you wear during your appointment. It causes you to feel calm and relaxed. Dentists may also give you a sedative oral medication that will make you sleepy. This type of sedation is called oral conscious sedation and it is intended to relax you. Some patients, however, will actually fall asleep and not remember much about the procedure. General anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist, each of whom have routine medications they prefer to use according to their training, patient need, and their personal preferences.