TMJ Treatment

Do you have discomfort or popping in your jaw? Jaw pain is a common problem, but consistent jaw pain shouldn’t be ignored. This pain makes it difficult to do daily tasks and can negatively impact your health and happiness. 

Luckily, effective treatment options exist for jaw pain. Dr. Thomas J. DeStefano provides TMJ treatment in Pittsford, New York. 

Using physiological dentistry, our dentist and team can realign your bite and help you find relief. Schedule a consultation at DeStefano Dentistry by calling to learn more about this service and see how we can help you.

Schedule My Visit
Woman with jaw pain

What Is TMJ Therapy? 

TMJ therapy, also known as temporomandibular joint treatment, is focused on correcting a misaligned jaw. TMJ is the acronym for the temporomandibular joint. TMJ pain can be caused by many underlying factors.

TMD stands for temporomandibular disorders, which is a group of conditions that cause jaw pain and other jaw issues. Usually, TMJ pain happens when the joint that connects to the lower jaw becomes injured or shifts out of place, causing discomfort and misalignment. This most often happens due to teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis, and head, neck, or jaw injury.

Common symptoms of TMJ are:

  • Headaches
  • Discomfort in the Neck, Shoulders and Ears
  • Trouble Chewing and Talking
  • Locked Jaw
  • Difficulty Opening the Mouth Wide
  • Popping or Clicking Sounds in the Jaw

Our dentist may suggest different treatment options, depending on the severity of your TMJ disorder. These options can include muscle exercises, dietary changes, a mouth or night guard, and, in more intensive cases, jaw surgery. 

After determining the extent of the treatment needed, our dentist will create a treatment plan with you to help you find the relief you need.

Treatment Options for TMJ Pain

At DeStefano Dentistry, we offer several treatments for TMJ pain and TMJ disorders. Every patient is different and the causes of TMJ issues vary. So, Dr. DeStefano will work with you to figure out the root causes and find treatments that address them. 

If you have recently had severe trauma to the head, neck, or shoulders, we recommend also seeing your family physician or checking in to the emergency room before seeking treatment from our dentist. For other types of TMJ pain, we are here to assist you with dental interventions. 

Learn more about our TMJ services or call our office to set up a consultation.

Custom-made mouth guards and other dental appliances like oral splints help align your jaw to the right position to deter grinding and clenching. If you grind your teeth, whether at night or in the day, an oral appliance protects your jaw and your teeth. 

One specific type of oral appliance we provide is the LVI orthotic device. This option is created to correct your bite and looks similar to a removable mouthguard. 

The oral appliances we make in our office are more effective than over-the-counter options because they are tailored for your mouth.

Many patients benefit from physical therapy exercises that help strengthen your jaw and strengthen the muscles in your face. Often, TMJ exercises are used in connection with other treatments to ensure relief.

MLS stands for multiwave locked system. This is a specialized laser that uses light wavelengths to address pain and inflammation. MLS laser treatment is non-invasive and used in many areas of medicine and dentistry, including TMJ pain relief.

Various medications can provide relief and are regularly used together with other TMJ treatments. Some medications that can address TMJ issues include muscle relaxers, pain medications, and antidepressants.

Is TMJ Pain Treated with Surgery?

Surgical interventions for TMJ pain do exist. For many patients, non-surgical interventions are adequate to treat the symptoms. However, some patients may need surgery if other treatment options aren’t working.

Dr. DeStefano will make a customized treatment plan for you and adjust the process until he finds what works best for you. If surgery is necessary, he will discuss this with you and help you find an experienced oral surgeon.

Graphic of temporomandibular joint

Call for TMJ Relief! 

TMJ pain can be difficult to ignore and make it hard to sleep and enjoy daily activities. The friendly staff at DeStefano Dentistry wants you to have a positive experience with our office, and Dr. DeStefano will provide compassionate treatment to address your TMJ pain. 

For more information about our treatments for TMJ disorder, contact our dental office and schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable dentist today.

Schedule My Visit