TMJ TreatmentIn Leland & Wilmington
At Omni Dental, we take a comprehensive approach to TMJ treatment in Wilmington, NC. By evaluating your symptoms, jaw function, muscle activity, and bite, we can better understand what may be contributing to your discomfort and create a personalized plan focused on improving comfort and function.
What is TMD?
Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect your lower jaw to your skull and allow you to talk, chew, yawn, and move your jaw comfortably. Temporomandibular disorders, commonly called TMD or simply TMJ, are a group of conditions that affect these joints, the muscles that control jaw movement, or both.
TMD can look different from one person to another. Some people experience soreness directly around the jaw joint, while others first notice headaches, facial tension, stiffness, or difficulty opening their mouth comfortably.
Because jaw and facial pain can have many possible causes, the first step is understanding what is happening in your specific case. Our Wilmington dental team takes the time to evaluate your symptoms and how your jaw functions before recommending treatment.
Did you know…
TMJ treatment can relieve jaw pain, headaches, and improve everyday comfort.
Advanced technology for a closer look at your bite
When evaluating TMJ concerns, small details can make a big difference. Omni Dental uses advanced technology to gather additional information about how your teeth, muscles, and jaw are functioning together.
T-Scan digital bite analysis
Your bite can feel balanced while still distributing pressure unevenly across your teeth. T-Scan digital bite analysis allows us to measure the timing and relative force of tooth contact as you bite down.
This information gives Dr. Kuzma another tool for evaluating how your teeth come together and identifying areas that may deserve closer attention during treatment planning.
TENS therapy
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, uses gentle electrical impulses delivered through electrodes placed on the skin. For some patients, TENS may be used to encourage tense jaw muscles to relax and provide temporary relief from muscle discomfort.
It can also give our team additional information about how your jaw feels and functions when the surrounding muscles are more relaxed.
Managing jaw discomfort at home
If you are experiencing a mild flare-up, a few simple measures may provide temporary relief while you wait for your evaluation.
Eating softer foods for a short period can give sore jaw muscles a break. Applying heat or cold to the face may also help with discomfort, and becoming more aware of habits like clenching, gum chewing, or nail biting can reduce unnecessary strain.
These strategies may help manage symptoms, but persistent or worsening pain deserves a closer look. If your jaw is regularly painful, difficult to open, or interfering with your daily life, schedule an evaluation so we can help determine the appropriate next step.
Learn more about TMJ treatment
Jaw discomfort can be complicated, especially when symptoms show up in places you would not immediately connect to your jaw. Learn more about how we evaluate TMJ concerns and the treatment options that may help you feel more comfortable.
The benefits of TMJ treatment
Understand what is behind your discomfort
Jaw pain is not one-size-fits-all. A comprehensive evaluation helps us better understand your symptoms, movement, muscle tension, and dental health so we can recommend care based on what we actually see.
Reduce strain on the jaw
When appropriate, conservative therapies such as a custom oral appliance may help reduce stress on the jaw joints and muscles, protect the teeth from clenching or grinding, and support more comfortable function.
Protect your teeth
Chronic clenching and grinding can gradually wear down enamel, damage restorations, and place additional stress on your teeth. Addressing these habits can help protect your smile while we work toward greater comfort.
What to expect from TMJ treatment
Comprehensive evaluation
Comprehensive evaluation
Your first visit starts with a conversation. We will talk about what you are feeling, when your symptoms began, what makes them better or worse, and how they are affecting your daily life.
Dr. Kuzma will also evaluate your teeth, jaw joints, facial muscles, range of motion, and bite. Additional diagnostic tools may be recommended depending on your symptoms.
Personalized treatment planning
Personalized treatment planning
Once we have a clearer understanding of your concerns, we will walk you through your options. Some patients may benefit from simple changes and conservative self-care, while others may be candidates for a custom orthotic or additional therapy.
There is no automatic treatment plan simply because your jaw clicks or feels sore. Our recommendations are based on your symptoms, examination, and individual needs.
Ongoing monitoring
Ongoing monitoring
TMJ treatment is not just about handing you an appliance and sending you home. If orthotic therapy is part of your plan, we will monitor your comfort, fit, jaw function, and symptoms over time.
Adjustments can be made as needed, and we will continue evaluating whether the treatment is helping you move toward greater comfort and more functional jaw movement.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
