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Restoring Balance and Relieving Pain - TMJ Therapy at Englewood Dental, NJ

The Center for Implants and Aesthetics at Englewood NJ

If you suffer with headaches, earaches, popping in your jaws, or an inability to fully open your mouth, your temporomandibular joints may be out of alignment. Call now to book your appointment to determine if TMJ therapy would help your situation.
"I am an apprehensive patient, and I am totally at ease during all procedures. I highly recommend Dr. Hong, Ellen, and all office staff. A wonderful experience."
- Mary Grace Y. (2019)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a hinge-like joint located on either side of your head, connecting your jawbone to your skull. [1] It plays a important role in various functions, allowing you to open and close your mouth, chew, talk, and yawn.

Unfortunately, TMJ disorders are surprisingly common, affecting millions of people worldwide.  [2] A person’s quality of life may be greatly impacted by these illnesses, which can result in a range of unpleasant and crippling symptoms.

At Englewood Dental, NJ, our team of experienced dentists understands the challenges associated with TMJ disorders. We offer a comprehensive approach to TMJ therapy, focusing on personalized treatment plans to alleviate pain and restore optimal jaw function.

Understanding TMJ

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, located in front of each ear. This joint permits the motion needed for yawning, chewing, and speaking. [3] It works by using a combination of sliding and hinge movements. The areas of the bones that interact within the joint are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which keeps the movement smooth .

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, which can be painful and disruptive to daily life. These symptoms can include:

Jaw Pain: This is the most common symptom, often felt in the joint itself or in the surrounding muscles.

Headaches: Frequent headaches, particularly in the temples, can be a sign of TMJ disorder .

Difficulty Chewing: Pain or discomfort while chewing or biting down can indicate a problem with the TMJ .

Clicking or Popping Sounds in the Jaw: Many people with TMJ disorders report hearing or feeling clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they open or close their mouth. [4]

Causes of TMJ Disorder

There are many things that can lead to TMJ disorders, which makes them hard to diagnose and treat. Here are some of the primary causes:

Physical Injury: Trauma to the jaw or head can damage the temporomandibular joint, leading to TMJ disorders. This includes injuries from accidents, falls, or direct blows to the jaw .

Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ. Arthritis can cause degeneration of the cartilage and other structures within the joint, leading to pain and dysfunction .

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Chronic teeth grinding or clenching, often occurring during sleep, puts excessive pressure on the TMJ. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, pain, and structural damage to the joint .

Stress: High levels of stress can lead to tension in the muscles around the jaw, resulting in clenching or grinding. Stress can also exacerbate symptoms in individuals already suffering from TMJ disorders. 

Diagnosis of TMJ Disorder

Diagnosing TMJ disorders involves a combination of a detailed patient history, physical examinations, and advanced imaging techniques to accurately identify the source of the problem. Here are the key steps in the diagnostic process:

Initial Consultation and Patient History

During the initial consultation, the dentist will take a comprehensive patient history. This includes asking about symptoms, their duration, and any potential triggers or aggravating factors. Patients will also be asked about their medical history, previous injuries, dental issues, and habits such as teeth grinding or clenching

Physical Examination Procedures

Palpation of the Jaw Muscles and Joints: The dentist will palpate (feel) the jaw muscles and joints to check for tenderness, pain, or unusual textures that might indicate inflammation or muscle tension .

Observation of Jaw Movements: The dentist will observe how the jaw moves when the patient opens and closes their mouth, checking for any irregularities such as a limited range of motion, deviations, or sounds like clicking or popping. These observations can help identify functional problems within the joint .

Diagnostic Tools and Imaging

X-rays: Dental X-rays can reveal the condition of the teeth and jawbone, helping to identify structural issues, bone degeneration, or other abnormalities associated with TMJ disorders. [4]  

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI provides detailed images of the soft tissues, including the discs in the TMJ. This helps in assessing whether the discs are in the correct position and if there is any inflammation or other soft tissue abnormalities. [5]  

CT (Computed Tomography) Scans: CT scans offer detailed images of the bones and can be used to identify bone abnormalities or fractures that may be causing TMJ disorders. [6] 

At Engelwood Dental, NJ, we understand that TMJ disorders manifest differently for each person. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of TMJ therapy options, allowing us to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.

The Impact of TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders can disrupt more than just your jaw function. Their effects can ripple through various aspects of your daily life, causing significant discomfort and impacting your overall well-being.

Challenges with Daily Activities

Eating Difficulties: Pain and limited jaw movement can make chewing difficult and even painful, leading to dietary changes and potential nutritional deficiencies.

Speech Impediments: TMJ issues can affect the muscles involved in speech, causing difficulty speaking clearly or problems with pronunciation.

Sleep Disruption: Pain and discomfort can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and impacting your overall energy levels.

 

Potential Consequences of Untreated TMJ

Leaving TMJ disorders untreated can have lasting consequences:

Chronic Pain: Untreated TMJ pain can become chronic, leading to a persistent dull ache or sharp pain in the jaw, face, and even headaches. [7] 

Joint Damage: Over time, untreated TMJ dysfunction can lead to permanent damage to the joint structures themselves. [6]  

Limited Jaw Function: Without treatment, jaw movement can become progressively more restricted, impacting daily activities like eating and speaking. [7] 

The Emotional Burden of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain associated with TMJ disorders can take a significant emotional toll. Individuals may experience:

Increased Stress and Anxiety: The constant discomfort and limitations caused by TMJ can lead to heightened stress and anxiety levels.

Depression: Chronic pain can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and depression.

Social Withdrawal: The discomfort and challenges associated with TMJ may lead some individuals to withdraw from social activities.

Fortunately, seeking proper TMJ therapy can help address these issues and improve your quality of life.

Why Choose Englewood Dental, NJ for TMJ Therapy: Your Pathway to Lasting Relief

Finding the right dental professional for TMJ therapy is very important. At Engelwood Dental, NJ, we are dedicated to providing you with the expertise, technology, and compassionate care you deserve on your journey toward a pain-free life. Here’s what sets us apart:

Experienced TMJ Dentists

Our dentists are highly trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. They stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in TMJ therapy to ensure you receive the most effective and evidence-based treatment options.

 

Advanced Diagnostic Tools

 We utilize advanced diagnostic tools to accurately pinpoint the cause of your TMJ dysfunction. This may include digital X-rays, cone beam CT scans, and specialized TMJ analysis equipment to gain a comprehensive understanding of your unique situation .

 

Comfort and Communication

We understand that TMJ pain can be frustrating and debilitating. Our team prioritizes your comfort throughout the treatment process. We will clearly explain all treatment options available to you and address any questions or concerns you may have. We believe in open communication and collaboration to ensure that you feel empowered throughout your treatment journey.

 

Take Control of Your Comfort: Schedule a Consultation Today

If you’re experiencing TMJ pain or suspect you might have a TMJ disorder, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation at Englewood Dental, NJ. Dr. Minichetti and his associates will review your case and determine whether TMJ therapy would help your situation. Together, we can explore the cause of your discomfort and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve lasting relief and restore optimal jaw function.

Ready to take the first step towards a pain-free future? Contact us today to schedule your TMJ consultation!

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551612/

https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tm

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/temporomandibular-disorder

https://www.healthline.com/health/tmj-disorders

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350945 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15066-temporomandibular-disorders-tmd-overview 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4336155/ 

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Call now to book your appointment to determine if TMJ therapy would help your situation.

Call Us (201) 871-3555

TMJ Therapy Englewood NJ

For comprehensive implant dentistry, general dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry, or TMJ therapy, Discerning individuals from Fort Lee, Bergen County, and the greater New York metropolitan area turn to Englewood Dental. We provide extended office hours on evenings and weekends to cater to patients of all ages and from all walks of life. Dr. Minichetti, his esteemed associates, and our experienced team are eager for you to live life to the fullest with a healthy, beautiful, lasting smile. Call today to reserve your personal consultation, and we’ll give you something to smile about!

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"I have been coming to see Ellen and Dr Minichetti since I was a little girl. I now travel 2 hrs to continue to see them for any dental work needed. They are the best!"
- Jennifer N (2019)

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At Center for Implants and Aesthetics at Englewood Dental we make every effort to provide you with the finest care and the most convenient financial options. To accomplish this we work hand-in-hand with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures.
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