About TMJ Treatment
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the area where your lower jaw connects to your skull, allowing you to open and close your mouth with ease. When the temporomandibular joints or surrounding tissues become injured, overworked, or damaged, it often causes a painful condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder or dysfunction (TMD). If you are experiencing pain or hearing noises whenever you move your jaw, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with our highly trained dentists at Avon Dental Group for a TMJ treatment evaluation. We can diagnose and help you care for your TMD to alleviate painful symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your TMJ treatment will be based on the cause of your TMD and your specific condition, but treatment options oral appliance therapy (night guards), bite modification, and other therapies.
Symptoms of TMD
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction could be brought about by an injury to the jaw, chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching, or misalignment of the teeth (dental malocclusion). Medical conditions that might result in TMD include a tumor in the temporomandibular joint or arthritis. In some cases, the reasons behind TMD are unclear. However, if you are having symptoms, our team can still diagnose and treat your jaw joint condition. A few of the most typical signs of TMD are pain or tenderness around the jaw joint, difficulty when biting or chewing, feeling as if your jaw is rigid or stuck, and frequent headaches that begin around your ears. Hearing clicking, cracking, or popping when you open or close your mouth is also a common symptom of TMJ problems.
TMJ Treatment Options
To diagnose TMD, our dentists will talk with you about your symptoms and discuss factors that may be potentially contributing to the condition. An exam will also be performed, during which we will assess how your jaw moves and look for signs of teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and misalignment of your teeth. Our team will also palpate the jaw and surrounding area to evaluate for any swelling and tenderness. Once your exam is complete, we will discuss treatment options with you. TMJ treatment may include a custom night guard, which is worn while you sleep, to help protect the teeth and jaw joints against the effects of grinding and clenching. For some patients, orthodontics, bite adjustments, or dental restorations may be recommended to help improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together and relieve stress on the TMJ. A surgical approach may be ideal in severe TMD cases.
Avon Dental Group Reviews
I've been terrified of going to the dentist for years (since I was a child). As a result, I let things go rather than face my fears. My sister recommended Avon Dental and I had my first appointment a month ago. Since then I've been back 3 times and I have to say it's been the best dental care experience I've ever had. From the very first phone call (took me weeks to get up courage to call) with Stephen at the front desk, who calmed me down on the first call and was so nice, to the dental assistants and the hygienist and especially the dentist, Dr. Fagan, I knew I was in good hands. Dr Fagan created a care plan for me (didn't need as much work as I thought!) and the hygienist created a cleaning care plan moving forward. I now look forward to getting things fixed and I'm no longer terrified of going to the dentist. I cannot say enough good things about Avon Dental Group, especially Dr. Fagan. She is calm, friendly, patient, explains things as she goes. She was accommodating of my fears and TMJ issues, etc. The office is very clean and has a calming atmosphere. Everyone I've encountered here has been friendly and helpful. I finally found a dental practice I feel good about!
I've been terrified of going to the dentist for years (since I was a child). As a result, I let things go rather than face my fears. My sister recommended Avon Dental and I had my first appointment a month ago. Since then I've been back 3 times and I have to say it's been the best dental care experience I've ever had. From the very first phone call (took me weeks to get up courage to call) with Stephen at the front desk, who calmed me down on the first call and was so nice, to the dental assistants and the hygienist and especially the dentist, Dr. Fagan, I knew I was in good hands. Dr Fagan created a care plan for me (didn't need as much work as I thought!) and the hygienist created a cleaning care plan moving forward. I now look forward to getting things fixed and I'm no longer terrified of going to the dentist. I cannot say enough good things about Avon Dental Group, especially Dr. Fagan. She is calm, friendly, patient, explains things as she goes. She was accommodating of my fears and TMJ issues, etc. The office is very clean and has a calming atmosphere. Everyone I've encountered here has been friendly and helpful. I finally found a dental practice I feel good about!
174
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Follow-Up TMJ Care
Along with treatments to address the underlying cause of your TMD, our dentists may suggest different ways to relieve pain and other symptoms on your own. This may include a soft food diet, avoiding parafunctional habits like chewing gum and biting your nails, and relaxation techniques. Palliative care therapies, such as hot and cold compresses, anti-inflammatory medications, and exercises and stretches may also be suggested to improve your daily comfort. We are committed to helping you find relief from TMJ pain, and we will continue to assess the progress of your treatment throughout the course of your care and during routine preventive care appointments with our team.
Insurance Coverage
Since dental insurance for TMJ treatments may vary, we will get in touch with your provider to review your benefits and estimate any out-of-pocket expenses. To make TMJ treatment affordable to all patients, Avon Dental Group accepts several easy payment options and can help you apply for no-interest financing plans through CareCredit.
Find Relief From TMJ Pain
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can make it difficult to chew, talk, and enjoy your day-to-day life. While there is a range of potential causes, symptoms, and therapies for TMD, our Avon, CT dentists are trained and experienced in treating this condition and want to help you find relief. You do not have to live with the debilitating symptoms of TMD. Contact Avon Dental Group to learn more about TMJ treatment and to schedule a private consultation.