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393 Ramapo Valley Road
Oakland, NJ 07436
Practice Logo
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393 Ramapo Valley Road
Oakland, NJ 07436

TMJ Treatment in Oakland

Pointing to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on a model school
Oakland Dental Care provides TMJ treatments to patients in Oakland, NJ. Contact us at 201-337-7733  to learn more or schedule an appointment.

What are TMJ disorders? 

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorders can affect normal jaw function and are frequently intensified by stress, often causing discomfort in the cheek, jaw, or ear areas. 

TMJ conditions fall into three main categories:

  • Myofascial pain: Discomfort or pain in the muscles that control jaw function (grinding teeth can result in this type of TMJ disorder)
  • Internal derangement of the joint: A possible indicator of a displaced disc, dislocated jaw, or injury to the condyle
  • Arthritis: A degenerative inflammatory disorder that causes joint pain and stiffness

Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders

  • Headaches
  • Soreness in the cheek or jaw area
  • Pain in or around the ears
  • Facial pain
  • Tight jaws
  • Popping or clicking sounds when opening mouth
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Difficulty chewing

How are TMJ disorders treated?

To treat TMJ disorders, the cause must first be identified. In less severe cases, TMJ disorders can be treated with self-managed care (eating soft foods, using ice packs, avoiding extreme jaw movement) or nonsurgical treatments (anti-inflammatory medications, BOTOX® injections, stabilization splints).

We also create custom oral appliances that can alleviate stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and prevent further damage and pain.  Typically worn at night, these removable acrylic appliances can help provide relief from temporomandibular joint pain and other effects of grinding the teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Disorders

Can TMJ go away on its own?

There are times when TMJ pain does resolve on its own; this may occur when the TMJ is injured. For most patients, TMJ pain comes and goes, with alternating flare-ups and times when you feel like your normal self. As TMJ disorder progresses, the flare-ups become more frequent.

What happens if TMJ is left untreated?

If TMJ disorder is left untreated, it can worsen over time. Patients often experience headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and difficulty eating during flare-ups. In some cases, one or both joints will become permanently damaged.

Can TMJ affect your whole body?

Yes, TMJ disorder can affect the entire body. When the temporomandibular joints are not functioning properly, it can start a domino effect that cascades through the body, causing pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. Some people with TMJ disorder experience numbness in their hands, while others have frequent migraines or tinnitus.

Should I see a doctor or dentist for TMJ?

Dentists have advanced training in facial structures and jaw anatomy, which means they should be your first choice for diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder.

Is TMJ stress related?

TMJ pain is not directly related to stress, but there is a link between the two. When the body is stressed, it often causes muscle tension. This muscle tension can lead to jaw clenching and teeth grinding, which causes TMJ pain.

Contact us at 201-337-7733  to schedule an appointment.

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

393 Ramapo Valley Road Oakland, NJ 07436
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