Call Us Today!
(603) 668-0227
New Patients
(603) 208-3287
Our Office
Visit Us Online
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your jawbone to your skull, allowing you to perform everyday functions like chewing, speaking, and yawning. TMJ disorders occur when this joint or the surrounding muscles experience dysfunction or inflammation, leading to discomfort and limited movement. At White Birch Family Dental, we recognize how TMJ disorders can affect your quality of life and offer personalized TMJ treatment plans to relieve pain and restore normal jaw function.
TMJ disorders can manifest in a variety of ways, often causing persistent jaw pain, headaches, earaches, or difficulty opening and closing the mouth. Because these symptoms can mimic other conditions, many patients initially overlook TMJ issues or attribute their discomfort to stress or tension. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to address the root cause and prevent worsening symptoms over time.
Several factors can contribute to TMJ disorders, ranging from injury and arthritis to chronic jaw clenching or teeth grinding, known as bruxism. Misalignment of the teeth or jaw can also place undue stress on the temporomandibular joint, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Emotional stress often exacerbates symptoms by increasing muscle tension in the jaw and neck area.
At White Birch Family Dental, we conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the specific causes of your TMJ disorder. This includes examining your bite alignment, muscle function, and jaw movement, as well as reviewing your medical and dental history. Understanding these factors allows us to develop an effective and targeted TMJ treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Patients with TMJ disorders may experience a range of symptoms that affect their daily routine. Common signs include persistent jaw pain or tenderness, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, limited jaw mobility, headaches, ear discomfort, and facial muscle stiffness. In some cases, individuals may notice changes in the way their teeth fit together or experience difficulty chewing.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional evaluation. Left untreated, TMJ disorders can lead to chronic pain, worsening jaw dysfunction, and increased muscle fatigue. Early diagnosis and intervention improve the likelihood of successful relief and prevent complications.
Our approach to TMJ treatment begins with non-invasive therapies designed to reduce pain and restore function. These may include custom-made oral appliances such as night guards or splints that help alleviate pressure on the joint and prevent teeth grinding. Physical therapy exercises to strengthen and relax jaw muscles may also be recommended.
In addition to these conservative treatments, we address contributing factors such as bite misalignment through orthodontic correction or restorative dental work when appropriate. We also offer guidance on lifestyle modifications, including stress management techniques and dietary changes, to support healing and minimize jaw strain.
Our goal is to provide personalized care that relieves symptoms while promoting long-term joint health. We monitor your progress closely and adjust treatment plans as needed to ensure optimal results.
Managing TMJ disorders often requires a holistic approach that combines professional care with self-care practices. At White Birch Family Dental, we emphasize patient education so you can understand your condition and take an active role in your recovery. Simple habits such as avoiding hard or chewy foods, practicing jaw relaxation techniques, and maintaining good posture can significantly reduce discomfort.
We also encourage regular follow-up appointments to track your condition and make timely adjustments to your TMJ treatment plan. With consistent care and attention, many patients experience significant improvement in jaw function and a reduction in pain, allowing them to return to their daily activities with greater comfort.
Understanding the root causes of TMJ disorders is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. TMJ disorders can arise from a variety of factors, often involving a combination of physical, emotional, and structural elements. One of the most frequent causes is trauma or injury to the jaw or head, such as a blow or whiplash, which can disrupt the normal function of the temporomandibular joint. Additionally, arthritis—whether osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis—can lead to inflammation and degeneration of the joint tissues, resulting in pain and limited mobility.
Chronic jaw clenching or teeth grinding, often linked to stress or anxiety, is another common contributor. This excessive pressure wears down the joint and surrounding muscles, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Misalignment of the teeth or bite, known as malocclusion, can also place uneven strain on the TMJ, causing muscle fatigue and joint problems over time. In some cases, poor posture, especially related to neck and shoulder tension, may exacerbate TMJ symptoms by affecting the muscles that support jaw movement.
At White Birch Family Dental, we carefully assess these potential causes during your evaluation to tailor a treatment plan that addresses the underlying issues. Identifying the specific contributors to your TMJ disorder allows us to focus therapies that not only relieve symptoms but also help prevent future complications.
TMJ disorders can profoundly affect your quality of life, but effective treatment is available to help restore comfort and function. At White Birch Family Dental, our experienced team is dedicated to diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders with individualized care tailored to your needs. Through comprehensive evaluation, targeted therapies, and ongoing support, we help patients in Manchester, NH, overcome jaw pain and regain normal movement.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a TMJ disorder or want to learn more about available TMJ treatment options, contact White Birch Family Dental today. Together, we can develop a plan that promotes healing and improves your oral health for the long term.
Common symptoms include jaw pain or tenderness, clicking or popping sounds when moving your jaw, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, headaches, and earaches. If you experience any of these regularly, it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation at White Birch Family Dental.
At White Birch Family Dental, we perform a comprehensive examination of your jaw, teeth, and muscles. This includes assessing your bite, jaw movement, and possibly imaging tests to understand the condition of your temporomandibular joint and identify the cause of your symptoms.
We offer a range of treatment options depending on your specific needs. These can include custom oral appliances like night guards, physical therapy exercises, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases, restorative or orthodontic treatments to correct bite issues. Our goal is to relieve your pain and restore normal jaw function.
Yes, stress often leads to jaw clenching or teeth grinding, which can put extra strain on the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, along with dental treatment, can significantly improve TMJ symptoms.
Most TMJ treatments are non-invasive and designed to be as comfortable as possible. Custom appliances and physical therapy are gentle approaches to relieve pain. We prioritize your comfort and will explain every step of your treatment plan to ensure a positive experience.
Offering personalized, cutting-edge dental care to protect, improve, and restore smiles with expertise and care.