TMJ Therapy An Overview
New Bern dentist Dr. Stephen Hoard is one of the most highly trained and experienced dentists in North Carolina for treating TMJ disorders. He has access to state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment in his New Bern dentist office to treat patients with a high level of care and understanding.
What is TMJ Disorder?
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) affect millions of adults who often have unexplained toothaches, facial pain and headaches. Commonly referred to by patients as “TMJ”, TMD is a complex group of disorders that is often misunderstood by the medical and dental communities.
What Causes TMJ?
There is no single approach to treating TMJ pain. Dr. Hoard believes in the most conservative, non-surgical treatment possible. Less than 3% of TMJ cases require surgery. TMJ therapy may be as simple as wearing a splint or mouth guard. Others may require an adjustment to the bite using orthodontic treatment or dental crowns or dental implants to change the timing and force of the bite.
In complex cases, Dr. Hoard may take an interdisciplinary approach, working with periodontist, Dr. Jeffrey Thomas and orthodontist, Dr. Todd Rankin to restore health and proper alignment as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:
- Teeth grinding
- Frequent headaches or migraine headaches
- Pain in the face, neck, or shoulders
- Popping or clicking in the jaw joints
- Tooth wear
- Chronic earaches