11257 Alta Dr. Suite 101 Jacksonville, FL 32226
(904) 439-8300
Northpoint Dental In Jacksonville, FL

TMJ Therapy in Jacksonville, FL

TMJ treatment in Jacksonville is something that Northpoint Dental’s team of professionals are experts at, and we have the advanced techniques and personalized care to help you. We want to help relieve your pain and help return proper function to your jaw. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ (TMD) is a condition that affects the joints and muscles that control jaw movement. It can be very uncomfortable, painful and make it difficult to do everyday things like eating, speaking or yawning. 

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What is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull and is the focus of TMJ disorder. It is a joint that lets you chew, talk, and open your mouth smoothly. This joint can become compromised when injured, misaligned or stressed and can result in a condition known as TMJ disorder, which is accompanied by a host of uncomfortable symptoms.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Symptoms from TMJ disorder can occur in different ways, and with varying levels of severity from one individual to the next. Common signs and symptoms include:
  • Restore Your Smile: One of the most obvious advantages of a dental bridge is that it fills in the gap created by missing teeth, allowing you to regain a complete, natural-looking smile.
  • Headaches: Headaches or migraines that occur frequently and may be related to jaw tension.
  • Difficulty Chewing: Difficulty eating certain harder, harder foods with discomfort and pain.
  • Clicking or Popping Sounds: It may make clicking, popping or grinding noises when you open or close your mouth.
  • Lockjaw: Your jaw locking in place and being unable to open or close your mouth completely.
  • Ear Pain: A ringing sensation or pain around the ears, which is often confused with ear infections.
  • Facial Pain: Pain or discomfort radiating through the entire face, often across the cheeks and over the temples.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms, we are here to help. Dr. Sara Makary and the team will perform a thorough evaluation to diagnose TMJ disorder and will provide a specifically designed treatment plan.

Causes of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorders can arise due to several factors, including:
  • Jaw Misalignment: If your upper and lower jaws aren’t properly aligned, it can result in increasing stress on the TMJ that can create pain and dysfunction.
  • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Feeling stressed? Chronic teeth grinding or clenching happens in your sleep, and puts the jaw joint in undue stress, possibly causing TMJ disorder.
  • Injury or Trauma: Damage to the TMJ can occur from injuries to the jaw or face, such as a blow to the head or a car accident.
  • Arthritis: Sometimes TMJ pain is related to arthritis, a condition that affects the joints and the surrounding tissue.
  • Stress: Elevated tension in the jaw muscles as the result of emotional stress or simply the wisdom teeth can irritate or even cause TMJ symptoms.
We take the time at Northpoint Dental to determine the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder so that you receive the most appropriate treatment.

Best TMJ Treatment Options

Dr. Sara Makary has a variety of non-invasive and minimally invasive treatment options for TMJ disorders. The aim of our approach is to relieve pain, restore normal jaw function and prevent further damage to the joint. Some of the common TMJ treatment in Jacksonville we offer include:

  • Custom Night Guards: If you grind or clench your teeth, Dr. Makary may suggest a custom made night guard to wear while you sleep. It helps to reduce the pressure of the jaw joint and avoid further bruxism damage.
  • Jaw Exercises: Improving the mobility and function of the jaw can be helped by exercises that help build and stretch out the jaw. We will give you exercises to reduce tension in the TMJ and help heal.
  • Medications: In some instances, over the counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to relieve pain and decrease inflammation. If jaw tension is very severe, muscle relaxants may be prescribed.
  • Orthodontic Treatment: Dr. Makary can recommend orthodontic treatment if your jaw is slightly out of alignment and this is causing your TMJ problem.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Relaxation techniques or lifestyle changes can help reduce muscle tension and TMJ symptoms. In this post, we’ll show you how to reduce jaw strain in your daily routine.

When to Seek TMJ Treatment

If you’ve been dealing with persistent jaw pain, headaches, or any of the other symptoms of TMJ disorder, it’s time to get treatment. Over time these problems can worsen and the pain may become more severe, and the damage to the jaw joint may become more serious. We at Northpoint Dental recommend that patients schedule a consultation as soon as symptoms arise. Early intervention can stop the condition from getting worse and help you get much needed relief.

Welcome to Northpoint Dental

Hi, I'm Dr. Makary! My team and I are here to provide you with a refreshing take on dentistry. Come in for an appointment, or second opinion and see what we have to offer, or fill out the form below and a member of my staff will get back to you soon.

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11257 Alta Dr., Ste 101 & 102 Jacksonville, FL, 32226

Why Choose Us

  • Brand New, Conveniently Located Jacksonville Dentistry
  • Flexible Scheduling and Evening Appointments
  • Cosmetic Smile Transformations
  • Safe Sedation for Dental Anxiety
  • Discreetly Straighten Smiles with Invisalign and ClearCorrect Aligners

Why Choose Northpoint Dental for TMJ Treatment?

We take your comfort and well being as our number one priority at Northpoint Dental. We reach precisely down to caring for patients with TMJ disorders in a compassionate and expert way. Our advanced diagnostic tools and treatment plans are used to address your individual concerns and provide long lasting relief. We offer custom night guards and therapeutic exercises to help you get a pain free, functional smile.

If you’re suffering from TMJ disorder, call Northpoint Dental in Jacksonville today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you get the expert care you need to get your jaw back to a place of comfort and function. We can help you live pain free and regain confidence in your oral health!

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11257 Alta Dr. Suite 101 Jacksonville, FL 32226
(904) 439-8300
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