TMJ TREATMENT – Upper Arlington, OH
Put a Stop to Jaw Pain & Headaches
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to each side of your skull. A problem with the TMJ and the muscles around it is referred to as a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). If you’ve been suffering from chronic jaw pain lately, you might have TMD, and our Tzagournis Dental Group of Upper Arlington team may be able to help you find relief. We can narrow down the source of the pain so that it can be properly treated. Contact Tzagournis Dental Group to schedule a consultation for TMJ treatment in Upper Arlington.
Why Choose Tzagournis Dental Group of Upper Arlington for TMJ Treatment?
- Comfortable, Customizable Oral Splints
- Advanced Diagnostic Technology
- Focus on Making Dental Care Accessible
Understanding TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a sliding hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull, allowing for essential movements like talking, chewing, and yawning. However, when this joint or the surrounding jaw muscles and soft tissues become irritated or misaligned, it can result in what’s known as a TMJ disorder or temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
TMJ disorders affect a significant portion of the general adult population, often causing jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and even chronic pain that radiates to the neck, face, or shoulders. You may notice discomfort near the front of your ears, clicking or popping sounds during jaw movement, or a limited range of motion when opening or closing your mouth.
At Tzagournis Dental Group, our team, Dr. George Tzagournis, Dr. Steve Walton, Dr. Daniel Bell, and Dr. Brandon Simon, offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment options to help you find lasting TMJ pain relief. With convenient locations in both Upper Arlington, OH, and Westerville, OH, we’re here to help patients of all ages regain comfort and function.
Causes of TMJ Disorder
It’s not always clear what causes TMD. In many cases, it can be attributed to bruxism, which is the subconscious clenching and grinding of the teeth. Bruxism usually occurs while you’re asleep and is associated with high amounts of stress. You may also be at risk for bruxism if you have a misaligned bite or crooked teeth.
Other causes of TMD can include:
For many, TMJ issues stem from a combination of factors, which is why diagnosis requires a thorough physical examination, a review of medical history, and often digital imaging. Our goal is to identify the specific form of TMJ disorder affecting you so we can build a customized treatment plan based on your unique symptoms and needs.
Common TMD Symptoms
You may be dealing with a TMJ problem if you’re experiencing any of the following TMD symptoms:
- Pain or tenderness on one or both sides of the jaw
- Aching near the front of your ears
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds with jaw movement
- Limited ability to open your mouth fully
- Facial pain, especially around the temples or lower jaw
- Neck pain, headaches, or shoulder discomfort
Even if your symptoms come and go, untreated TMJ disorders can worsen over time and significantly affect your quality of life. That’s why early intervention is so important.
Diagnosing TMJ Disorder
When you visit our office, we will go over your dental and medical history. We’ll also ask about your symptoms, as well as any injuries you may have suffered in the TMJ area. Let us know if you have any chronic illnesses or have been taking any kind of medication.
The next step is to carefully inspect your jaw, mouth, head, and neck. If necessary, we might take X-rays to rule out certain issues. If we find that your pain is linked to a TMD, we can put together a treatment plan for you.
TMJ Treatment Options That Work
At Tzagournis Dental Group, we believe in a conservative and personalized approach to TMJ pain. We offer a wide range of treatment options tailored to the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of your condition. Some of our most effective solutions include:
Occlusal Splints
Each occlusal splint is custom-made for each patient to address the specific issues causing a TMJ disorder. Some might be used to reposition the lower jaw, keeping it in a more comfortable position that gives the TMJ a chance to rest. Others might simply be used to prevent the upper and lower arches of the teeth from making direct contact with each other; this protects the mouth and jaw from bruxism (unconscious grinding and clenching of the teeth), which is a common risk factor for TMJ disorders.
Relaxation Techniques
Chronic stress and tension can take a toll on your facial muscles, often intensifying TMD symptoms. Incorporating relaxation techniques such as guided breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, or even gentle stretching routines can help reduce muscle tension in the head, neck, and jaw.
At Tzagournis Dental Group, we may also recommend lifestyle adjustments—such as maintaining better posture or taking regular breaks from screen time—that can help alleviate subtle stressors contributing to your TMJ problem. These techniques are a valuable complement to other therapies and can significantly contribute to your overall sense of well-being.
Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
What you eat—and how you use your jaw—can significantly impact your recovery. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, we recommend switching to soft foods, such as soups, yogurt, smoothies, and steamed vegetables, to minimize strain on your temporomandibular joint.
Limiting behaviors like wide yawning, chewing gum, nail-biting, or eating hard foods can also help prevent further irritation. We’ll offer specific strategies and habits tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle. Minor adjustments to your daily routine can significantly reduce discomfort and aid in the proper healing of your jaw joint.
Physical Therapy
Targeted physical therapy for TMJ focuses on gentle exercises that stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles, thereby improving range of motion. We may work in coordination with licensed physical therapists to develop a customized regimen that includes posture correction, muscle massage, and mobility training.
These exercises can help improve joint stability and reduce inflammation, particularly for individuals experiencing long-term or chronic jaw pain. When performed consistently, physical therapy can support lasting relief and help prevent the recurrence of TMJ issues.
Orthodontic Treatment
In some cases, misaligned teeth or bite problems are the root cause of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Our dentists may recommend orthodontic treatment to address these concerns. Braces or clear aligners can gradually reposition the teeth and correct the way your lower teeth meet the upper arch, ultimately reducing the strain on your jaw joint. While this is often considered a longer-term solution, it can provide transformative results and significantly improve your quality of life over time.
When to Seek Help for a TMJ Problem
Living with persistent TMJ pain can make everyday activities like speaking, chewing, or even smiling a struggle. It can also impact your sleep, mood, and energy levels. By addressing your temporomandibular joint disorder early and working closely with our skilled team, you can regain control of your comfort and enjoy improved function for years to come.
If you’re regularly dealing with jaw pain, clicking sounds, or pain that radiates to the side of the jaw, don’t wait for symptoms to resolve on their own. Temporomandibular disorders can become more severe or harder to treat the longer they go unaddressed.
Patients in Westerville, OH, and Upper Arlington, OH, trust Dr. Brandon Simon, Dr. George Tzagournis, Dr. Daniel Bell, and Dr. Steve Walton to deliver thoughtful, effective care using modern techniques and a compassionate approach.
Your Personalized TMJ Treatment Plan
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every treatment plan we create is designed to reflect your unique situation, whether you’re dealing with mild discomfort or a more advanced form of TMJ disorder. During your consultation, we’ll assess your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and discuss all available treatment options, from simple at-home care to professional interventions like night guards or orthodontic treatment.
Our ultimate goal is to reduce inflammation, improve jaw movement, and restore the natural function of your temporomandibular joint, so you can return to your daily routine without pain.
Why Choose Tzagournis Dental Group for TMJ Therapy?
Navigating TMJ therapy with confidence starts with choosing the right professionals. Tzagournis Dental Group offers expertise in treating temporomandibular joint disorders with compassion and proven options. We understand that every patient’s experience with TMJ pain is different, which is why we take a tailored approach to care.
Our experts provide:
- Comfortable, customizable oral splints
- Advanced diagnostic technology
- A focus on making dental care accessible
Our team’s expertise ensures progress toward successful pain relief while prioritizing your comfort at every step. We take the time to listen to your concerns, thoroughly evaluate your symptoms, and walk you through each part of your treatment plan. When considering treatment options, prioritize care that truly understands your condition and prioritizes your well-being.
Find TMJ Pain Relief at Tzagournis Dental Group
If you’re experiencing chronic jaw pain, limited motion, or ongoing discomfort in the jaw joint, help is within reach. Our knowledgeable team is ready to create a targeted plan to provide lasting relief. Contact us to schedule an appointment!