TMJ Therapy Chapel Hill
Treatments for Jaw Pain & Clicking
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a family of problems related to your complex jaw joint. If you have had symptoms like pain or a “clicking” sound, you’ll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. These symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles (muscles of mastication) do not work together correctly. TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, which is the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.
No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to become effective. Dr. Ghaffarpour, Dr. Dakermanji or Dr. Yarborough can help you have a healthier and more comfortable jaw.
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Trouble with Your Jaw
TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. As a result, the disk, which is made of cartilage and functions as the cushion of the jaw joint, can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking or grating noise when you open your mouth, or trouble opening your mouth wide.
Do You Have a TMJ Disorder?
- Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
- Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
- Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
- Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
- Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
- Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth? Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
- Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat or yawn?
- Have you ever injured your neck, head or jaws?
- Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
- Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
- Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
- Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
- Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?
The more times you answered “yes,” the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.
Treatment
There are various treatment options that can be utilized to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Drs. Ghaffarpour, Dakermanji or Yarborough will determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care joined with professional care.
The initial goals are to relieve muscle spasms and joint pain. This is usually accomplished with a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant.
Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:
- Resting your jaw
- Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
- Eating soft foods
- Applying ice and heat
- Exercising your jaw
- Practicing good posture
Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a splint. A splint or nightguard fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. There are different types of appliances used for different purposes. A nightguard helps you stop clenching or grinding your teeth and reduces muscle tension at night and helps to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces. An anterior positioning appliance moves your jaw forward, relieves pressure on parts of your jaw, and aids in disk repositioning. It may be worn 24 hours/day to help your jaw heal. An orthotic stabilization appliance is worn 24 or just at night to move your jaw into the proper position. Appliances also help to protect from tooth wear.
What about bite correction or surgery?
If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together, you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options such as arthroscopy and open joint repair restructuring are sometimes needed but are reserved for severe cases.
Studio G Aesthetic & Family Dentistry
Patient Review by Ray T
Worked in quickly for same day appointment
- Ray T
Patient Review by Tatiana C
I have been a patient for years. My experience is all positive, very satisfactory. I trust the professionalism of the staff. Highly recommend, though expensive.
- Tatiana C
Patient Review by Anson D
I am confident my leftsided bite will not hurt after my new crown is in ...
- Anson D
Patient Review by Alice P
Great service, ease of scheduling, courteousness of staff
- Alice P
Patient Review by Angela W
Friendly, professional on all levels! Dr. Yarborough is an excellent addition to the practice.
- Angela W
Patient Review by Eric H
I can't say enough good things about Studio G. I was hopeful that I would feel comfortable with the practice as I had put off dentistry for quite a while. I have to admit that I have a certain amount of "dental anxiety" so finding someone that I'm comfortable with is not always easy. My new dentist, Dr. Dakermanji, is superlative as is the Studio G team. Well, I can honestly say that Studio G has really taken good care of my teeth and done a great job whether it was my regular cleanings or my crowns. My cleanings leave my teeth nice and clean, without much discomfort or stress. Holly, my dental hygienist, constantly asks how I'm doing when she cleans my teeth. They never make me feel like I'm just a mouth full of teeth! As for my crowns, well, let's just say that Dr. Dakermanji and Studio G have done a great job not just fitting me in the schedule as soon as possible, but making me crowns that blend right in with the rest of my teeth and with a perfect bite. Mellisa, Sasha, Yassi and the office staff are compassionate, organized and knowledgeable. They take great pains to get you in wether it's an emergency or regular office visit The environment is very soothing. Photos show the calming atmosphere, replete with aquariums, televisions and jazz music. The place is spotless and every measure is taken to ensure patient safety. What a practice! Studio G has been heroic in doing all they can do to help me. They’ll do everything they can to keep your teeth in good shape. They understand good dental care, and good patient care! They are caring, funny, and will remember you and make every effort to make you feel comfortable. I can't recommend Studio G highly enough. So if you are looking for a new dentist, go strait to Studio G.
- Eric H
Patient Review by Eric
I can't say enough good things about Studio G. I was hopeful that I would feel comfortable with the practice as I had put off dentistry for quite a while. I have to admit that I have a certain amount of "dental anxiety" so finding someone that I'm comfortable with is not always easy. My new dentist, Dr. Damanji, is superlative as is the Studio G team. Well, I can honestly say that Studio G has really taken good care of my teeth and done a great job whether it was my regular cleanings or my crowns. My cleanings leave my teeth nice and clean, without much discomfort or stress. She constantly asks how I'm doing when she cleans my teeth. They never makes me feel like I'm just a mouth full of teeth! As for my crowns, well, let's just say that Dr. Damanji and Studio G have done a great job not just fitting me in the schedule as soon as possible, but making me crowns that blend right in with the rest of my teeth and with a perfect bite. Studio G has been heroic in doing all they can do to help me. They’ll do everything they can to keep your teeth in good shape. They understand good dental care, and good patient care! They are caring, funny, and will remember you and make every effort to make you feel comfortable. I can't recommend Studio G highly enough. So if you are looking for a new dentist, go strait to Studio G.
- Eric
Patient Review by Jon G
Mandy, Sasha, and staff are remarkably warm and personable. In a life of going to dental appointments (age 65) I have never had better experiences.
- Jon G
Patient Review by Debra S
I miss Doctor Hart but I feel confident Doctor Yarborough will be able to take care of me .
- Debra S
Patient Review by Betty P
Your entire staff is wonderful. Thank you for making my dental experiences consistently comfortable and excellent.
- Betty P
Patient Review by Addie L
The services were excellent. Everyone was thoughtful,kind and very professional. I felt at ease during the procedures..
- Addie L
Patient Review by Karen R
Love the calm, knowledgeable attention to my dental issues. The instruction, the teaching, the encouragement to achieve good dental hygiene.
- Karen R
Patient Review by Nancy D
I have had crowns and other dental work done over the years by other dentists, but have never had such a pain-free experience as this! Dr. G. and her staff go above and beyond to make patients comfortable. Also, for the first time ever, the "bite" was perfect the very first time. This team is amazing!!
- Nancy D
Patient Review by Duffy A
This is the, above and beyond, the best dental care I have experienced. Dr. G is a first-rate professional and educator. The staff is knowledgeable, and efficient. I have actually changed some of my dental habits as a result of their combined efforts to ensure general good health. I remain grateful for their expertise and caring.
- Duffy A
Patient Review by Bob P
Dr. G is the best dentist I have had (N~8) from age 6-72. The quality of care, precision work, ease of scheduling and friendly office atmosphere make going to the dentist a pleasurable and healthy experience. The hygienists and office staff are skilled and friendly. I only suffer from guilt imposed during my tooth cleaning which is probably deserved.
- Bob P
Patient Review by Marti B
My dental needs have been so well taken care of by very friendly staff and Dr. G.! Thank you so much!
- Marti B
Patient Review by Clarke G
I specifically scheduled an appointment with Dr. Hart, but he was out of the office that day. I would like to be notified and have my appointment rescheduled should that happen in the future.
- Clarke G
Patient Review by Ginny J
It seems that the schedule is not kept to in as timely a manner as it used to be at Dr. Hart's old practice. I only downgraded the ease of scheduling because of the delays in getting in due to your busy practice, not because it was difficult to manage.
- Ginny J
Patient Review by Carol G
Have always hated going to any dentist but feel very much at ease at Studio G.
- Carol G
Patient Review by Al w
Ms Holly is the best
- Al w