TMJ Disorder Treatment in Princeton and Flemington, NJ

Relief from Jaw Pain and Dysfunction

TMJ disorders are a family of complex problems related to your temporomandibular joint, the intricate hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint is not functioning properly, it can lead to significant pain and discomfort that can affect your quality of life. 

At West Jersey Oral, Maxillofacial, & Dental Implant Surgery, our board-certified oral surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of TMJ disorders, creating personalized plans to provide you with lasting relief.

Do You Have A TMJ Disorder? A Self-Assessment

Problems with the jaw joint can manifest in a variety of ways. Consider the following questions to help determine if you should seek a professional diagnosis:

• 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 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?
• Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?

If you answered “yes” to several of these questions, it is likely that you have a TMJ disorder. An evaluation with our surgeons can confirm a diagnosis.

Our Conservative Treatment Philosophy

No single treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely, and effective care takes time. Our surgeons believe in a team approach, combining professional care with patient self-care to achieve the best results. Our initial goals are always to relieve muscle spasm and joint pain using the most conservative and reversible treatments first.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

The vast majority of patients find significant relief without the need for surgery. Your personalized plan may include a combination of the following:

Self-Care and Medication

We will often recommend simple self-care treatments, including resting your jaw, eating soft foods, applying ice and heat, and performing specific jaw exercises. To manage pain and inflammation, we may also prescribe pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, or muscle relaxants.

Custom Oral Splints and Nightguards

A temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a splint or nightguard is a very common and effective treatment. These custom-fitted appliances fit over your top or bottom teeth to keep them apart, which helps the muscles relax and reduces pain. Different appliances are used for different purposes, from a nightguard that reduces clenching and grinding to an appliance that helps reposition the jaw.

TMJ Surgery

We do not consider TMJ surgery unless a patient’s jaw cannot open, is dislocated, has severe degeneration, or has unsuccessfully undergone appliance treatment. Should surgery be necessary, our surgeons are skilled in a range of procedures, from arthroscopy to open joint repair, and will discuss the best option for your specific condition.