Chronic neck pain, facial pain, a jaw that locks, painful headaches or migraines, and clicking or popping when you bite are just a few of the symptoms of TMJ disorder in State College. This is a joint disorder that can wreak havoc with your neck, shoulders, head and jaw, and greatly affect the quality of your life. The good news is that Dr. Donald Marks and Dr. John Martin have solutions that will alleviate TMJ and help you reclaim your health.
What is TMJ?
Your temporomandibular joints are the spectacular joints that allow your jaw to open and close, and they’re the only joints in the body that can move up and down and side to side. When they’re not operating correctly, you may begin to notice popping and clicking when you open and close your mouth, and eventually you may begin to experience some of the painful symptoms we discussed earlier.
Different factors can contribute to TMJ disorder such as clenching and grinding your teeth at night, or bite misalignment, which causes the jaw to compensate. Excessive wear on your teeth can even contribute to TMJ issues and bite misalignment. Our doctors work to first determine the root cause of your TMJ since it’s different for every patient.
How is TMJ Treated?
After completing a functional analysis, our doctors will determine what type of treatments or therapies will be right for your needs. We may create a customized oral appliance to help your muscles relax and alleviate TMJ pain. We may recommend a night guard to wear while you sleep to protect your joints and teeth from the painful effects of clenching and grinding.
Our doctors may also recommend treatment that can help such as orthodontics or Clear Correct that can align your teeth and correct your bite. Your treatment is completely customized and based on your individual needs as no two cases of TMJ in State College are alike. The first place to start is a consultation with our doctors to evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action.
For over 25 years our doctors have been providing high quality dentistry to patients in State College, PA. With a full range of services, and a focus on state-of-the-art treatment and technology, you’ll know you’re in expert hands with Dr. Marks and Dr. Martin. If you suspect you may suffer from TMJ, you don’t have to live with the pain. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help you.
