TMJ Therapy – New Haven, CT

Why Choose New Haven Dental Group for TMJ Therapy?

• Decades-long history of providing quality treatment
• Compassionate, empathetic team
• Multiple treatment options available

What Is TMJ Dysfunction/TMD?

TMJ dysfunction, which is sometimes called TMJ disorder, can refer to any of a number of circumstances that negatively affect how the TMJ functions.

TMD can cause a broad range of symptoms, including:

• Difficulty chewing
• Clicking sounds in the jaw
• Headaches
• Neck, back, and shoulder pain
• Dizziness and vertigo
• The sensation of lockjaw
• Aching facial pain

Possible Causes of TMJ Dysfunction

The TMJ is a complex joint. In order for it to function at its best, many different components need to be operating harmoniously. If something goes wrong with even one of those components, TMD
 can result. Some possible causes of TMD include:

• Arthritis
• Dislocation of the joint
• Traumatic injury
• Improper tooth and jaw alignment
• Stress and its related teeth grinding
• Poor posture

TMJ Therapy Options

After we evaluate the function of your jaw, we might recommend that you use a custom oral appliance to address your TMD. Such an appliance, which you wear at night, looks like a mouthguard that you would wear for sports. It can stop teeth grinding and encourage proper jaw alignment. When the jaw is properly aligned, the stressed TMJ joint and the surrounding muscles will have the opportunity to relax.

Another possible treatment is a bite adjustment. By making tiny adjustments to the way your teeth fit together, we may be able to relieve excess pressure on your TMJ.

There may also be some things you can do at home to help your TMJ heal and prevent future TMD symptoms, such as:

• Eating softer foods
• Avoiding chewing gum ad biting your nails
• Using heat therapy to relax the joint
• Practicing relaxation techniques to reduce your overall stress levels and thereby reduce tension in the jaw (meditation and biofeedback work well for many people)

Cost of TMJ Therapy

The cost of your treatment will depend on the specific therapy that our team recommends. During your consultation, we will provide you with an estimate for your out of pocket cost and help you explore payment options. Some dental and medical insurance plans cover TMJ therapy; if yours does, we will do all we can to help you use your policy to the full.

Do you believe you are suffering from TMD, or would you like to know more about TMJ therapy options? Contact New Haven Dental today. Our team is ready to help you!