Living with jaw pain is exhausting. The persistent headaches, the clicking and popping, the difficulty chewing comfortably, all of it disrupts your life and can leave you feeling frustrated. You may have even tried other treatments without finding the lasting relief you deserve.
We believe you shouldn’t have to live with this constant discomfort. Our philosophy for treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders is built on a detailed approach. We don’t just mask your symptoms, we find and resolve the true cause of your pain to restore harmony and function to your jaw.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the complex hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. It allows you to talk, chew, and yawn. A TMJ disorder, often called TMD, occurs when this intricate system of bones, muscles, and ligaments is not functioning in harmony.
Because the system is so complex, TMD can be caused by a number of factors, including injury, arthritis, or muscle fatigue. Simply put, it means something is keeping your jaw from working as it should, and this imbalance is the source of your discomfort.
TMD can manifest in various ways, often causing pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, or neck. You might hear clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth, or experience difficulty with these movements altogether. Headaches, earaches, and even dizziness can also accompany TMD. The impact can extend beyond physical discomfort, affecting your ability to eat, speak, and sleep, ultimately impacting your overall quality of life.
Dr. Meltzer is dedicated to providing exceptional care for patients suffering from TMJ disorders. With specialized training and a deep understanding of the complexities of the temporomandibular joint, both our doctors offer a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan to relieve your pain and restore your jaw’s function.
Finding a real solution for your pain starts with finding the real problem. While a standard dental X-ray is useful, it often doesn’t show the whole story in complex TMJ cases.
That’s why we use advanced 3D imaging to see exactly how your jaw functions, from the joints to the muscles and all the connections in between. This detailed view is the key to a precise diagnosis.
To get this complete picture for you, our process may include:
When you visit Advanced Oral Surgery Group for TMJ concerns, you can expect a compassionate and thorough approach to your care. We’ll begin by listening attentively to your symptoms and medical history, followed by a gentle examination of your jaw joint and muscles. We use the latest in dental technology to allow a very comprehensive set of imaging tests to get a more detailed look at the joint’s structure, allowing us to give you a tailored solution.
Once we have a clear understanding of your condition, we’ll discuss your treatment options, including some relief methods you can do at home before your visit. Our goal is to help you find relief from pain and discomfort, improve your jaw function, and restore your quality of life. Whether it’s conservative therapies, oral appliances, or other interventions, we’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you feel informed and supported throughout your treatment journey.
If your jaw pain is a symptom of a TMJ disorder, you might experience a consistent ache or tenderness in your jaw, face, or neck. Other common indicators include a clicking, popping, or grinding sound when you open or close your mouth, difficulty chewing, or a feeling that your jaw is “locking.” However, the only way to know for sure is through a professional diagnosis, which either Dr. Meltzer or Dr. Isleem can assist with.
Results can vary greatly from person to person, but usually, our patients experience significant relief within a few weeks of starting their non-invasive treatment. More complex cases, however, may require a longer period to achieve lasting results. During your consultation, Dr. Meltzer or Dr. Isleem will give you a more accurate timeline.
Our TMJ treatment is minimally invasive and focuses on alleviating your pain, not causing more. Our approach is always to prioritize the most conservative, non-invasive therapies first. Invasive procedures, such as surgery, are only considered as a last resort and are only recommended in the most severe cases where other treatments have been unsuccessful.
