TMJ Disorders Treatment in Egg Harbor Township

Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders

Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, commonly called “TMJ,” are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. We don’t know for certain how many people have TMJ disorders, but some estimates suggest that over 10 million Americans are affected. The condition appears to be more common in women than in men.

For most people, pain in the area of the jaw joint or muscles can signal a serious problem. Generally, discomfort from these conditions is occasional and temporary, often occurring in cycles. The pain eventually goes away with minimally invasive treatment. If left untreated, however, develop significant, long-term symptoms.

If you have questions about TMJ disorders, you are not alone. Researchers are also seeking answers about what causes these conditions and what the best treatments are. New research indicates that approximately 65% of people who grind their teeth do so as a result of a sleep-related breathing disorder. For this reason, we may recommend that you get a sleep study to try to determine the underlying cause of your TMJ problems.

Treatment Options:

MLS (Multiwave Locked System) Laser Therapy is a comfortable, non-invasive treatment designed to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and speed up healing. It is typically the first thing we do for patients with acute pain. It uses advanced light energy at two synchronized wavelengths to penetrate deep into the tissues, where it stimulates your body’s natural healing processes. This helps improve circulation, reduce swelling, and promote faster repair of muscles, joints, and soft tissues.

Treatments are quick—typically 10–20 minutes—and completely painless, with no downtime. MLS laser therapy is commonly used for jaw (TMJ) discomfort, muscle and joint pain, nerve-related conditions, and post-procedure healing. Many patients experience noticeable relief and improved mobility, making it a safe, drug-free alternative to more invasive treatments.

Splint Therapy:

An anterior deprogrammer splint is a small, custom appliance designed to relax the jaw muscles and reduce excess muscle activity. By gently separating the back teeth and guiding the bite into a more natural position, it helps “reset” the muscles that may be causing tension, discomfort, or clenching.

Patients often notice relief from jaw pain, headaches, and tightness as the muscles calm down. This simple, non-invasive treatment can improve comfort, protect your teeth from wear, and support a healthier, more balanced bite.

Prior to making a permanent splint, we often will start with temporary splint to see how you respond prior to ordering a custom nightguard. 

Bite Equilibration:

Bite refinement with T-Scan technology allows us to precisely measure how your teeth come together in real time. Instead of relying on guesswork, this advanced digital system identifies uneven pressure and high bite forces that can contribute to TMJ discomfort, muscle tension, and tooth wear.

By making small, targeted adjustments based on this data, we can help balance your bite, reduce strain on the jaw joints and muscles, and improve overall comfort. Many patients notice relief from symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and clenching while also protecting their teeth long-term. Prior to any permanent treatments like bite equilibration we typically will start with Laser and splint therapy. 

 

 

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