TMJ Therapy An Overview
If you are a patient of our office and have TMJ related problems, let us know at your next visit. We can help to diagnose the source of the issue and recommend a treatment plan and then help coordinate that treatment with a TMJ specialist.
There is no single course of treatment for TMJ disorders. TMJ treatment depends entirely on the patient. In many cases, we can carry out the treatment plan in our office using oral appliances and restorative dental techniques to bring the bite into harmony.
Our dentists also work with patients of other dentists to coordinate TMJ treatment plans. If you are seeing another dentist and want a second opinion on your TMJ Disorder, please call our office for a consultation. Your Lanier dentist will perform a comprehensive evaluation, focusing on the joint tissues and muscles to identify signs of instability.
About TMJ Disorder
There are few true “experts” in the field of TMJ Disorders, which is a complex group of conditions surrounding jaw joint instability and fit of the bite. Our dentists experience in the field of restorative dentistry, combined with their training in the discipline of “functional occlusion” from the Dawson Academy, gives them a deep understanding of how the teeth, jaw joints and muscles work together. When one or more aspects of the occlusion are out of sync, it can create a host of problems including headaches, locked jaw, limited mobility in the mouth and other conditions.
Our dentists are also able to refer patients, as needed, to TMJ specialists.
Signs & Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Because of the complexity of TMJ disorders, causes and symptoms vary greatly from one patient to another. There are a number of factors that can contribute to TMJ disorders. Most commonly, the source of TMJ Disorder is trauma to the head. Common signs or symptoms that many patients share include:
- Teeth grinding
- Chronic headaches, particularly in the morning
- Pain in the face, neck, or shoulders
- Popping or clicking in the jaw joints
- Tooth wear
- Unexplained earaches
"We have never been to a dental practice that makes us feel as "a part of the family". To be treated as though we are the most important patients makes us know that our dental care and personal well being is very important to Dr. Alla Brown and her staff. They use the most updated techniques and products to ensure that we are provided with great service."Treated as though we are the most important patients
“Being a disabled adult, I tend to get treated one of two ways (ignore OR treated like a child that needs extra special help) when I arrive at a doctor/dentist office for the first time. Yesterday at my first appt at Lanier Family Dentistry, I did not receive either of those.In fact, I was treated with genuine smiles and great conversations outside of the normal "professional" dialogue. Within a matter of minutes, I left as if I had been visiting this office for years. The staff was also incredible when it came time to transferring me from my wheelchair into the lounge chair. They followed my lead, took control of the situation without me having to instruct them (ie moving my legs and moving them onto the chair), and made the entire situation feel "normal"! This has been by best experience I have had with any doctor/dentist to date! THANK YOU!!!!!"Incredible Customer Support
"I have a phobia about going to the dentist and it seemed it disappeared when I walked into the room. I have never felt so comfortable in my life sitting in a dentist chair. Usually I am sweating and shaking."I have never felt so comfortable in my life sitting in a dentist chair
"After having faulty dental work at the hands of another dentist. I came to Dr. Brown for a second opinion. She was truthful and honest about my situation. You can tell Dr. Brown is detail-oriented and cares about her patients. I will recommend her to all my friends and family that live in the area."Very Impressed!
TMJ Therapy What to Expect
The first step in TMJ treatment is diagnosis. Your dentist will diagnose your condition based on her evaluation and then prescribe a method of treatment. In some cases, multiple treatments may be tested before a solution is reached.
TMJ treatment often includes the use of a mouthguard to alleviate teeth grinding. Orthodontic therapy such as Invisalign, may help to correct problems with the bite that could lead to instability in the mouth. Only in severe cases, will your Lanier dentist recommend invasive procedures.
Since TMJ disorders typically cause damage to teeth, your dentist may need to perform restorative procedures inside the mouth. Teeth grinding, for example, can cause premature tooth wear that may be corrected with dental crowns or cosmetic bonding.
Get Relief From Chronic Pain
You don’t have to suffer with chronic pain because of TMJ disorders. Unexplained headaches and other pain may be easily treated by Dr. Brown or Dr. Newberry.
Contact Lanier Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to learn more about TMJ Treatment and to schedule your appointment online with Dr. Brown or Dr. Newberry. Our office is conveniently located in Buford, Georgia and we see patients from the entire surrounding areas including Braselton, Flowery Branch, and Lawrenceville.
