In the symphony of your smile, every element plays a role. At our practice, we are dedicated to restoring harmony to the complexity of your teeth, gums, and jaw joint. Therefore, we provide a comprehensive approach to TMJ treatment. We want to alleviate your discomfort. However, we also want to foster long-term oral health.
We believe in treating the “total” patient. This means that factors like stress, bite problems, and your overall wellness can affect your oral health. When you come to our office, we begin a thorough TMJ screening that includes discussing your life and wellness. Our hope is that we can bring harmony to your smile and life. We also provide restorative dentistry treatments to new and existing patients in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.
TMJ Disorder and How It Develops
At its core, TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint. This is the joint that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. This joint plays a pivotal role in everyday activities, such as talking, chewing, and even yawning. However, this intricate system can develop a dysfunction. It can result in a condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). Yet, you may simply refer to TMD as TMJ. Many patients use the words interchangeably.
TMJ can manifest in many ways, including jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and even chronic headaches. It often stems from a combination of factors. These can include genetics, arthritis, jaw injury, or habits, such as teeth grinding.
Comprehensive Screening: The Art of Occlusal Analysis
At Ridge Family Dental, we believe in a holistic approach to dental care. Our comprehensive screening for TMJ includes a thorough occlusal or bite analysis. This involves evaluating how the upper and lower teeth come together when the jaw is closed.
Why is this important? Because the teeth, gums, and jaw joints should work in harmony to create a balanced bite. Having an imbalanced bite can contribute to TMJ issues. This careful examination can help us identify the potential factors that contribute to your TMJ discomfort.
Imagine your smile as a symphony, with each element playing a crucial role. We emphasize the importance of harmony between the teeth, gums, and jaw joint. Therefore, our approach to TMJ treatment goes beyond merely alleviating the symptoms. It aims to restore balance and promote overall oral health.
The Ripple Effect: TMJ and Other Oral Health Issues
Constant pressure from TMJ dysfunction can have a ripple effect on your oral health. It is not just about jaw pain. These issues can potentially impact your teeth and gums. When the delicate balance is disrupted, the risk of gum disease and gum recession increases.
Our experienced team understands the intricate interplay between TMJ and other oral health issues. Therefore, we want to address the root cause of your TMJ comfort. We aim to prevent further complications and create a foundation for lasting oral well-being.