Treaments and Services

• Treatment Methods
• Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
• Bruxism Treatments
• Scaling and Root Planning
• Bite Adjustment
• Osseous Surgery
• Gum Grafting
• Frenectomy
• Crown Lengthening
• Bone Grafting
• Guided Bone and Tissue Regeneration
• Sinus Augmentation
• Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery
• Oral Cancer Exam
• TMJ Dysfunction
• Tooth Extraction
• Microbial Testing
• Local Antibiotic Treatment
• Periodontal Maintenance & Support Therapy
• Dental Implants

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction

TMJ disorders are a group of problems related to the function of your jaw joint. The jaw joint is where the lower jaw comes together with the skull. Movement of the lower jaw is provided by the joint and muscles of mastication. Symptoms like pain or a "clicking" sound are the most among the most common symptoms. Jaw motions are controlled by this complex joint and many muscles. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.

TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to trauma or disease. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking or grating noises when you open your mouth, headaches or trouble opening your mouth wide.

Do you have a TMJ disorder?

• Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
• Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
• Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
• Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
• Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
• Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch or lock when you open your mouth?
• Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat or yawn?
• Have you ever injured your neck, head or jaws?
• Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
• Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
• Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
• Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
• Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?

The more times you answered "yes," the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they�re treated.

Treatment

Dr. Rubino offers conservative options for the treatment of TMJ problems. Once a thorough evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Dr. Rubino will determine the proper course of treatment. Treatment may include instruction in jaw exercises, bite adjustment, night guard or anti-inflammatory medications. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care at home as well as professional care.