Few dentists and physicians are trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. Dr. Cappy Sinclair and Dr. Mark Reichley have completed advanced post-graduate training to learn the fundamentals of TMJ disorders and the latest techniques for treating this complex condition.
The chronic pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders can put significant limitations on your life. You deserve to look and feel your best. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), commonly called TMJ disorder, is a broad term used to describe a wide range of symptoms. The symptoms of TMJ disorder vary greatly from one patient to another and often mask themselves or are similar to those of other medical conditions, making diagnosis extremely difficult. Our dental office offers restorative dental care for patients with TMJ disorders in Virginia Beach, VA.
Signs & Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you may have TMJ disorder
- Do you experience frequent, unexplained headaches commonly present upon waking?
- Do you have chronic shoulder, neck, or facial pain?
- Does your jaw click or pop when you open or close it?
- Have you ever had a locked jaw or do you sometimes experience limited mobility in the jaw joint?
- Do you clench or grind your teeth?
- Have you noticed that your teeth are worn, or have small chips or fractures?
- Do you have frequent earaches without ear infections?
TMJ treatment is entirely dependent on the patient and their specific diagnosis. Dr. Sinclair and Dr. Reichley offer a wide range of treatments, from splint therapy and night guards to bite correction procedures. Many of the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction are related to malocclusion or a bad bite. If your teeth don’t make proper contact, it can contribute to many other problems, including tooth wear, headaches, facial pain, and issues with the TMJ.
TMJ Treatments at Coastal Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry
Visit us before assuming you need any of these treatments. One of the most important tools we use in diagnosing and treating TMJ Disorders is the T-Scan, a digital bite analysis. Dr. Sinclair and Dr. Reichley are among a handful of dentists in the Virginia Beach area using this type of digital technology to diagnose TMJ issues.
The T-Scan measures both the force and timing of tooth contacts. This allows Dr. Sinclair or Dr. Reichley to get a clear picture of your bite in just seconds. You simply bite down on a wafer-thin sensor and the digital software records the timing and force of the bite. The information is instantly sent to a computer to be analyzed and used in the diagnosis of bite problems and TMJ disorders.
Traditional methods for analyzing a patient’s bite were highly ineffective. Either the dentist relied on a visual assessment or used articulating paper to mark the location of tooth contacts. Neither of these methods was suitable for determining the order in which teeth make contact or their relative strength. After diagnosing your issue, we may suggest one or a combination of the following treatments.
Oral Appliance Therapy for TMJ
An oral appliance is a removable device that helps to keep the teeth and jaw in proper position during sleep and prevents teeth from grinding or clenching. The oral appliance may be a splint, mouthguard, or night guard. These devices can alleviate the most common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction and prevent potential problems such as tooth wear, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Oral appliances gently reposition your jaw to reduce strain on your temporomandibular joint. By creating a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, they prevent clenching and grinding damage. The appliance also helps relax your jaw muscles, which can relieve pain and improve your sleep quality.
While reducing jaw pain is the main goal, oral appliances provide other important benefits. They protect your teeth from wearing down from grinding, which can cause sensitive teeth or even cracks. They also help prevent gum recession and tooth damage that often occurs with chronic clenching. Many patients find they sleep better and wake up with less facial tension after using their appliance consistently.
It may feel strange at first to wear something in your mouth while sleeping, but most patients adjust within a few nights. Your dentist will make sure the fit is comfortable and check it regularly. Brush it gently each morning to keep it clean and store it in its case when not using it.
With regular use, an oral appliance can help break the cycle of TMJ pain and teeth grinding. While it doesn’t cure TMJ disorders, it provides significant relief and prevents further damage to your teeth and jaw. Our dentist may recommend combining it with other treatments like stress management or physical therapy for complete care.
“Having had severe headaches throughout most of my life, Dr Sinclair was the first dentist who linked them to my bite imbalances. After a few appointments my headaches have been eliminated, and I have never felt better.” – Mark T.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between TMJ pain and a regular toothache or earache?
TMJ pain often spreads to the surrounding areas, causing earaches, headaches, or facial soreness that aren’t tied to a specific tooth. It may worsen with jaw movements like chewing or yawning, whereas a toothache typically remains localized to one tooth. Earaches linked to TMJ are more about joint inflammation rather than an ear infection. If it’s TMJ-related, treating the joint or muscle strain usually brings relief. A thorough exam will rule out dental or ENT causes.
What’s the consequence of ignoring TMJ problems for too long?
Untreated TMJ issues often get worse, leading to chronic pain, more frequent jaw-lock episodes, and increased inflammation. Over time, this strain can damage the joint surfaces or cause permanent changes in your bite. Migraines, neck pain, and sleep disruptions may also develop or intensify. Fixing a severe TMJ disorder can become more complicated and expensive. Early detection and treatment prevent a lot of discomfort and long-term damage.
Will my insurance cover TMJ treatments like oral appliances and bite analysis?
Coverage varies widely by plan and location. Some policies classify TMJ treatments under medical rather than dental benefits or vice versa. Others may cover part of the cost for oral appliances if they’re deemed medically necessary. Digital bite analysis may or may not be covered, so it’s best to check with your provider. Your dentist’s office can often assist by submitting pre-authorizations or detailed reports.
When might surgery be considered for TMJ disorders?
Surgery is usually a last resort if conventional treatments fail or if there’s severe joint damage. Dentists or oral surgeons evaluate whether a patient has worn-down bone, a badly dislocated disc, or chronic inflammation that doesn’t respond to other methods. Procedures can range from arthrocentesis (joint flushing) to open-joint surgery to repair or replace parts of the TMJ. Recovery time varies depending on the procedure’s complexity. Most people see improvement with non-surgical treatments first./p>
Can orthodontic treatment help with TMJ disorders?
If an uneven bite contributes to TMJ stress, orthodontics can help align the teeth and relieve that pressure. Braces or clear aligners adjust how teeth fit together, reducing strain on the jaw. Sometimes, a combination of orthodontics and a custom oral appliance provides the best outcome. Not every TMJ disorder stems from crooked teeth, though, so each case is different. A thorough assessment determines whether orthodontics could be beneficial.
Are there exercises or stretches I can do at home to relieve TMJ?
Many dentists or physical therapists recommend gentle jaw exercises to strengthen and stretch the jaw muscles. Simple movements like opening and closing the mouth slowly, moving the jaw side to side, and controlled resistance exercises can help. Consistency is key—doing them once or twice daily may reduce tension. Always follow professional guidance so you don’t overdo it. When paired with hot or cold packs, these exercises can significantly ease pain.
Schedule a Dental Exam & TMJ Consultation
If you are looking for a dentist who is highly trained with TMJ disorders near Chesapeake, VA, Norfolk, VA, or Virginia Beach, schedule an appointment with Coastal Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry today.