Don’t Suffer from Jaw Pain

At Lawrenceville Smiles, your smile is our job. But if you’re suffering from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, also known as TMD (temporomandibular disorder) you probably don’t feel much like smiling.

The  temporomandibular joint, located just in front of the ear, connects your upper and lower jaw. The joint lets the lower jaw move up, down, frontwards, backward, and sideways. When this complex hinge doesn’t work properly, it can lead to TMJ symptoms, including:

• Headaches
  
• Bruxism (grinding of teeth)
  
• Jaw pain
  
• Difficulty chewing
  
• Jaw clicking or popping
  
• Trouble opening and closing your mouth
  
• Earaches
  
• Facial pain and swelling
  

If your TMJ-related pain or discomfort is due to a muscle disorder or basic jaw joint issue, Dr. Scalia can help.

Dr. Scalia believes in a philosophy of helping you find the most natural, relaxed position for your jaw. If your jaw joint is out of alignment, it can lead to the TMD symptoms listed above. If left untreated, TMD can progress to a worse state, which can be more difficult to treat and resolve.

Dr. Michael Scalia, and our caring team here at Lawrenceville Smiles, can help return comfort to your jaw by fitting you with an occlusal splint, similar to a mouthguard. The splint can be adjusted over time, helping to relieve pain, prevent damage, and find your natural jaw position.

As Dr. Scalia monitors your progress, if he feels your TMJ disorder needs further treatment he’ll refer you to a trusted specialist for further consultation and care.