TMJ
Treatment
Jaw pain, headaches, facial tension, and worn teeth are often signs of a problem with the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), the joints that connect your jaw to your skull. When these joints or the surrounding muscles become strained or misaligned, everyday activities like eating, speaking, and even sleeping can become uncomfortable.
At Woodruff Dental, we take a comprehensive, physiologic approach to TMJ treatment. Rather than simply treating symptoms, we evaluate your bite, jaw function, and muscle activity to identify the underlying cause of your discomfort. Our goal is to restore balance to your bite, relieve pain, and improve long-term function with personalized treatment.
Call our dental team today to schedule an appointment to get back to feeling like yourself again, without pain.
What is TMJ Treatment?
Every smile has different goals, which is why we begin with a personalized consultation. During your visit, we’ll discuss what you love about your smile, what you’d like to improve, and which treatment options are right for your lifestyle. Our cosmetic dentistry services include:
Bite Guards and Night Guards
Custom bite guards and night guards are commonly recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth while sleeping. These appliances help protect your teeth from excessive wear while reducing strain on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles.
A professionally made appliance is designed specifically for your bite, providing greater comfort and effectiveness than over-the-counter options.
Oral Appliances
Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Woodruff may recommend a specialized oral appliance that helps guide your jaw into a healthier position. These appliances can reduce muscle tension, improve jaw function, and relieve stress placed on the temporomandibular joints during daily activities.
Therapy & Orthotic / Full Mouth Rehabilitation
Some patients benefit from additional therapeutic approaches designed to improve jaw function and reduce chronic discomfort. For more advanced or complex bite issues, a custom orthotic may be recommended to establish a stable and comfortable jaw position.
When significant tooth wear, bite collapse, or long-standing dysfunction is present, full mouth rehabilitation may be the most appropriate solution. This comprehensive approach rebuilds the bite while restoring proper function, comfort, and long-term stability.
Benefits of TMJ Care
Personalized TMJ treatment can improve both comfort and quality of life such as:
- Reduced jaw pain and muscle tension
- Relief from headaches and facial discomfort
- Teeth are protected from grinding and wear
- Improved jaw movement and bite function
- Reduced stress on the TMJ joints
- More comfort when chewing and speaking
- Improved long-term oral health
- Customized treatment based on your unique bite