TMJ/TMD | Susan G. Gross, DDS

TMJ/TMD Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a term referring to a number of clinical problems involving the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and associated muscles and structures of the head and neck.

Symptoms

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a term referring to a number of clinical problems involving the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and associated muscles and structures of the area.

Pain in the face, head and neck regions
Pain when chewing
Clicking, popping and/or grating noises in the jaw joints
A limited ability to open the mouth wide or move it side-to-side
Frequent headaches
Earaches, buzzing, ringing noises in the ears
Deep pain in the jaw joint itself
Locking, catching or sticking of the jaw
Inability to find a comfortable bite position

Causes

Chronic grinding or clenching of the teeth
Habits such as nail biting
Misaligned teeth
Trauma resulting in injury to the head, neck or jaw
Arthritis
Other diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, fibromyalgia and gout
Growth or developmental disturbances of the jaw
Medications that can cause grinding or clenching

Diagnosis

The first step in the diagnosis of TMJ disorders is through the completion of a thorough examination. This includes the following:

TMJ history of pain and/or joint noise
Any necessary x-rays or other images of the teeth and jaw joints
Examination of the jaw joints, muscles of the head and neck
Examination of the bite and teeth.

We may also advise patients to seek an examination from a medical doctor to rule out the presence of underlying medical problems that may be occurring in combination with or disguising themselves as TMJ problems.

Treatment

Initial treatment for TMJ disorders can include the following:
Resting the jaw joints
Switching to a soft diet
Elimination of certain foods and/or habits
Medication to reduce inflammation and/or relax muscles
Physical therapy
Stabilization of the jaw joints through the use of an appliance that fits on top of the teeth and is specifically designed for your symptoms.

Different types of appliances are prescribed based on the problem that has been diagnosed. Dr. Gross will make a custom appliance that is adjusted to distribute the forces and stresses on the jaw joints and muscles.

Frequently Asked Questions

TMJ/TMD Frequently Asked Questions

I have had a bite splint made before at another office and it does not work for me. What can I do?
There are different designs for bite splints depending on the goal of the treatment and your specific diagnosis. It is possible that your previous splint was not designed and adjusted for your individual needs. We would be happy to do an examination to determine your specific needs and help refit you for a more effective bite splint or another treatment option that is best for your individual situation. Feel free to call or contact us.

Is this treatment covered by my dental or medical benefits plan?

Dental and medical benefit plans vary widely regarding procedures that are covered. We will be happy to help determine if you have coverage for this type of treatment.

Can I purchase an appliance at the drugstore or over the internet that does the same thing?

Appliances that are purchased over the Internet or over-the-counter are not custom made for your individual bite. These could actually cause you to clench even more and result in worsening of the symptoms. They typically do not distribute and balance the bite forces, which is necessary to relax the muscles.

Testimonials

Dr. Gross is the first dentist that I’ve had where I feel safe and can just relax. She’s not satisfied with good-she strives for excellence. I am so happy to have my new smile. Dr. Gross’ staff is friendly & professional. I highly recommend her & her clinic.

-Gwen

Dr. Gross worked with me and an orthodontist to create a plan tailored specifically to my circumstances. It took more than two years to complete, including moving some of my teeth with braces before veneers were applied. She was so patient and so gentle and I am so thrilled with the results.

-Cathie

Dr. Gross has been a blessing. She has taken time, effort and patience to address my unique dental needs. She has explained the entire process, from getting my adult teeth into place with braces to when the crowns could be placed on the implants. With so many teeth needing to be replaced and my limited funds, Dr. Gross has worked with me for almost five years. Her knowledge, advocacy for me as a patient, and her genuine caring attitude has been priceless, and has put me at ease for a process I dreaded. Barb, her office manager, the other office staff and technicians have always been helpful, accommodating and caring. Together, they make a not-so-fun experience bearable and as comfortable as possible.

- Laura

Dr. Gross always took extra time to explain the process piece by piece. And due to the very delicate nature of how a person's front teeth contribute to their overall smile, Dr. Gross made sure that the final look was exactly what I wanted. The results speak for themselves, my new front teeth are beautifully crafted and fit perfect with my wide-eye smile. I have to thank Dr. Gross and all of staff for the time, energy, and smiles that went behind my now very grown-up teeth!

-Allison

I will be receiving my undergrad degree in the next few months, which has led to me to look back on some of the more important experiences in my life to date. Having a smile I can be proud if is one of those experiences. Now is a good time for me to say thank you for the amazing job you have done managing my oral health over pretty much my entire life.

- Kristin

Though many people compliment me on my large smile, nobody knows the extensive process I went through from the age of 12, when we discovered that I was missing my lateral incisors. Dr. Gross worked endlessly with my parents, an outstanding orthodontist, and a talented periodontist. Collaboratively, they provided me with several retainers containing false teeth, braces (twice), a few mouth surgeries, a bone graft, and lastly the procedure to make my false teeth permanent. It was a considerably long process, but thanks to Dr. Gross and my parents who generously paid for every procedure, I was able to complete all of my operations before I went off to college. I may have complained about endless dentist appointments and braces at the time, but I could not be more grateful for my seemingly priceless smile today.

- Abby

We are a three generational family receiving high quality care from Susan Gross, DDS. As a senior member of the family, I had very complex dental problems. Dr. Susan Gross was able to solve my problems with her knowledge of restorative and cosmetic dentistry. She has given me back my smile!

- Judeann