Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is a sliding hinge joint that connects each side of your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders can be quite painful, causing tenderness, difficulty eating, and even lockjaw. The first-rate dentists at Southern Connecticut Dental Group work in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders. From their two convenient office locations in Southbury and Ansonia, Connecticut, they’ve helped many patients from in and around New Haven County find relief from TMJ-related pain.
A healthy, injury-free TMJ allows your jaw to move smoothly and without pain. Many TMJ disorders are caused by either damage to the cartilage that cushions the joint from the jawbone, or by damage to the small, shock-absorbing disc that sits between the joint and the bone. TMJ problems can also be caused by:
Even though the exact cause behind TMJ pain isn’t always clear, certain factors can increase your risk of developing a problem. Having any type of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, is one such risk factor, as is having had a jaw injury in the past. Simply being female can also increase your risk: Women are four times more likely than men to develop a TMJ problem.
While the symptoms of a TMJ disorder depend on its specific cause, common symptoms include:
If the disorder is particularly severe or goes untreated for too long, more severe symptoms may develop, including:
Proper diagnosis is a key step toward proper treatment of any TMJ disorder, and the dentists at Southern Connecticut Dental Group are specially trained to check your joints and muscles for tenderness. They’ll spot any other signs of the condition, too, including clicking, popping, and difficulty moving. Although TMJ treatment often includes prescription medications — including pain-relievers, anti-inflammatories, or muscle relaxants — lifestyle interventions may be most beneficial for many patients. Your dentist can show you jaw exercises specifically designed to strengthen and stretch your jaws, and may recommend that you switch to a liquid or soft diet to rest your jaws. Your dentist may also ask you to:
Our office is committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits. Because insurance policies vary, we can only estimate your coverage in good faith but cannot guarantee coverage due to the complexities of insurance contracts. Your estimated patient portion must be paid at the time of service. As a service to our patients, we will bill insurance companies for services and allow them 45 days to render payment. If you have any questions, our courteous staff is always available to answer them.
"...What's more they do a great job I always get tons of complements on my teeth ...even on a recent job interview!"
"When I moved to Connecticut I was introduced to this practice and they have essentially saved my life."
"Been a patient here for many years. Prompt service, whether it is an emergency or not, quality care from cleanings to crowns."
"I love, love, love the Southern Ct Dental Group! EVERYONE is wonderful! As soon as you walk in the door you are treated fantastic."
"I have been a patient of Dr. Stephen DiBenedetto for many years. He is an outstanding dentist. He is very professional, personable, gentle and does excellent work."
"I do not know if it would be humanly possible for me to ever see another dentist besides Dr. Dworkin."
