TMJ Treatment in Melbourne, FL

Neuromuscular harmony that eliminates TMJ pain — where precise diagnostics meets targeted therapy to restore comfortable jaw function permanently.

Chronic jaw pain, frequent headaches, and clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth can significantly impact your daily life, affecting everything from eating and speaking to getting restful sleep. These symptoms often indicate temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a complex condition affecting the joints that connect your jaw to your skull and the surrounding muscles. While TMJ disorders can cause considerable discomfort and interfere with normal activities, effective treatment options can provide relief and restore normal jaw function, allowing you to return to the activities and foods you enjoy.

 

At Viera Dental Arts, Dr. Gollob understands the far-reaching effects TMJ disorders can have on your quality of life, which is why our Melbourne practice provides comprehensive restorative dentistry solutions that address both the symptoms and underlying causes of jaw dysfunction. Our approach combines advanced diagnostic techniques with personalized treatment plans designed to reduce pain, improve jaw function, and prevent future complications. We recognize that TMJ treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all, and we work closely with each patient to develop strategies that address their specific needs and lifestyle requirements.

close up young asian man frown and use hand to massage on cheek after feeling pain or hurt from tmj muscle symptom at home for un healthy lifestyle and treatment concept

What to Know About TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joints are among the most complex joints in your body, allowing your jaw to move in multiple directions for speaking, chewing, and yawning. When these joints or the surrounding muscles become inflamed, damaged, or misaligned, it can result in TMJ disorder, which encompasses a range of conditions affecting jaw function and comfort.

 

TMJ disorders can develop from various causes, including jaw injuries, arthritis, teeth grinding or clenching, stress, and bite misalignment. A 2021 survey by the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute showed that more than 70% of dentists noticed signs of teeth grinding and clenching in their patients, an increase of nearly 10% over the previous year, highlighting the growing prevalence of habits that contribute to TMJ problems.

 

The condition affects women more frequently than men and can occur at any age, though it’s most common between ages 20 and 40. Some people experience temporary TMJ symptoms that resolve on their own, while others develop chronic conditions requiring professional intervention to achieve lasting relief.

Recognizing TMJ Symptoms

TMJ disorders manifest in various ways, and symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. The most common symptom is pain or tenderness in the jaw joint area, often accompanied by difficulty opening or closing your mouth completely. Many patients also experience the following:

 

  • Clicking
  • Popping
  • Grating sounds when moving their jaw, which may or may not be accompanied by pain

 

Headaches, particularly those occurring in the temple area, frequently accompany TMJ disorders and may be mistaken for tension headaches or migraines. Ear pain, ringing in the ears, or a feeling of fullness in the ears can also result from TMJ dysfunction due to the close proximity of the jaw joints to the ear structures.

 

Some patients experience neck and shoulder pain, facial muscle fatigue, changes in their bite alignment, and premature wearing of their teeth. In severe cases, the jaw may temporarily lock in an open or closed position, creating significant distress and requiring immediate attention.

An osteopath performs a jaw adjustment on a female patient, focusing on alleviating tension and improving joint function.

Comprehensive TMJ Treatment Approaches

Effective TMJ treatment typically involves a multifaceted approach that addresses both immediate symptom relief and long-term management strategies. Dr. Gollob begins with a thorough evaluation of your jaw function, bite alignment, and related structures to identify the underlying causes of your TMJ disorder and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

 

Conservative treatments often provide significant relief and represent the first line of therapy for most TMJ patients. These approaches focus on reducing inflammation, relaxing jaw muscles, and eliminating habits that contribute to jaw dysfunction. More advanced treatments may be necessary for patients with severe symptoms or structural problems that don’t respond to conservative measures. Our TMJ treatment options include:

 

  • Custom-fitted oral appliances to prevent teeth grinding and reduce jaw strain
  • Bite adjustment therapy to correct alignment issues that stress the jaw joints
  • Physical therapy exercises to strengthen jaw muscles and improve range of motion
  • Stress management techniques to reduce tension-related jaw clenching
  • Anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants for symptom relief
  • Hot and cold therapy applications to reduce pain and inflammation
  • Lifestyle modifications to avoid activities that aggravate TMJ symptoms

 

The choice of treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms, the underlying causes of your TMJ disorder, and your individual response to various therapeutic approaches. Many patients experience significant improvement with conservative treatments, while others benefit from combining multiple approaches for optimal results.

Brunette woman in her 50s in the studio with a pink background with TMJ issues

When to Seek TMJ Treatment

While mild, occasional jaw discomfort may not require immediate professional attention, persistent or worsening symptoms warrant evaluation to prevent complications and improve your quality of life. Seek treatment if you experience consistent jaw pain, frequent headaches that may be related to jaw tension, or difficulty opening your mouth normally.

 

Emergency dentistry care may be necessary if your jaw becomes locked in an open or closed position, as this can indicate a more serious TMJ problem requiring immediate intervention. Severe pain that interferes with eating, speaking, or sleeping also requires prompt professional evaluation.

 

Early treatment often leads to better outcomes and may prevent the need for more extensive interventions later. Many TMJ symptoms respond well to conservative treatments when addressed promptly, making timely evaluation an important factor in successful management.

Find Relief From TMJ with Viera Dental Arts

At Viera Dental Arts, we’re committed to helping Melbourne residents find lasting relief from TMJ pain and dysfunction through personalized treatment approaches that address both symptoms and underlying causes. Dr. Gollob combines extensive experience in jaw disorders with a compassionate understanding of how TMJ symptoms affect daily life, ensuring you receive both effective treatment and the support you need throughout your recovery process. Our practice provides a comfortable environment where you can discuss your symptoms openly while receiving the comprehensive care necessary for optimal outcomes.

 

Don’t let TMJ pain control your life or limit your ability to enjoy normal activities like eating, speaking, and sleeping comfortably. Professional treatment can provide significant relief while preventing the progression of symptoms that may lead to more serious complications. Our commitment to general dentistry excellence means we address TMJ disorders as part of comprehensive oral health care that considers all aspects of your well-being. Contact our experienced team today at 321-255-4644 or schedule your consultation online to begin your journey toward lasting TMJ relief and improved quality of life.

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