TMJ Dentist Swansea, MA
Temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, are responsible for opening and closing the mouth. TMJ dentist treatment can help patients find relief for jaw discomfort, soreness, and pain. The term refers to the jaw as well as nerves, muscles, and ligaments connected to it.
TMJ dentist treatment is available at Barrington-Swansea Family Dental in Swansea and the surrounding area. Our team of dental professionals performs a careful evaluation to understand what may be contributing to the patient's TMJ pain. To schedule a personal evaluation and get started with TMJ treatment, call (508) 439-4074 right away.
Why Temporomandibular Joints Are So Important
The mouth has one temporomandibular joint on each side. These joints connect the jaw to the rest of the face. Besides moving up and down, they also provide motion from side to side. This flexibility is what allows people to talk, laugh, and eat. These activities are vital parts of life.
On the inside, these joints are covered with cartilage for protection. A special disk rests in between the ball and socket to provide extra cushioning. Muscles and tendons connected to the jaw hold it in place and also assist with motion.
“Besides moving up and down, they also provide motion from side to side.”
TMJ Treatment for Head & Neck Pain Relief
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is where the lower jaw meets the skull. It is located just in front of the ear lobe. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of maladies used to diagnose pain in the lower or upper jaw and/or neck. This pain is often related to stress and often occurs in the absence of other possible dental sources of pain. The diagnosis is confirmed by temporarily changing the patient's bite. To do this the patient bites on a custom-formed piece of plastic placed between the teeth. The plastic piece is called a splint, bite jig, or Lucia jig. If the patient's pain is alleviated by this then a tentative diagnosis of TMD is often appropriate.
Dr. Sefranek places a special emphasis on the economical relief of head and neck pain through a careful analysis of the patient's bite. If the teeth interfere with each other during rest or chewing, this can cause muscle cramping (charley horse) in the muscles of the jaw, popping and clicking in the jaw joints. The treatment is painless and very effective over 90% of the time. Our treatment is non-surgical. We help patients avoid surgery. If you suffer from these or similar symptoms and /or if you have had TMJ surgery recommended please contact us at (508) 439-4074.
Meet W. H. R. and his satisfied smile
Do you have unexplained pain in your mouth, jaw or the side of your head? Dr. H. Michael Sefranek of Barrington Family Dental may be able to help.
"In the late sixties or early seventies, when we lived in Connecticut, I frequently had terrific pain on the right side of my face," says Richardson. His dentist diagnosed him with TMD, and began treatment.
"Eventually, I would remain pain free for months at a time, but stress and the wearing down of my teeth periodically brought the TMJ back," writes Richardson. Prior to being properly diagnosed, he had a tooth pulled and was told he might have "Tic Doloreaux"; "Removing some nerves in the area" might help.
"I had cause for concern in the early nineties when my dentist announced he was going to retire and turn his practice over to a younger dentist, Dr. Sefranek. How would I get my TMJ adjusted now? Most of the dentists I knew didn't have any idea of how to adjust it.
"I shouldn't have feared, because his new replacement was H. Michael Sefranek, who was not only skilled in TMJ, but did wonderful onlays and crowns. He replaced most of my fillings and replaced several worn molars with new crowns. My TMJ was a thing of the past and my mouth hadn't felt so good in years.
"I enjoyed almost ten years of Dr. Sefranek's dental care while he was located in Manchester, where he had relocated to a new office and established a thriving practice. In the late nineties Dr. Sefranek moved to Rhode Island.
"My new dentist in Connecticut was pleasant, but seemed to lack the skill and technique I had experienced with Dr. Sefranek. I suppose he did a satisfactory job of maintaining my teeth, but something seemed to be missing.
"Seven years ago, my wife and I decided to return to our home town of Taunton, Massachusetts. Soon after settling in, I went on the Internet and searched for Dr. Sefranek, as I knew he was located somewhere in the area. I made an appointment at his Barrington Family Dental office and had my teeth cleaned several days later."
"Since then, I have had a new crown and my teeth cleaned regularly. It feels good to be back under the care of Dr. Sefranek. Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) refers to pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is where the jaw hinges open and closed. Call Barrington Family Dental today to schedule an examination and cleaning, and remember Healthy Smiles Last a Lifetime!®" ~ W. H. R.
What Makes a TMJ Dentist Different
A TMJ dentist offers different treatment possibilities to help patients feel more comfortable. Each case of TMD is different, and sometimes, the dentist may use a combination of therapies to help patients ease their pain. A TMJ dentist is familiar with all types of TMD and how to treat them. Here are some common TMD treatments:
- Dental Appliances: For TMD cases that involve grinding of the teeth, the dentist may suggest a nightguard for sleeping. To utilize these guards, patients must get a custom fitting and a mold of their teeth. Individuals should wear bite guards a few hours each day or during sleep for ideal results.
- Exercises: TMJ dentists like to start with conservative treatments for TMD first. We may show patients how to relax and exercise the jaw muscles to get pain relief. The exercises work by helping stretch the muscles, increase range of motion, and reduce stiffness.
- Medications: Dentists may also prescribe medications to help with pain relief. Prescription muscle relaxers, anti-anxiety medications, analgesics, or anti-inflammatory drugs may help. Some of these medications are only for short-term use.
- Orthodontics or Alignment Treatment: If the problem results from poor bite alignment, the dentist may use orthodontic appliances to correct the jaw and bite. Sometimes, there may be a need to reshape or repair teeth to fix the bite. The dentist can adjust the way the teeth bite down to help with jaw discomfort.
“A TMJ dentist is familiar with all types of TMD and how to treat them.”
When to See a TMJ Dentist
There are numerous signs that a patient might suffer from TMD and should see a TMJ dentist. Jaw pain, headaches, ear pain, sore jaw muscles, and clicking or popping in the jaw are symptoms of TMD. Seeing a skilled TMJ dentist helps patients determine the cause of these concerns. However, TMD symptoms are also common symptoms of other disorders, so it is important to get a medical professional's advice before determining if it may be TMD.
According to the National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research, there is no one diagnostic test for TMD. The TMJ dentist reviews medical and dental histories and usually takes X-rays to make a diagnosis. Then, the dentist conducts an oral exam to discover what the source of pain may be.
“Jaw pain, headaches, ear pain, sore jaw muscles, and clicking or popping in the jaw are symptoms of TMD.”
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How a TMJ Dentist Can Help
There are many treatments to help with TMJ pain. Some reduce inflammation of sore tissues and strengthen the patient's jaw muscles. Other therapies promote relaxation and help to ease tense muscles and tendons.
Another way TMJ dentists provide relief is by correcting poor dental alignment. When teeth fit together correctly, TMJ muscles can work smoothly. This can also help to prevent clenching and grinding. Using special orthodontic appliances or mouth guards, it is often possible to reduce the effects of grinding the teeth at night.
“When teeth fit together properly, TMJ muscles can work smoothly.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What do the temporomandibular joints do?
Q. How can a dentist help with TMJ?
Q. What makes a TMJ dentist different?
Q. When should I see a TMJ dentist?
Q. What should I discuss with a TMJ dentist?
People Also Ask
Q. How often should someone have a dental checkup?
Q. Beyond regular checkups, what additional procedures might a dentist recommend?
Q. What other preventative services are available?
Q. What is the difference between a dental checkup and a dental cleaning?
Q. What lifestyle choices help promote good oral health?
Q. What are the causes of sleep apnea?
Q. What should I know before beginning my search for a dentist?
What To Discuss With a TMJ Dentist
It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms in as much detail as possible with their TMJ dentist. For example, they may want to note when their symptoms began, if they have ever undergone TMD in the past, whether their level of stress has increased recently, and what medications and supplements they take regularly. It is also significant to note if patients have frequent headaches, neck aches, or toothaches.
TMJ patients should also be prepared to answer whether their pain has been constant or intermittent, triggered by activity, or if the jaw clicks or pops when moved. In addition, patients should note if this clicking is painful or if it is difficult to open their mouth normally. With this information, a TMJ dentist can make the most informed decision about a patient's diagnosis and treatment.
“It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms in as much detail as they can with their TMJ dentist.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I prevent TMJ?
A. There is no way to prevent this disorder completely, but some habits help relieve jaw stress and fatigue. TMJ dentist patients should pay special attention to their posture and practice better habits when working and sitting. Avoiding hard-to-chew foods, stretching regularly, and massaging the cheeks and jaws may help relieve jaw pain.
Q. How do I relieve TMJ symptoms at home?
A. Home remedies may not cure TMD, but some measures can help reduce the discomfort. For example, ice or heat may help with serious pain or swelling. Reducing stress and trying relaxation techniques may also help. For more at-home tips, see the TMJ dentist.
Q. Do weather changes make TMJ worse?
A. Some patients find that certain weather conditions make TMD pain worse. Winter weather, such as snow or ice, and the drier conditions in the air sometimes impact TMD pain levels. It is important to talk to the TMJ dentist for treatment options if the pain intensifies.
Q. Will the TMJ dentist recommend surgery?
A. While there are some surgical options for TMD pain, most patients get relief without invasive treatment. In some cases, the dentist may talk to the patient about surgery. Surgical options aim to correct physiological issues causing joint dysfunction.
Q. Can my primary care physician treat TMJ?
A. Patients with TMD pain may have more positive outcomes if they also see a TMJ dentist. A dental professional with experience treating TMD can often recommend effective treatment options for patients. The dentist partners with the patient's primary care physician to design the right treatment.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Are you having trouble opening and closing your mouth or experiencing headaches? If you think you may have a TMJ disorder, call us at 508-439-4074 to schedule an evaluation right away.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
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