TMJ Disorders
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a family of problems related to your complex jaw joint. If you have had symptoms like pain or a “clicking” sound, you’ll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. These symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles (muscles of mastication) do not work together correctly. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.
No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to become effective. Dr. Olawoye can help you have a healthier and more comfortable jaw.
Trouble With Your Jaw?
TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. As a result, the disk, which is made of cartilage and functions as the “cushion” of the jaw joint, can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth or trouble opening your mouth wide.
Do You Have A TMJ Disorder?
- Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
- Do you wake up with sore, stiff muscles around your jaws?
- Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
- Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
- Does stress make your clenching and pain worse?
- Does your jaw click, pop, grate, catch, or lock when you open your mouth?
- Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat, or yawn?
- Have you ever injured your neck, head, or jaws?
- Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
- Do you have teeth that no longer touch when you bite?
- Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
- Is it hard to use your front teeth to bite or tear food?
- Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken or worn?
The more times you answered “yes”, the more likely it is that you have a TMJ disorder. Understanding TMJ disorders will also help you understand how they are treated.
If you are having pain in head, neck, or jaw and would like to be seen in our office for a consultation please register here.Â
If you answered yes to any questions above and think you may have TMJ/TMD disorder please take our screening here.Â
Treatment
There are various treatment options that Dr. Olawoye can recommend to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, Dr. Olawoye and will determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care joined with professional care.
The initial goals are to relieve the muscle spasm and joint pain. This is usually accomplished with a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant. Steroids can be injected directly into the joints to reduce pain and inflammation. Arthrocenthesis is a useful treatment option in many cases of “Closed Lock” with good results. Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:
- Resting your jaw
- Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
- Eating soft foods
- Applying ice and heat
- Exercising your jaw
- Practicing good posture
Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy may also be recommended, as well as a temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a splint. A splint (or nightguard) fits over your top or bottom teeth and helps keep your teeth apart, thereby relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. There are different types of appliances used for different purposes. A nightguard helps you stop clenching or grinding your teeth and reduces muscle tension at night and helps to protect the cartilage and joint surfaces. An anterior positioning appliance moves your jaw forward, relives pressure on parts of your jaw and aids in disk repositioning. It may be worn 24 hours/day to help your jaw heal. An orthotic (a specialized mechanical devices to support or supplement weakened or abnormal joints or limbs) stabilization appliance is worn 24 hours/day or just at night to move your jaw into proper position. Appliances also help to protect from tooth wear.
What About Bite Correction Or Surgery?
If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together, you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options such as arthroscopy and open joint repair restructuring are sometimes needed, but are reserved for severe cases. Dr. Olawoye  does not consider TMJ surgery unless the jaw can’t open, is dislocated and non-reducible, has severe degeneration, or the patient has undergone appliance treatment unsuccessfully.
Do You Want a Better Bite or a Healthier Mouth?
Dr. Olawoye can provide you with exceptional Oral Surgery services such as dental implant placement, wisdom teeth removal, jaw surgery, and more. Contact us today!
Hunterdon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Specialists
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I came to see Dr. O. for information and an explanation of what would be the best route for me to take in the future regarding tooth and jaw bone problems. He gave me a very complete explanation of what choices I have and all the ramifications involved. The visit was very informative, removed many of my fears, and gave me a direction to take in order to meet the financial obligations that I have to plan for. I was very pleased with Dr. O and all his staff in helping me come to a solution to my problem. Now I know what the road ahead looks like and what I have to do for the ride.
- Carol C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone in Dr. O's office was welcoming, pleasant and reassuring. Dr. O was equally pleasant and reassuring. My procedure was performed quickly and expertly.
- Joanne M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
From scheduling the consult, to the post surgery follow up visit, the entire staff is caring and professional. I have 2 more children who will need their wisdom teethe removed. We will be back in the near future!
- Patricia m
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would just like to say that my experience at this dental oral surgeon office was the best that I've ever had. I have only had just a few however the staff was so comforting and overwhelmingly family like it made things so much better. They were so polite and were so willing to work with me as far as scheduling is concerned etc. as far as Dr. O. There's no one better. He is a highly intelligent skilled individual who is very kind and gentle I suggest this practice over all else. He is someone who truly wants what is best for his patients and it shows in his work/proceedings/ staff and end result.
- David R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would highly recommend Dr. O for wisdom teeth removal
- ella M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had three (3) implants & bone grafts (in a row) on my lower right side in the back where teeth have been pulled over the years. I was under intravenous anesthesia and woke up when the procedure was near the end. Dr. O explains everything very thoroughly and the procedure went very well. A little pain afterwards, but I've had more pain after tooth extractions and apicoectomies from other offices. I would definitely recommend Dr. O to anyone needing oral and maxillofacial surgery. And his staff is friendly.
- Daniel R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very thankful that Dr. O. Listened to my concerns regarding the IV. The staff is very friendly and made me feel calmer.
- Jonathan A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. O, Jill, Helga, Sharon and the entire staff were the most caring, helpful office I have been in. They were attentive to all our needs, explained all procedures and made our experience pleasant. A very professional, knowlegeable and caring staff. Would recommend them highly.
- Jake M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
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- Kim C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. O and his staff were professional and extremely helpful with all aspects of my son's procedure.
- Erin G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I highly recommend Dr. O and his staff. They were patient and comforting dealing with my daughter who has anxiety! I they got her through the procedure ~ she even ame out smiling! I thank you!!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I highly recommend this office. They area a friendly group, conveniently located and a pleasure to deal with.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Would recommend office to friends. Very satisfied with treatment
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I highly recommend Dr. O and his staff
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Nicole and Helga are awesome
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Nicole and Helga were great... Very comforting
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr O is great!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. O and his staff are wonderful! We couldn't be happier! No complaints or issues whatsoever! I highly recommend!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
We look forward to bringing my other 5 children here in the future, if needed after the great experience we had with my first son.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
We feel very fortunate to have Dr. o and his staff available for our oral surgery needs. They treated my kids with respect and compassion and provided excellent care. I can not thank them enough! I whole heartedly recommend that others seek and use their service when needed.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
If I had to do it all again, I would!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for the pleasant (not painful) experience today. I'll see you in 4 months.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. O and his staff were great. They worked through the insurance issues with ease. It's our second child going through this, both here, both were great experiences.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
We were recommended by previous patient Ruth. We are completely satisfied and would recommend to Everyone. Easiest Dr appointment and procedure. Thank you to staff , assistants and Dr.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am 100 percent happy with Dr. O and his very capable staff. They are all excellent! I will recommend this practice to my family and friends!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This is my second child having their wisdom teeth extracted by Dr. O. Their staff are very friendly and professional. I would highly recommend their office to my friends and family.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything was wonderful and the doctor and nurses were great
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Olivia is the third family member to have her wisdom teeth removed by Dr. O. We've always received great care at Hunterdon Oral Surgery.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Both of our sons had their wisdom teeth removed by Dr. Oh. Both he and his staff are excellent. We highly recommend them.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Nicole was very nice and supportive while the procedure was being done. She made me comfortable and kept me informed as my tooth was removed. Everything went very smoothly and almost pain free.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. O was excellant with my elderly mother. He and Helga explained everything to us and took care of the problem. They kept her calm and they were so friendly and kind. She didnt feel a thing and is fine now. Thank you to all of your staff for the help and kindness.This all turned out good thanks to all of you
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone made me feel comfortable and eased my nervousness. Dr. O was professional and I felt comfortable with him. Would recommend this surgeon to anyone.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Would definitely recommend!!!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr O and his staff made this experience as convenient and stress free as possible. They are friendly, professional, and care for the patients. I would recommend them.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Amazing! My daughter who is terrified of even the mention of going to the dentist had no problems or episodes. They made her feel comfortable and relaxed through the whole visit. They were very informative and professional. The assistant, Jill, who helped with the tooth extraction was great. My daughter couldn't stop talking of how nice she was. Thank you!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was attentive and friendly!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience, considering Second son to have wisdom teeth done here ... Very easy and fast
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. O really made my son feel at ease before the procedure. Helga, a medical assistant at the office kindly prepared my nervous son and Sharon, a nurse here guided us through recovery and home care. We highly recommend Hunterdon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
They were amazing and I will continue to come to them.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very good overall
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall pleased and would come back
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My whole experience with Dr. Olawoye and his staff was terrific. I went in for a consultation and after speaking to Dr. Olawoye and his assistant Sharon (who I couldn't have gotten through without her by my side!), I was able to proceed to have an extraction that day....which for me was a big deal! I was so nervous, but Dr. Olawoye made sure I was ok throughout the whole procedure. What I really appreciated was that they both listened to my concerns and understood my fear and made it their priority to make sure I got through everything without a lot of pain...and I did. Even the healing process went extremely well. As for the office staff....I couldn't have done it without you....my daughter thanks you too! 🙂 Overall, what I thought was going to be an awful experience turned out to be very tolerable thanks to Dr. "O" and his amazing staff. To Sharon - a special THANK YOU for lending me a hand...:)
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
All staff were extremely friendly and courteous especially Sharon who took time to explain to us what exactly had to be done for aftercare...she answered all of our questions and told us if we had any problems to contact her.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I forgot to add my stars in the last survey but I am sure you gathered that I was extremely pleased with my procedure. This is an outstanding practice especially for those of us who still carry those childhood fears!!!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This is an outstanding practice especially for those of us who still have that childhood fear!!!!!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone at this practice is professional and helpful. They strive to perform procedures with the least amount of discomfort possible. Dr O called personally to check on me the next day. Very satisfied with HOMSS!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was pleasantly surprised. Painless procedure. I have gained my confidence back with my new set of implant teeth J Smith
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great Job Dr. O!
- Anonymous