Ease Jaw Pain with TMJ Treatment
Comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment options to address the source of your symptoms and restore comfort to your daily life.
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TMJ Treatment in Shenandoah, PA: Find Relief and Reclaim Normal Function
Jaw pain, clicking, and facial discomfort are more common than most people realize, and they are often signs of a problem with the temporomandibular joint, commonly known as the TMJ. Left unaddressed, TMJ dysfunction can affect your ability to eat, speak, and sleep comfortably and may worsen over time. The good news is that effective, non-surgical treatment options are available.
At Sherry Dental & Wellness, we take a comprehensive approach to TMJ evaluation and treatment, assessing the joint, surrounding muscles, and teeth to identify the source of your symptoms and develop a personalized plan to address them. Call 570-462-4200 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sherry, and take the first step toward feeling better.
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What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull and is responsible for the movements involved in chewing, speaking, and yawning. When this joint or the surrounding muscles are not functioning properly, it can result in a range of uncomfortable symptoms that affect your jaw, face, neck, and beyond. Many people experience jaw clicking, facial pain, toothaches, or frequent headaches without realizing the source is their jaw joint.
TMJ disorder is an umbrella term for conditions that affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. It can develop as a result of teeth grinding, bite misalignment, jaw injury, arthritis, or prolonged stress and muscle tension. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort and occasional clicking to more significant pain, jaw locking, and difficulty chewing. Because these symptoms can vary widely, TMJ disorder is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, leaving many patients managing discomfort without understanding its cause.
TMJ Treatment Benefits
- Reduces jaw pain, facial tenderness, and muscle tension
- Addresses clicking, popping, and limited range of motion
- Helps minimize the effects of teeth grinding and clenching
- Supports better sleep by reducing nighttime jaw tension
- Non-surgical treatment options with no downtime
- Personalized care based on a comprehensive evaluation
- May reduce associated headaches and earaches
- Complements overall dental health and bite function
TMJ Treatment Options at Sherry Dental & Wellness
One of the most common and effective treatments for TMJ disorder is a custom-fitted oral appliance worn during sleep and when indicated, during the day. Occlusal splints and night guards are designed to reduce the impact of teeth grinding and clenching, relieve pressure on the jaw joint, and allow the surrounding muscles to relax. Unlike over-the-counter options, Dr. Sherry’s custom appliances are precisely fitted to your bite for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
For patients whose TMJ symptoms are related to muscle tension and imbalance, Emface offers a non-invasive complement to traditional TMJ treatment. Using synchronized radiofrequency and HIFES technology, Emface targets the facial muscles to improve tone and reduce tension, which may help relieve some of the discomfort associated with TMJ dysfunction.
Like Emface, Exion offers a non-invasive approach to facial muscle toning and skin rejuvenation that may complement TMJ treatment for patients whose symptoms are related to muscle tension and imbalance. Using radiofrequency energy and targeted ultrasound guided by artificial intelligence, Exion stimulates collagen and elastin production while strengthening facial muscles.
For many patients, TMJ symptoms are directly related to a bite imbalance. Occlusal equilibration is a precise process of adjusting the way your teeth come together to reduce the uneven forces that contribute to jaw joint stress and muscle tension. By carefully reshaping specific areas of the tooth surfaces, Dr. Sherry can help relieve TMJ symptoms at their source rather than simply managing the symptoms over time.
What to Expect
Consultation
Your initial visit begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Sherry, where she will review your symptoms and medical history and discuss how your TMJ issues affect your daily routine. She will also examine your jaw, muscles, and teeth to assess your condition and identify the most suitable treatment approach.
Treatment
Based on your evaluation, Dr. Sherry will recommend a personalized treatment plan that may include a custom oral appliance, Emface, additional imaging, or a combination of approaches. Because TMJ disorder often requires a gradual, ongoing approach, treatment may involve a series of appointments over time rather than a single visit. Dr. Sherry will walk you through each option and give you a clear sense of what your treatment timeline may look like so you feel fully informed before moving forward.
Ongoing Care and Follow-Up
TMJ treatment is often an ongoing process rather than a single procedure. Dr. Sherry will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, assess how well your symptoms are responding to treatment, and make any adjustments needed along the way. Many patients notice meaningful improvement in their comfort and quality of life as treatment progresses.
TMJ Treatment Results
TMJ treatment is designed to reduce discomfort, restore normal jaw function, and improve your overall quality of life. Results vary depending on the nature, severity, and duration of your symptoms. Some patients notice meaningful improvement relatively early in the process, while others may require several months of treatment before experiencing significant relief.
Because TMJ disorder can have multiple contributing factors, the most effective outcomes are typically achieved through a comprehensive, personalized approach. Dr. Sherry takes the time to understand your specific situation and adjust your treatment plan as needed to support the best possible result over time.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
How do I know if I have TMJ disorder?
Common signs include jaw pain, facial tenderness, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, and difficulty chewing. However, symptoms can vary widely from person to person. The best way to determine whether you have TMJ disorder is through a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Sherry, who will assess your jaw joint, muscles, and bite to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Is TMJ treatment painful?
Most TMJ treatments at Sherry Dental and Wellness are non-invasive and comfortable. Custom oral appliances are worn during sleep or during the day and cause no discomfort during treatment. Dr. Sherry will discuss what to expect from each recommended treatment option during your consultation.
How long does TMJ treatment take?
Treatment timelines vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and the approach used. Some patients notice relief relatively quickly, while others may require ongoing treatment over a longer period. Dr. Sherry will give you a realistic expectation of your timeline during your consultation.
Can TMJ disorder go away on its own?
Mild TMJ symptoms sometimes improve with rest and stress reduction, but moderate to severe symptoms often require professional treatment to address the underlying cause. Without treatment, TMJ disorder can worsen over time and lead to more significant discomfort and dental complications. Early evaluation and intervention tend to produce the best outcomes.
How does Emface help with TMJ symptoms?
Emface uses HIFES technology to strengthen and rebalance facial muscles, which may help reduce the tension and discomfort associated with TMJ dysfunction. Dr. Sherry will advise whether Emface is appropriate for your specific situation during your consultation.
The Sherry Dental Difference
Why Choose Us
Treatment Planning That Goes Further – Dr. Sherry brings over 500 hours of continuing education and works with a trusted network of specialists to ensure every patient receives comprehensive, coordinated treatment built around their specific needs.
What our clients say
Financing
At Sherry Dental & Wellness, we value and respect all our patients and do not allow insurance companies to lower the standard of our care we provide with their contractual requirements. We have researched carefully in arriving at our decision to become a fee for service provider.
Sherry Dental Savings Plan
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- Retired? Need dental care?
- Looking to save money on your dental care?
Cherry Financing
Split your payments into easy monthly plans with Cherry. 0% APR options available. No impact on your credit score. Get approved and use funds instantly. Manage everything in Cherry’s patient portal.
CareCredit & Accepted Forms of Payment
We accept CareCredit® and all major credit cards (excluding American Express). With CareCredit®, you can finance up to 100% of your treatment with no upfront costs, no annual fees, and no prepayment penalties. Enjoy flexible monthly plans, including 6- and 12-month no-interest options if paid in full on time. CareCredit® can be used for the whole family without reapplying.
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