TMJ & Bruxism Treatment in Mt. Pleasant, SC

Our skilled and friendly prosthodontist has advanced training and education beyond general dentistry. He is both a specialist in smile restoration and a maxillofacial expert. This makes Carolina Center for Restorative Dentistry an excellent place for TMJ and bruxism treatment in Mt. Pleasant, SC.

In us, you’ll discover a caring team collectively focused on your oral health and comfort. We want to eliminate your pain and lower your risks for tooth loss.

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint and refers to the hinge-like bone that connects your lower jaw to your skull. In most cases, this joint behaves as it should, allowing you to chew, yawn, and speak without pain or restriction. However, this joint can be inflamed or damaged, which can significantly affect your daily life and well-being.

Causes of TMJ dysfunction—referred to interchangeably as TMJ or TMD—may include:

• Trauma
• Developmental defect
• Bruxism
• Stress
• Malocclusion (a poor bite)
• Teeth misalignment

Sometimes, the cause of TMD cannot be determined, but we can still help.

The symptoms of TMD or TMJ include:

• Headache
• Jaw pain
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Irritability
• Clicking or popping jaw joint
• Locking jaw
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

You don’t have to have all the symptoms to be diagnosed with TMD/TMJ, but if you notice one or more symptoms, it is always best to visit your Mt. Pleasant prosthodontist for a TMJ assessment.

Bruxism has been linked to anxiety, sleep apnea, and TMJ. While the cause is not always obvious, intervention is crucial.

If you have bruxism, you spend time grinding and clenching your teeth, usually during sleep. This can lead to severe oral health and wellness complications, similar to those found in TMJ, but with added risks to your teeth and gums.

Untreated bruxism leads to tooth wear and tear, dental fractures, cavities, root infections, and more. Bruxism may also contribute to jaw joint disfunction and stiff, painful jaw muscles in the lower face.

At Carolina Center for Restorative Dentistry, we provide treatment for jaw joint dysfunction and bruxism. In many cases, appliance therapy can work to correct both issues, giving you a comfortable and pain-free smile that is no longer at risk.

Dr. Mayur Patel will assess the state of your teeth and gums before making a diagnosis. Then he will discuss therapy options with you before moving forward with the best treatment that addresses your symptoms.

Dr. Patel will reassess your teeth, gums, and jaw health across the therapy timeline, adjusting treatments as needed.  

If you suspect jaw joint dysfunction or bruxism, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our prosthodontist as soon as possible. Early treatment may prevent the severe complications associated with these conditions, including ongoing pain and tooth loss.  

We serve patients everywhere, including those in Mt. Pleasant, Charleston, Goose Creek, Isle of Palms, and Ladson.