Patient Forms

New Patients (973) 287-3153

Current Patients (973) 822-1200

49 Ridgedale Avenue, Suite 201 East Hanover, NJ 07936

TMJ Treatment East Hanover NJ

Occlusal & TMJAn Overview

Millions of people suffer from chronic headaches, unexplained earaches, and other facial pain each year. In many cases, dental problems and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are to blame. Few dentists and physicians are trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, also known as occlusal disease.

Dr. Raj Upadya of Metropolitan Center for Complete Dentistry in East Hanover, NJ is one of the leading dentists in the country for the treatment of TMJ disorders and the complex dental problems that occur as a result of long-term TMJ dysfunction. TMJ treatment is a restorative dentistry treatment we provide to the public in East Hanover, New Jersey.

Most patients who suffer from TMJ dysfunction do not recognize the symptoms or realize that they have a dental-related problem. There are a number of factors that contribute to TMJ dysfunction, the most common symptoms include teeth grinding, frequent headaches, neck and facial pain, clicking or popping in the jaw joints, and tooth wear.

TMJ treatment depends entirely on the patient. Dr. Upadya treats TMJ symptoms through a wide range of treatments ranging from splint therapy and night guards to bite correction procedures.

TMJ Treatment in East Hanover, NJ

COMMON CAUSES OF TMJ DISORDER

There is no single cause for TMJ dysfunction. Any number of factors or combination of factors may be to blame including:

  • Trauma to the head, neck, or face
  • Trauma to the TMJ joint or arthritis
  • Hormonal changes or imbalances
  • Malocclusion (where the jaws do not line up correctly resulting in bite problems)
  • Stress and other environmental factors

COMMON TMJ SYMPTOMS

As with the causes, symptoms of TMJ disorder vary greatly among patients. TMJ symptoms often mask themselves or are similar to those of other medical conditions, making diagnosis extremely difficult. Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

  • Headaches
  • Shoulder, neck, facial pain
  • Clicking or popping when opening or closing jaw
  • Locked jaw or limited mobility in the jaw joint
  • Teeth clenching, teeth grinding, often accompanied by tooth wear
  • Chronic earaches

TMJ DISORDER FAQ’S

Can I live with TMJ, without getting treated?

Yes, TMJ pain can go away on it’s own, but there is no guarantee that it won’t come back. Your dentist can evaluate your specific issue and tell you if it warrants treatment or not.

Do I have to visit a TMJ specialist?

No. There is no specific medical or dental specialty of certified experts. Your dentist is the best resource for TMJ diagnosis and treatment.

What can alleviate TMJ pain before I visit the dentist?

You can do a couple of things to temporarily alleviate jaw pain. Take an icepack and apply it to the affected area. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can help reduce facial swelling.

Do I need surgery to get rid of TMJ?

No. Surgery will only be deemed necessary if you have severe TMJ issues and jaw deformities. Our dentist in East Hanover, NJ provides conservative options for mild to moderate TMJ problems.

What should you not do with TMJ?

Patients with TMJ should never chew gum. They should also avoid eating hard or chewy foods, grinding or clenching their teeth, and only chewing on one side.

How should I sleep with TMJ?

Patients should sleep on their back if they have TMJ. This will put less pressure on their jaw, while supporting their neck, head, and shoulders.

Dr. Upadya has been a life-saver for me. I went to him with a TMD issue after previously visiting several dentists who were unhelpful. Dr. Upadya took the time to identify and correct the underlying issues which has helped my discomfort greatly. Highly recommendBill W.
Dr. Raj and his team are absolutely amazing! I have been suffering with headaches and chronic neck and jaw pain for over 10 years. Dr. Raj was finally able to give me relief, and recommended me to another doctor to help me even further. The staff is so pleasant and…Falon S.
After years of pain, research and spending my life savings on looking for a cure, Dr. Upadya was the one. Thank you for getting by life back on track.Moe E.
Dr. Upadya is an artist. I couldn’t be happier with my teeth. He completely repaired my bite and now I can eat without any trouble.Mike C.

Occlusal & TMJ What to Expect

TMJ treatment through splints, mouth guards, and night guards can help to alleviate the most common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. Dr. Upadya recommends this conservative treatment option for occlusal disorders whenever possible.

An oral appliance is a removable device that helps to keep the teeth and jaw in proper position during sleep and prevent teeth grinding or clenching. Prolonged teeth grinding or clenching can lead to tooth wear and contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

Advanced Technology for TMJ Diagnosis & Treatment

Dr. Upadya uses cutting edge technology to help him diagnose and treat TMJ disorders. These advanced technologies allow him to pinpoint the source of the dysfunction for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

  • Doppler Ultrasound
    The doppler ultrasound is a useful diagnostic tool for TMJ therapy. Dr. Upadya is able to listen to the jaw joints and look for inflammation, instability, or other hidden problems.
  • Joint Vibration Analysis
    Joint Vibration Analysis, or JVA, is an important diagnostic tool for patients with TMJ problems. Similar to a set of headphones, this advanced technology records the vibrations in the jaw joints to pinpoint signs of instability.
  • BioResearch EMG
    Surface EMG allows Dr. Upadya to record muscle-specific activity in skeletal muscles to identify where problems are occurring in the TMJ system.
  • T-Scan
    The T-Scan is a powerful tool that measures both the timing and relative force of a patients bite. This type of analysis is not possible through traditional diagnostic methods or visual evaluation.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are concerned that you may have a bite problem or TMJ disorder, schedule an appointment with Dr. Upadya. He will provide a thorough evaluation of your bite function and overall dental health condition. He will then be able to offer his patients the proper TMJ treatment in the Summit, NJ and East Hanover, NJ areas.