TMJ

Issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) often lead to chronic pain in the jaw and face, called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Our team at Smiles by Hanna are TMJ specialists in Gilbert, AZ. We will reclaim your power back from this draining disorder. We offer therapeutic techniques that provide relief for TMJ.

TMJ patient smiling

Taming TMD

An estimated 35 million people suffer with TMJ-related discomfort: don’t be one of them! Life is simply too short to be in pain. Our resident expert, Dr. Mansoor, knows this enemy and how to best defeat it. Discover what we offer and how we can help. Contact us for a consultation today!

What is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is found within the facial structure. Ears are right behind each of these two body parts. Both hinges connect the jaw to the skull. Without these joints, laughing, chewing, yawning and talking would be difficult, if not nearly impossible.

 

xrays of the tempromandibular joint

What is TMD?

Often used interchangeably, TMJ and TMD are different terms. The latter refers to an impaired temporomandibular joint. TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, occurs when this hinge does not function as it should. Painful and inconvenient symptoms can arise.

What Can Help my TMD Pain?

This ailment can be a real comfort killer. Take the edge off with one or more options:

Do it Yourself – At home remedies:

  • Dietary Restrictions. Making meals out of smoothies, shakes and green drinks can relieve your jaw of meal duty. This strategy may become tiresome as months turn into years.
  • Exercises. When done properly and consistently, jaw exercises can help. Meant to strengthen this area, these gentle stretches can take time before relief is felt.
  • Heat and Cold Therapy. Switching between a heating pad and frozen cold pack can provide temporary relief for TMJ.
  • Meditation. Even if you’re not a free spirit, taking some reflective time can help. Deep breathing done on a regular basis can de-stress your body and invite healing.
  • Tens Unit. Using a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator can provide short-term pain relief. Low-powered electric pulses are delivered to trouble spots.

Professional Medical Intervention:

  • Botox. This cosmetic injectable can relax jaw muscles. Tension and tightness ease up; so does pain. The process takes just minutes. Expect effects to begin a few days later. Schedule more visits to experience maximum relief.
  • Laser Therapy. Applying a low-level laser in a specific way can stimulate healing. This noninvasive treatment promotes blood flow and cell growth. Damaged jaw muscles, tissue and ligaments benefit. Pain levels can be significantly reduced. Each session only takes a few minutes. These pain-free treatments work best when given in a series.
  • Stabilization Sprint. There is hope, even if you grind your teeth! Wearing this oral appliance preserves the jaw. Nearby muscles are relieved of stress. Jawbone pressure is reduced. This mouth guard targets grinding and clenching. When these bruxism symptoms are dealt with, pain can be resolved.
  • Surgery. This is the most invasive option and should only be on the table for the most severe cases. There are a few different types of surgical methods that work to correct serious TMJ-related problems.

How TMJ Therapy Can Benefit You

Once your temporomandibular joint is under control, there’s no telling what you can do… 

  • Enjoy eating, talking and laughing again
  • Live a pain-free life
  • Reap related perks

Why Get Treated at Smiles by Hanna

Would you like to stop managing your pain? Are you ready to feel the effects of ditching discomfort? We’re here to help you!

If you’re out of sorts because of a TMJ-related issue, you don’t need to drive into Phoenix or even Mesa. We have a convenient Gilbert location and cutting-edge equipment.

Dr. Mansoor has one goal – getting your jaw working properly in a comfortable manner. This dental trendsetter has an arsenal of tools at her disposal. After determining which treatment will give you the most benefits, she can get to work.

Before you know it, your jaw isn’t making strange sounds anymore. Pain subsides. Function improves. Best of all? You can laugh again!

Get Started On Your New Smile

It’s time you stop putting off your next dental visit. Whether it’s a general check-up or a complex restorative or cosmetic procedure, the time to book your appointment is now!

Hanna Mansoor New Smile

Get Started On Your New Smile

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or call (480) 780-1511


Where To Find Us

1355 South Higley Road #119
Gilbert, AZ 85296

Doctor to doctor top 100

Dr. Mansoor is a member of the:

ADA Arizona Dental Association Pierre Fauchard Academy Academy of General Denstistry

Dr. Mansoor has masters in Implantology from:

ICOI GIDE educationy Dental XP

Leave Your TMJ Pain Behind

Has pain been cramping your style? Think of the headway you’ll make in life with targeted therapy:

Appreciate Food Again

Has it been a chore to chew? This necessary action should not have to hurt, and with our help, it won’t. Jaws can successfully grind food between teeth before swallowing. Close that beverage menu. Ask about chef specials instead!

Gift of Gab Returns

Losing your ability to talk and laugh freely limits how you can communicate. Let your mouth loose! Catch up on juicy gossip. Giggle with glee. Explore the fun side of being you!

Quality of Life Improves

Wonder what could happen when you’re no longer focused on how painful it is to do mundane tasks? Want to find out? We’re betting you can put that newfound energy towards truly living.

Teeth Are Protected

Bruxism is one of the leading causes of this condition. Successfully controlling teeth grinding prevents future damage. Instead of being continually ground down, your teeth can be safeguarded.

Related Ailments Clear Up

Jaw pain is just the beginning. Earaches, headaches, swelling, tinnitus and toothaches are closely linked to this joint. Remedying this condition will not only help your jaw, these other painful aches could vanish too.

Level of Comfort Increases

Pain-free living is possible thanks to Smiles by Hanna! Stop spending time on researching how to feel better. Start feeling better. Discontinue daily use of NSAIDS. Everything looks better when your TMJ isn’t in charge. Save popping and locking for the dance floor.

Relief From TMJ Treatment – Frequently Asked Questions

Does a TMJ cure require a TMJ dentist?

This answer varies. Some patients may get by with small lifestyle changes. More severe cases need the help of a skilled expert like Dr. Mansoor. The only way to know for certain which of these categories you belong in is to schedule a consultation.

Once a diagnosis is made, options can be discussed. You may be able to simply exercise your jaw in a beneficial manner. Or you may need serious help.

Does insurance cover TMD therapy?

This subject is not always clear. Medically necessary treatments that can make the jaw function better may be covered. However, some plans will only cover specific options. Certain therapy methods are considered experimental and are not mainstream enough for coverage.

Contact your insurance company to learn exactly what may be covered. Smiles by Hanna accepts various types of insurance.

How do I know if I have this joint disorder?

Self-diagnosing may be all the rage, but it’s best not to guess what plagues you. There’s a reason why dentists and doctors have gone to school for many years. Advanced degrees give these professionals a high amount of skill and knowledge.

A thorough exam is first on the list. When you arrive for your consultation, we take inventory of your symptoms.

Your jaw isn’t the only thing in question. Your teeth, ears, neck and even your shoulders are considered. All these areas are assessed.

After carefully reviewing your dental history and examining you, Dr. Mansoor can determine if your TMJ is to blame. Now the exciting part begins! Selecting a course of treatment for TMJ that works!

How much does therapy for TMJ-related issues cost?

There’s a huge discrepancy in price here. Some DIY treatments are cheap or even free. Some of the less invasive options need a series of treatments for success. Such sessions may average anywhere from $100 to $500.

Surgery is the most expensive choice. A total joint replacement can skyrocket past $60,000.

We offer an in-house discount plan and payment plan through CareCredit.

What are signs of TMD?

While symptoms can range with each patient, there is a list of potential issues.

  • Bite that is unbalanced
  • Chewing problems
  • Chronic jawbone, neck, back and/or shoulder soreness
  • Dizzy spells
  • Earaches
  • Feeling that jaws have locked into position
  • General achiness in the facial region
  • Headaches
  • Jaw pops and clicks when mouth opens and shuts
  • Limited range of mouth motion
  • Muscle stiffness in the jaw area
  • Pain felt behind the eyes
  • Tinnitus
  • Toothache

What causes lock jaw?

Pinpointing the exact cause of a lock jaw can be difficult. There are, however, common issues that can lead to this problem.

  •  Arthritis in the jaw
  • Bruxism
  • Cartilage wearing out
  • Chewing gum, biting nails and/or nibbling on pens
  • Damaged teeth that have begun impacting the jawbone
  • Poor alignment between upper and lower jaws
  • Severe injury
  • Stress

What if I don’t do anything?

If you don’t act, nothing will happen. The pain-relieving fairy won’t make an impromptu visit. Serious TMD rarely goes away on its own, so just avoiding it will prolong getting help you need.

You might become hopeful when comfort returns. Unfortunately, this cycle is to be expected. You may feel fine one minute. The good feeling’s gone the next. Real relief is typically not experienced until treatment for TMJ begins.

Which people are greatest risk?

Don’t panic if you fall into one or more of the groups below. Just understand the likelihood of contracting this condition increases.

  • Age. This issue primarily effects patients ages 30 to 50 years old. Although this demographic is susceptible, you can develop symptoms at any time.
  • Excessive chewing. Constantly smacking on a piece of Bubblicious can overwork this jaw hinge.
  • Gender. Ladies aren’t so lucky in this department. Up to 90 percent of patients seeking relief were assigned female at birth.
  • Pre-existing conditions. Bruxism, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis are some ailments that can increase your odds of triggering TMJ troubles. An irregular bite or alignment issues can tax this joint as well.
  • Trauma. If you’ve sustained a severe injury to the jaw, neck or even shoulder area, this adds to your risk.

Info For New Patients

New Patient Info

We want to make sure you're 100% ready for your first visit. Here are links to information about insurance coverage and forms that we'll need you to complete before visiting us.

> Common FAQs
> Insurance Information
> Forms to Complete

Ready To Get Started On Your New Smile?

It's time you stop putting off your next dental visit. Whether it's a general check-up or a complex restorative or cosmetic procedure, the time to book your appointment is now!

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