TMD/TMJ

Temporomandibular disorders (TMJ / TMDs) are often called “TMJ” although TMJ actually refers only to the jaw joints themselves. TMD/TMJ describes a group of diseases that can involve the jaw joints, the muscles that control jaw movement and the dental occlusion.

TMJ / TMDs are physical disorders arising from an imbalance in the delicate working relationship of the jaw and skull with the muscles that move the jaw, as well as the nervous system associated with these systems.

Treating TMD with a holistic approach helps the doctor, dentist and other professionals discover the causes. Along with addressing the physical components of the pain, the interdisciplinary team can focus on identifying and changing behaviors that are contributing factors to TMD. Some of these behaviors are jaw clenching, teeth grinding, nail biting and other tension relieving oral habits that are common and known to increase during the highly stressful holiday season. Treatment plans may include jaw rest, medication, exercises, physical therapy and stress management.

Dr. Wagner works together with a team of professionals, which can include a neurologist, ENT, psychologist and primary physician. It is always recommended that patients see their primary physician initially in order to rule out any other physical causes of your particular symptoms.

TMD is also on the rise in the teenage and adolescent population due to an increase in family, environmental and social stresses that children of all ages experience in today’s high-pressure fast paced world.

Properly diagnosed and treated, TMD patients can improve. As a sufferer of TMD herself, which went diagnosed far too long, she dedicated herself to becoming an expert in the field. Previously you weren’t able to get the care and information you needed and so many people were suffering unnecessarily.

Common TMJ/TMD symptoms include: headache, facial pain, jaw pain, ear pain, clicking/popping in jaw joints, difficulty chewing, uncomfortable bite, limited mouth opening, tinnitus, neck pain and dizziness. Always see your primary physician first if you are experiencing any of the listed symptoms.

Monmouth-Ocean County Dental Society, First Female President,
Monmouth Medical Center, Attending Dental Dept., Teaching Staff
Honored by Monmouth Medical Center for 25 Years of Service
Member NJ Dental Association

We participate with: Aetna PPO, Delta Premier Provider, Horizon Traditional, MetLife Dental, Dental Save (formerly Northeast-Southeast Dental Plan.) We will submit for all insurance claims.

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