908-654-0095 169 Mountain Ave, Westfield, NJ, 07090

TMJ

If you get frequent headaches, ear pain, neck pain, or if you find yourself grinding your teeth, make an appointment today to check for TMJ disorder.

Relieve jaw pain, headaches, and more with non-invasive TMJ treatment in Westfield

One of the problems that your dentist is skilled at recognizing and treating is TMJ disorder. This condition is sometimes difficult to identify because the symptoms associated with TMJ disorder may be attributed to some other cause. In addition, due to symptoms such as head and neck pain or ear pain, TMJ disorder is often not immediately recognized.

I saw a video of myself back in 1990. I was so amazed at the change Dr. Streko has made in my life. My teeth are wonderful. I don’t have to feel embarrassed. I feel proud and confident when I smile. Dr. Streko has made a world of difference in my life. Thanks, Dr. Streko.

Elizabeth H

All around the face and head are muscles, ligaments, and nerves, which are used to complete a variety of functions. The specifics of these and other oral structures, including the temporomandibular joint, are determined by our genetic code. The length of the muscles in the jaw does not change once we have reached full development. What can change with time is the structure of teeth and bones in the head, face, and neck. The changes that occur in these areas may clash with the natural length of muscles in the jaw in a state of imbalance in the facial structure. This imbalance results in a domino effect in which excessive wear on teeth occurs and undue stress is placed on the joints. The result of this dysfunction may be chronic headaches and other discomfort.

Our job as experienced dentists is to think about the neuromuscular system in the face and head of the affected patient. When we notice that teeth at the back of the mouth seem worn, we will look for additional signs of TMJ dysfunction. By identifying this problem, we are able to address the cause of dysfunction, solving the root problem of uncomfortable symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life.

TMJ treatment in our Westfield, NJ dental office is based on the data gathered in a thorough assessment. In most cases, this chronic problem can be addressed without surgical intervention, reaching the desired outcome through personalized treatment planning and innovative procedures.

Dr. Streko and Dr. O’Connell have decades of experience and familiarity with neuromuscular dentistry for the effective treatment of TMJ disorder. For more information on TMJ or to schedule an evaluation and consultation in our office, call 908-654-0095. We are happy to help you keep your smile healthy.

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Tmj Therapy

Oral appliance therapy can address TMJ/TMD conditions for Westfield area patients

A condition that affects many patients in the Westfield, NJ area is TMJ disorder (TMD). TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the joint that allows the jaw to open and close. Sometimes it becomes problematic and can develop into TMD, or temporomandibular disorder. TMJ and TMD are often used interchangeably by many of our patients but essentially refer to the condition itself.

TMJ disorder can be difficult for patients to have diagnosed because of the many elements and symptoms that are associated with it. It can cause clicking and locking of the jaw, and may also cause pain to radiate through the neck, head, and even the ears. This can make it harder for a physician to properly diagnose. However, Drs. Thomas Streko and Nina O’Connell of the Westfield, NJ area have extensive experience with the neuromuscular system of the jaw and can easily recognize when TMJ disorder is an issue. The imbalance in the facial muscles can cause excessive wear and tear on the teeth and place stress on specific joints. Patients who have TMJ disorders often complain of chronic headaches as well, an indication that TMD is present.

While there are surgical methods of treatment, many patients can avoid surgery with oral appliance therapy. Oral appliance therapy uses a special mouth piece worn at night to help realign the jaw and reduce tension on the joint. This can alleviate chronic headaches and protect the teeth that may otherwise be harmed by this condition.

Drs. Thomas Streko and Nina O’Connell of Westfield, NJ are committed to helping patients achieve healthier, more beautiful smiles, and when TMJ disorder is an issue, they can help! Contact us today by calling 908-654-0095 and making an appointment. Patients can undergo a complete examination to determine if TMD is a true issue. This team accepts new patients.

Tmj Doctor In Westfield

Doctor in Westfield describes the condition TMJ

A typical dentist has generalized experience in providing general and restorative dentistry. They can place crowns, deal with cavities, and provide x-rays and examinations. It takes a special doctor to provide additional services in the Westfield area including the diagnosis and treatment of conditions; such as TMJ disorder.

TMJ disorder, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder, is a condition caused by issues around the ligaments, muscles, and nerves around the jaw joint. This jaw joint is known as the TMJ. The TMJ may become problematic and result in a variety of issues including:

  • Clicking and popping of the jaw joint
  • Pain around the jaw
  • Lock jaw
  • Discomfort when eating
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Pain behind the ear and down the neck

TMJ disorder does not have a specific cause though it may stem from the alignment of the bite. Sometimes, realigning the bite with orthodontics can help improve this condition. Other times, patients may need to use an oral appliance to help realign the jaw and reduce pressure. This also reduces damage to the surrounding teeth which may be caused from clenching, grinding, and poor alignment.

TMJ disorder can be diagnosed and treated with the right professional. With extra experience, our dentist knows the neuromuscular system and how it works. He knows how to look for signs of TMJ even when patients aren’t aware it exists, including identifying teeth that look unusually worn. He can also ask patients questions about their overall oral health and wellness, as well as, any pain and discomfort they may occasionally experience which may point to the development of this condition.

If you reside in the area of Westfield, NJ and are seeking a doctor or dentist who is specially trained in diagnosing and treating conditions; such as TMJ (or TMD – temporomandibular disorder), now is a great time to call the practice of Dr. Thomas C. Streko to book an initial consultation appointment. He can provide a thorough examination of the smile and perform x-rays which can help him in properly diagnosing this condition and then speaking with patients regarding appropriate treatment options.

Tmj Treatments Westfield

Westfield area dentist offers treatments for TMJ

People who are experiencing symptoms such as chronic headaches and jaw pain may want to speak to Dr. Thomas C. Streko about a proper diagnosis for a condition known as TMJ disorder (TMD). TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, the joint that hinges the jaw together. This joint allows us to eat, speak, yawn, and laugh. When it becomes troublesome, it can result in pain and discomfort that many patients have trouble pinpointing. Dr. Thomas C. Streko of Westfield is a dentist who can help determine if patients are suffering from TMD and discuss possible treatments to address it.

A diagnosis of TMJ/TMD is done in the dental office. Dr. Thomas C. Streko may be able to diagnose the condition based on the alignment of the dental arch and bite, as well as signs of damage to the surrounding teeth. He may also learn more about the condition during a consultation with his patient. If patients complain of pain in the jaw and headaches along with shoulder and neck pain, this may indicate an issue with the joint. The condition not only affects the joints but can cause discomfort in the surrounding muscles. Having a dentist who understands neuromuscular science can be helpful in reaching a proper diagnosis.

Once patients have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder, they can then discuss treatment options. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may be addressed with the use of oral appliance therapy. This special mouth guard is worn to help in protecting the surrounding teeth and reduce pressure in the jaw. It is typically used at bedtime to help protect against bruxism, clenching and grinding of the teeth, which can cause substantial damage to enamel. Another option is orthodontic treatment to help realign the jaw. This can relieve patients of a lot of the pain and discomfort they associate with this condition while improving bite alignment.

If you live in or around the Westfield area and want to speak to a doctor who has a neuromuscular background and can assist with TMJ disorder, contact Dr. Thomas C. Streko today.

Tmj Disorder Westfield

Treatment for TMJ disorder may help patients near Westfield say goodbye to chronic headaches

The dentist is the person you visit when you have a dental problem; the profession in whom you trust to keep your teeth and gums in optimal health. The truth is, there is much more that your experienced dentist may be able to do for you. Patients of Dr. Streko and Dr. O’Connell receive care from dentists who are very familiar with the entire anatomy of the face, head, and neck. When issues such as chronic headaches are a problem, it is possible that your dentist may discover the underlying cause in the jaw.

Chronic pain in the head and neck is a problem many American face. Due to the varying degrees of symptoms patients experience, the cause of chronic pain may be misdiagnosed. In many cases, however, the root cause of pain may be linked to dysfunction in the joints of the jaw. TMJ disorder involves not only the temporomandibular joints but also the various interconnected bones, ligaments, and muscles that span the face, head, and neck. Often, patients find that when their dentist treats TMJ disorder, chronic headaches become a thing of the past. We are happy to provide patients of our Westfield dental practice with care tailored to their precise needs.

What causes TMJ disorder?

The direct cause of TMJ disorder is excessive stress on the temporomandibular joints. Finding out where this stress comes from is the key to effective treatment. Due to the numerous potential causes, the biggest challenge of treating TMJ is making that initial diagnosis. Once discovered, the dentist will consider causes such as arthritis, bite issues, bruxism, and other conditions.

Symptoms of TMJ disorder

When the joints and various other structures of the jaw are not working harmoniously, several different symptoms may develop. The most common are jaw and facial pain or chronic headaches and neck pain. patients may also have a difficult time moving their jaw to the fullest extent. Chewing may become uncomfortable and ringing in the ears may be noticed.

Reducing symptoms with effective TMJ treatment

TMJ disorder does not occur in every person for the same reason or in the same manner. Dr. Streko and Dr. O’Connell take a personalized approach to the diagnosis and treatment of dysfunction in the joints that operate the jaw. While standard therapeutic protocols exist, such as the use of a customized oral appliance, a dentist with a strong background in neuromuscular science may also incorporate other treatments aimed at reducing stress on joints so that patients may feel more comfortable.