Dugan & Sweeney Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
412-366-2090
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TMJ Treatment in Pittsburgh, PA

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, a joint on each side of your skull that connects to your jaw and helps to control its movement and function. If you feel stiffness or pain in your jaw on a regular basis, you may be suffering from a Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).

What is TMD?

TMD can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common is clenching or grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism. Injuries or arthritis can also stretch or tear your muscle ligaments.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek treatment as soon as possible:

  • Stiffness or pain in your jaw
  • asian woman grasping cheek in pain from TMJ disorderClicking or popping sounds when you open and close your jaw
  • Misaligned bite
  • Difficulty moving your jaw or lockjaw
  • Facial pain and swelling
  • Headaches
  • Toothaches
  • Neck pain
  • Earaches or tinnitus

TMJ Treatment

There are a variety of methods we can use to treat your TMD and relieve your jaw pain. We always recommend starting with self-care at home. This can include:

  • Resting your jaw
  • Eating soft foods
  • Applying ice and heat
  • Exercising your jaw
  • Practicing good posture

We’ll also typically prescribe a muscle relaxer or anti-inflammatory to alleviate your pain. In some cases, we can inject steroids directly into your joints to reduce inflammation.

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Customized Mouthguards

If medication and self-care methods aren’t enough, we can customize a mouthguard just for you. This appliance, also called a nightguard, is worn overnight and keeps your teeth separated, helping your jaw muscles relax and reducing your pain. They also help to protect your teeth from the wear of grinding.

Alternatively, if your TMD requires more than overnight treatment, we can use an anterior positioning appliance to shift your jaw forward and help with disc repositioning. Unlike nightguards, you’ll wear this appliance throughout the day. Whichever option you choose, we’ll customize it to fit comfortably over your teeth.

Bite Correction Surgery

TMD can sometimes occur as the result of malocclusion, when teeth are shift out of proper alignment and alter your bite pressure. This can diminish your ability to eat and speak, cause persistent discomfort, and interfere with the function of the temporomandibular joint.

For severe cases like this, surgical intervention such as arthroscopy or open joint repair may be necessary. However, we only consider TMJ surgery if we’ve exhausted every other option and you’re still in debilitating pain.

Visit Drs. Dugan & Sweeney for TMJ Treatment

If you suspect you may be suffering from TMD, Drs. Dugan and Sweeney can examine your jaw and find the most convenient solution for your symptoms. Whether it’s a customized mouthguard or a simple self-care routine at home, we’ll ensure that your treatment is comfortable and efficient.

Contact us today and schedule your initial consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there additional factors that may cause TMD?
When should I see a doctor for TMJ treatment?
What causes jaw pain when chewing?
Can TMD cause hearing loss?
Are there additional factors that may cause TMD?
Along with injury, there are many other factors that may cause TMJ disorder. This may include teeth grinding, missing teeth, certain types of arthritis in the TMJ, dislocation of the ball and socket of the TMJ, and it’s also known to be genetic. At your appointment, Dr. Snyder or Dr. Dugan will assess your symptoms and entire mouth to determine the cause of your TMJ pain.
When should I see a doctor for TMJ treatment?
If you have recurring pain throughout the day, we recommend coming in to have your TMJ evaluated.  Even mild cases of TMJ can progress to become severe over time and interfere with your ability to eat and cause long term damage.

Our dentists can determine the extent of your TMJ issues and provide treatment so you can live your life without pain. 

What causes jaw pain when chewing?
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on both sides of your head, near your ears. These joints help your jaw to open and close when you eat, speak, and yawn. 

If something happens to affect your TMJ, you may end up with a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Your TMJ can be affected by a variety of factors, including arthritis, an accident, or stress.

Can TMD cause hearing loss?
Yes– TMJ issues can lead to hearing loss. Your TMJs are on either side of your head, located near your ears. If there’s an issue with your joints, you may experience hearing loss due to the proximity.

The good news is that treatment for TMD may help you to regain your hearing. As the stress on your joints is relieved, the condition of your ears will also likely improve. Your hearing may change depending on the severity of your TMD and your treatment options.

Pittsburgh Office
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Pittsburgh Office
Pittsburgh Location Dugan and Sweeney
9401 McKnight Rd Suite 201
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Phone: (412) 366- 2090
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Hours Mon - Thurs: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

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Butler Office
Butler Office
373 Evans City Road
Butler, PA 16001
Phone: (724) 282-6312
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Hours Mon - Thurs: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

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Zelienople Office
Zelienople Office Dugan and Sweeney
506 South Main Street Suite 2101
Zelienople, PA 16063
Phone: (724) 452-9153
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Hours Mon - Thurs: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

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Greenville Office
Greenville Office Dugan and Sweeney
2 Greenville Orthopedic Center
Greenville, PA 16125
Phone: (724) 588-7260
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Hours Mon - Thurs: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

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