TMJ Treatment in Barnegat, NJ
Relieve Jaw Pain and Restore Comfort in Barnegat
Why People Love Periodontics & Implant Center
Trusted TMJ Care at Periodontics & Implants Center
We take the time to listen, investigate, and diagnose accurately, then build a personalized treatment plan designed to relieve your pain, restore full jaw function, and protect your long-term oral health.
What Is a TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joints are the two hinge-like joints that connect your lower jaw to the base of your skull, one in front of each ear. These joints work in concert with a complex system of muscles, ligaments, and cartilage to allow your jaw to open, close, and move side to side.
When something disrupts that system, whether through injury, chronic stress, arthritis, teeth grinding, or bite misalignment, a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can develop. At our Barnegat practice, we specialize in identifying exactly what's driving your TMJ symptoms and treating it directly.
Signs You May Have a TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorders are remarkably variable in how they present, which is part of why they're so often overlooked or misattributed. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Jaw pain or soreness, particularly when chewing or speaking
- Audible clicking, popping, or grinding sounds from the jaw joint
- Limited jaw opening or a jaw that locks in the open or closed position
- Morning headaches or facial pain, often linked to nighttime grinding
- Ear congestion, pain, or ringing (tinnitus)
- Pain at the temples or along the sides of the face
- Tension in the neck, shoulders, or upper back
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, a consultation at our Barnegat office is an important first step toward relief.
Why You Shouldn't Wait to Seek Treatment
It's tempting to dismiss TMJ pain as something that will eventually go away on its own, but untreated TMJ disorders tend to escalate over time. The persistent pressure from clenching and grinding gradually erodes tooth enamel, can fracture crowns or fillings, and may compromise the structural integrity of the jaw joint itself.
Prolonged joint inflammation is more difficult to reverse and may eventually require more invasive intervention. By seeking care early at our Barnegat office, you preserve access to the most conservative and effective treatment options available.
How We Treat TMJ Disorders
Custom Oral Appliance Therapy
A precisely fitted oral appliance is often the most effective initial treatment for TMJ disorders. Worn during sleep, the custom splint or night guard repositions the jaw, reduces pressure on the joint, and prevents the harmful effects of bruxism.
Unlike generic store-bought guards, our appliances are fabricated from detailed impressions of your teeth and bite, ensuring the fit, comfort, and protective function that over-the-counter products cannot provide.
Muscle Relaxation Injections
Injectable muscle relaxation therapy reduces the activity of the overworked jaw muscles that drive clenching and grinding. It provides meaningful relief from jaw pain, tension headaches, and joint stress, with results typically lasting several months.
For patients in Barnegat who haven't found lasting relief through other means, this approach can make a significant difference.
Occlusal Adjustment
A bite that's even slightly out of balance can place significant, repetitive stress on the TMJ. Through a careful occlusal adjustment, our specialists selectively refine the surfaces of your teeth so that your bite comes together in a more even, stable way.
This reduces the load on the joint and surrounding muscles, often producing a noticeable reduction in pain and tension.
Supportive Therapy and Self-Care Guidance
Comprehensive TMJ care extends beyond the dental chair. We provide each patient with a personalized plan for at-home jaw exercises, posture corrections, and dietary guidance during flare-ups.
We also offer strategies to reduce the stress and habitual behaviors like jaw clenching that aggravate the condition, and coordinate with physical therapy providers as needed to ensure a truly integrated approach to recovery.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is reserved for the small percentage of patients whose TMJ disorder involves significant structural damage and has not responded to conservative therapies. Options range from minimally invasive procedures like arthrocentesis and arthroscopy to open-joint surgery for the most complex cases.
Our specialists will guide you carefully through this decision, ensuring you understand every option and feel confident in the path forward.
What Happens at Your TMJ Consultation
Detailed History Review
Physical Examination
Imaging as Needed
Diagnosis and Personalized Plan
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Dr. Andrew Andawis
With a true passion for the art of Dentistry, Dr. Andrawis had his eye on the goal since his early High school days in East Brunswick, NJ. This allowed him to enroll in an accelerated 7-year joint program between Rutgers University and the School of Dental Medicine in Newark, New Jersey (Now part of Rutgers University).
Dr. Andrawis graduated in 2015 with a doctorate in Dental Medicine degree. With a special interest in soft tissue augmentation and oral plastic surgery, Dr. Andrawis pursued a career in periodontics at the Ashman Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at New York University. During his residency, he presented numerous times at intercollegiate conferences about innovative techniques in dentoalveolar trauma, digital dentistry, and immediate implant placement.
In 2018, Dr. Andrawis became a board-certified periodontist, boarded by the American Board of Periodontology. When he’s not doing surgery, Dr. Andrawis enjoys playing tennis, traveling with friends, and flying his drone.
Dr. Kelin Walsh
Bio coming soon.
Dr. Marina Mishriky
Dr. Marina Mishriky is a renowned restorative dentist with a focused expertise in perfecting Laser Periodontal Therapy. Her career is marked by a passion for precision and a commitment to patient well-being. Dr. Mishriky's approach is characterized by a gentle and personalized touch, tailoring her treatments to the unique needs of each individual. She employs a comprehensive method that integrates evidence-based studies, follows established protocols, and prioritizes thorough patient education.
Dedicated to achieving optimal outcomes, Dr. Mishriky actively encourages open communication with her patients. She welcomes questions and concerns, ensuring a supportive and informed experience throughout the Laser Periodontal Therapy process. Trust in Dr. Mishriky for expert care that goes beyond treatment, fostering a partnership in your journey towards improved oral health and a confident smile.
Dr. Andrew Yousef
Dr. Andrew Yousef is a recent graduate from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry Class of 2019. He also received his Certification in Periodontics and Implantology from New York University in 2022. Dr. Yousef is an incredibly passionate periodontist, whose sole focus is to provide the best dental care for his patients. Not only that, he is dedicated to continually learning and perfecting his craft, using the most up to date surgical techniques and materials to ensure that his patients receive incredible results.
Dr. Yousef was born in New York, New York but moved to the small town of East Brunswick, New Jersey very early in his life. He is the oldest of three, with two younger brothers. Both of his parents were of Egyptian descent and migrated to the States to give their future children better lives.
As Dr. Yousef grew up, he excelled in his academics and was mentored by a family dentist in high school who encouraged him to pursue dentistry. With the intention of becoming a dentist, Dr. Yousef attended Rutgers University, and upon graduation, applied and was accepted to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry where he ultimately received his doctorate degree. From there, Dr. Yousef pursued his specific passion for surgery by attending New York University to complete his certification in Periodontics and Implantology.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes TMJ disorders?
There's rarely a single cause. TMJ disorders most commonly develop from a combination of factors, including teeth grinding or clenching, bite misalignment, jaw injury, arthritis in the joint, and chronic stress.
Identifying which factors are at play in your case is an important part of building an effective treatment plan.
Is a clicking jaw always a sign of TMJ disorder?
Not necessarily. Some jaw clicking is harmless and occurs without pain or functional limitation. However, clicking that's accompanied by pain, restricted movement, or locking is worth having evaluated.
A specialist can determine whether what you're experiencing reflects a joint issue that warrants treatment.
Can children and teens develop TMJ disorders?
Yes, though it's less common than in adults. Younger patients can develop TMJ symptoms related to bruxism, jaw trauma, or growth-related bite changes.
If your child is complaining of jaw pain or frequent headaches, it's worth mentioning at their next dental visit.
What should I avoid if I have TMJ?
During flare-ups, it helps to stick to softer foods, avoid chewing gum, and minimize wide jaw movements like yawning or taking large bites. Reducing stress and practicing awareness of jaw clenching habits during the day can also help.
We'll give you specific guidance based on your situation at your appointment.
How is TMJ treatment different at a periodontal specialist's office?
Periodontists bring a higher level of surgical and anatomical expertise to jaw-related conditions. For patients whose TMJ disorder involves significant joint pathology, bone loss around the jaw, or complex bite issues, specialist-level care often leads to more accurate diagnosis and more targeted treatment.
