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TMJ Dentistry

Visit Smallwood Dental Solutions for Harrisonburg TMJ Treatment

Stop Dealing with Jaw Pain

Many people suffer quietly with migraines, jaw pain, and neck pain without knowing the cause. Dr. Smallwood specializes in TMJ pain relief in Harrisonburg and can help you identify TMD and help get you out of pain. Often, the cause of such issues can be unclear, but among the factors contributing to them are clenching and/or grinding of the teeth during sleep, trauma to the jaw, and arthritis.

If you’re experiencing symptoms like difficulty opening your mouth, popping or clicking sounds in the jaw, or persistent headaches, it’s time to consult with a TMJ specialist. When you’re searching for a “TMJ dentist near me,” Dr. Smallwood has the skill and experience to find you lasting relief. We use advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatments to address the root causes of your discomfort. Don’t let jaw pain control your life—schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief. Our team is dedicated to providing effective solutions for TMJ, offering customized care plans to help you achieve long-term comfort.

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Visit Smallwood Dental Solutions for Harrisonburg TMJ Treatment

Symptoms

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders can cause a range of symptoms that impact your daily life. Common signs include jaw pain or tenderness, headaches, neck pain, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth. People with TMJ may also experience clicking, popping, or grating sounds when chewing or talking, as well as facial pain or swelling around the jaw area. Additionally, some may have difficulty chewing or a locked jaw. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking TMJ pain relief in Harrisonburg can help identify the underlying cause and provide you with effective treatments for lasting relief.

You’ll notice that the symptoms listed here could be symptoms of conditions other than a TMD; that’s why you must have a professional diagnose your jaw problem. Possible symptoms include:

  • Headaches, even at the migraine level
  • Pain behind the eyes that also affects the face, shoulder, neck, and/or back
  • Earaches or ear ringing
  • Clicking or popping jaw
  • Lockjaw
  • Restricted mouth movement
  • Clenching or grinding of your teeth
  • A change in the alignment of your bite

Treatment Options

TMJ treatment options vary depending on the severity of the disorder, and they can be highly effective in relieving pain and restoring comfort. One common option is a custom occlusal guard, a specially molded device worn during sleep to prevent teeth grinding or clenching. For patients seeking additional relief, chiropractic care can help relax muscles and relieve stress on the joints.

Physical therapy is also an excellent treatment option, as it can help retrain the jaw and improve movement. In some cases, surgery may be required, and we will refer you to a trusted oral surgeon. To support recovery, incorporating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can further reduce inflammation. If you’re seeking TMJ pain relief in Harrisonburg, we’re here to help you explore the best treatment options tailored to your needs and get you back to living pain-free.

  • Custom Occlusal Guard: This is a custom-fitted, custom-molded guard worn over your teeth while sleeping to ease the effects of clenching and/or grinding; we fit those right here in the office.
  • Chiropractic Referral: Chiropractic treatment can be very helpful in relaxing muscles and relieving joint stress.
  • Physical Therapy: Retraining the jaw through physical therapy is another proven relief method.
  • Oral Surgeon Referral: Some TMD cases require surgical intervention; in those cases, we will refer you to a trusted oral surgeon.

Visit us for experienced Harrisonburg TMJ treatment and get out of pain today.

Our Patients Love us!

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I’ve been a regular with Dr. Smallwood since they first came to Harrisonburg some years ago and I can highly recommend them. Where would my teeth be without them?

" - Skip T.
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I have been going to this practice for ten years. They have always shown kindness, friendliness, and caring. Thank you for taking the time, and your expertise in guiding me to a healthier smile.

" - Jeannie H.
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I enjoyed every minute of my appointment. Everyone is so nice. They not only deliver superb dental care, they treat the patient as a real human person, not just a mouth. I went home inspired, threw out the peanut brittle, and started to faithfully use my waterpik.

" - Susan A.
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