TMJ Treatment Provides Pain Relief
TMJ disorder affects more than 25% of the population, making it a common issue that can significantly impact quality of life. From jaw pain and facial discomfort to migraines and earaches, the symptoms can become truly debilitating.
Fortunately, Dr. Rudnick and his compassionate team offer a range of effective TMJ treatment options tailored to your specific needs, ensuring relief and comfort.
You don’t have to continue suffering—reach out to us today or call our office to schedule a TMJ consultation with Dr. Rudnick.
Life-Changing TMJ Treatment in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Dr. Rudnick has the specialized training needed to help you find the right solution to deal with not just the symptoms, but the underlying cause of your symptoms. Finding true relief from constant pain has been life-changing for many of Dr. Rudnick’s patients.
Dr. Andrew Rudnick’s approach to TMJ treatment combines advanced training from the prestigious LVI Global Institute with state-of-the-art techniques designed to treat the root cause of your discomfort. His expertise in physiologic dentistry allows him to offer a range of effective, non-invasive treatments that address jaw misalignment, muscle tension, and bite irregularities.
Using tools like BioPAK computerized jaw tracking and TENS therapy to relax muscles, Dr. Rudnick customizes each treatment plan based on your unique needs. Options include oral appliances, night guards, cold laser therapy, and specialized orthotics to relieve pain and stabilize your bite, providing long-lasting relief and improved quality of life.
Watch Our TMJ Explainer Video
Understanding TMJ and TMD
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a vital connection between your upper and lower jaws and the temporal bones, located just in front of each ear. This joint allows for the smooth movement of your jaw, making it possible to talk, chew, and perform everyday functions with ease.
However, when the TMJ becomes stressed or misaligned, it can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD is a condition that is often overlooked or misdiagnosed, causing symptoms like persistent headaches, jaw pain, and facial discomfort. This can result from a variety of issues, such as injury, clenching or grinding teeth, arthritis, or tension in the jaw muscles due to stress. Additionally, malocclusion (bite misalignment) or a dislocated jaw disc can further contribute to the disorder, restricting proper jaw movement.
Could Your Jaw Pain and Headaches Indicate Something More Serious?
If you are experiencing chronic jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty with jaw function, it may be a sign of TMJ disorder. Addressing these symptoms early can prevent further complications and improve your overall quality of life.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
There are many causes of TMJ pain, so diagnosing the actual issue is key. TMD can result from a range of issues, including:
Trauma or injury- Chronic stress leading to muscle tension
- Arthritis affecting the TMJ
- Whiplash or postural imbalances
- Congenital jaw irregularities or mid-face deficiency
- Mouth breathing or improper tongue posture
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Misaligned teeth
- Thumb sucking habits
Trauma or injuryRecognizing the Symptoms of TMD
TMD symptoms can often be mistaken for other conditions, making accurate diagnosis challenging. If you experience recurring headaches, jaw pain, or difficulty with everyday movements, it may be time to consult with a TMJ specialist such as our physiologic dentist, Dr. Rudnick.
Symptoms can vary widely but often include the following:
How Is TMD Diagnosed?
Diagnosing TMD can be complex and often requires a blend of medical and dental evaluations. Many times, symptoms like chronic headaches or facial pain are misattributed to migraines by medical doctors. When standard treatments fail to resolve the issue, a physiologic dentist like Dr. Rudnick can identify that TMD is the underlying cause.
To accurately diagnose TMD, Dr. Rudnick may use a combination of assessments and advanced diagnostic tools, including:
- X-rays: Provides detailed images of the jawbone structure and TMJ to identify any abnormalities or damage.
- Dental Examination for Bite Alignment: Evaluates how your teeth come together to check for misalignment that could be contributing to TMD.
- Head and Neck Evaluation: Assesses muscle tension and tenderness in the head, neck, and jaw area, which can be signs of TMD.
- MRI/CT Scan: Offers in-depth imaging of the jaw joint and surrounding tissues to reveal any structural issues or inflammation.
- Postural Examination: Reviews overall body posture, as improper posture can contribute to jaw tension and misalignment.
- TMJ & Muscle Palpation: Manual examination of the TMJ and surrounding muscles to identify pain points and muscle tightness.
- BioPAK Bite Tracking: Dr. Rudnick uses BioPAK computerized jaw tracking to analyze your bite position and surrounding muscle activity. This advanced tool helps in assessing the severity of TMJ disorder and determining the most effective treatment approach.
- Sonography: Uses sound waves to detect any clicking or popping noises in the jaw joint that indicate joint dysfunction.
- Electromyography (EMG): Measures the electrical activity of jaw muscles to determine if they are functioning properly or if there is abnormal muscle tension.
- TekScan: Provides a precise analysis of your bite by measuring the distribution of force when your teeth come together, helping to identify bite imbalances.
After pinpointing TMD as the cause of your discomfort, Dr. Rudnick will recommend a tailored treatment plan to address your specific needs. Patients from across the U.S. seek out our expertise in TMJ treatment—take the first step toward relief today. A precise diagnosis is key to alleviating your symptoms and restoring your quality of life.
KIND WORDS FROM PATIENTS
Excellent care. Staff makes you feel like you are their family. The office staff went many extra mikes to straighten out my insurance coverage. Dr. Rudnick is very caring and patient. He genuinely cares about your comfort and a successful treatment. Highly recommend.
Gayle P.
My wife and I had our teeth cleaned today by Ashley who by far is an asset to Rudnick Dentistry. She is kind, professional and very empathetic in assuring that we were comfortable and safe during the procedure. Thank you for providing a wonderful experience for us! You are AWESOME!!
Thomas L.
First visit! I had an emergency and was able to come in within 24hrs, the staff was gentle and took care of me with respect. Once Dr. Rudnick came in to see me after detailing my CT scan, I felt that he also cared for me and how I felt. This is really important for me as a patient that has had a lot of work done! He was detailed and was able to alleviate my issue. Now I’m bringing in my son to get his annual check up as well!
Graciella C.
From the minute I reached out to Dr Rudnick’s office, I was impressed. The entire staff was beyond welcoming & professional. Immediately you feel that Dr Rudnick truly cares & listens to you. The entire experience was amazing & I’m excited & relieved to have found Dr Rudnick & his lovely staff!
Nicole D.
Love this office! Andrew Rudnick came recommended to me by a good friend who is currently under his Dental care as well as TMJ. Dr. Rudnick had no issue when I asked him to remove an old retainer that was left there by previous orthodontist. He removed the same day and it took him two seconds!
Marisa G.
Comprehensive TMJ Treatment Options
At Rudnick Dentistry, the goal is to address the root cause of TMJ disorder, not just manage its symptoms. Dr. Rudnick’s advanced training in physiologic dentistry allows him to alleviate muscle pain, realign your bite, and provide long-term relief. Working closely with you, he will tailor a treatment plan designed to ease your discomfort and enhance your quality of life. Contact us today to learn more.
Treatment Options: Phase I, Phase II, and No Treatment
Depending on your unique needs, Dr. Rudnick may recommend a phased approach to TMJ treatment or determine that no active intervention is necessary. Here’s an overview of each phase:
Phase I: Relieve Muscle Pain and Stabilize the Bite
Dr. Rudnick uses state-of-the-art technology to determine if your symptoms are caused by a misaligned bite (malocclusion) and finds the optimal position for your jaw.
This initial phase focuses on reducing muscle tension and aligning the bite for immediate relief.
Stabilization with Orthotic Mouthguards: Dr. Rudnick uses custom-fitted orthotic mouthguards to reposition your bite into its optimal position, providing stability and reducing symptoms. These mouthguards are designed using advanced digital scanners, ensuring precise fit and comfort.
TENS Therapy: Using a computerized muscle-relaxing unit—a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation device, or TENS—Dr. Rudnick applies ultra-low frequency electrical impulses to relax the muscles around the jaw. This non-invasive therapy lasts about an hour and helps reduce tension and pain.
Cold Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy uses targeted wavelengths to stimulate muscles and tissues around the jaw joint, improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. This quick, painless, and FDA-approved treatment helps alleviate discomfort.
Watch Our Video to Learn More about TMD
Phase II: Long-Term Bite Management
Once immediate symptoms are addressed, phase II focuses on maintaining jaw stability and preventing the return of pain.
- Orthotics: Custom-made mouthguards or splints that help maintain the corrected bite position.
- Orthodontics: Controlled arch braces may be used to correct jaw alignment and ensure long-term stability.
- Stress Management and Jaw Exercises: Techniques to reduce jaw tension and strengthen jaw muscles, aiding in long-term management.
- Cold Laser Therapy: This may continue as needed for ongoing relief and healing.
- Dental Restorations: In some cases, Dr. Rudnick may recommend crowns, bridges, or implants to improve overall bite alignment.
- Medications: As part of the broader treatment plan, medications may be prescribed to manage pain or inflammation.
We will put a plan in place to continue monitoring and adjusting your treatment. Our goal is to ensure your bite stays in a comfortable position to stop headaches and jaw pain.
No Medical Treatment
In certain cases, Dr. Rudnick may determine that active treatment is not required. Instead, he will provide guidance on lifestyle changes, stress management, and regular monitoring to ensure comfort and stability. Even without active intervention, it’s important to be mindful of habits that can impact your jaw health.
Some lifestyle adjustments that can help manage TMD symptoms include:
- Practicing stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises
- Avoiding hard or chewy foods that may strain the jaw muscles
- Maintaining good posture to reduce pressure on the jaw and neck
- Applying warm compresses to relax the jaw muscles and reduce tension
- Being mindful of jaw clenching and working to minimize habits like teeth grinding during the day
These changes can play a vital role in alleviating TMD symptoms and maintaining long-term comfort.
What Happens If TMD Is Left Completely Untreated?
While some cases of TMD may be manageable with minor adjustments, leaving the condition completely untreated can lead to a range of complications. Ignoring persistent symptoms can worsen the condition over time, causing greater discomfort and impacting overall well-being.
People with temporomandibular dysfunctions frequently report symptoms of depression, affected sleep quality, and a decrease in energy. It may also interfere with personal relationships and normal social activities.
If TMD is left untreated, it can result in serious problems, including:
- Chronic jaw pain
- Continued headaches
- Tooth loss
- Digestive issues
- Heart problems
Taking steps to address TMD, even if those steps are small, can prevent these complications and improve your quality of life. Find out if you have TMJ disorder.
Physiologic Dentistry & TMJ Treatment in Palm Beach County
Dr. Rudnick’s advanced training and extensive experience have made him a leading expert in TMJ care throughout Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, and West Palm Beach. At Rudnick Dentistry, we focus on treating the root cause of TMJ disorder, not just the symptoms, for lasting relief and better health.
Our approach to neuromuscular dentistry—a specialty that focuses on the relationship between muscles, joints, and teeth—seeks harmony to ensure your bite is properly aligned for optimal comfort and function. Reach out today to book a consultation and start your path to relief.
Watch Our Video to Learn More about Physiologic Dentistry
What Is a Physiologic Dentist?
Physiologic dentistry involves years of extra specialty training to address proper jaw alignment and movement to relieve TMJ disorder symptoms. Dr. Rudnick studied at the world-renowned LVI Global Institute to understand the complex connection between the facial muscles, bite, and teeth. He works with the hard and soft tissue, muscles, and nerves of the face to realign your jaw for optimal function. This also includes the articular disk, which allows for more comfortable opening, closing, chewing, and speaking.
Why Dr. Rudnick?
Our caring and gentle physiologic dentist has years of experience helping the Palm Beach County community relieve TMJ pain.
Dr. Rudnick strongly believes in LVI training to better help suffering patients from their debilitating TMJ Disorder headaches alongside its other painful symptoms. It’s more than a gorgeous smile at our dentistry—it’s what’s behind the smile. Dr. Andrew Rudnick relieves headaches with a smile. He aligns the occlusion (bite), contours (shapes) teeth & may apply a fixed orthotic or give a night guard.
We treat the cause—not just the symptoms—and give you the best available options through ongoing education in modern dentistry. Contact us to book a TMD consultation or request our free e-book to learn more.
See Real Results from Our Team
Two of our staff members at the Palm Beach Gardens office have personally undergone TMJ disorder treatments, making them true examples of the effectiveness of our approach. Our entire team has confidence in the positive impact of our TMJ treatment methods.
We offer a range of options and are happy to show you the benefits of improved jaw health—just ask, and you’ll see the difference it can make. For those with tense or stressed muscles, we recommend quiet therapeutic sessions with muscle-relaxing stimulants, providing a truly relaxing experience. Our focus on comfort includes a calming environment with flameless candles, ensuring a serene therapy session.
Terra’s TMJ Pain Brought Her to Tears
Watch her video to hear her story.
My TMJ pain was so bad, to the point where I was in tears. In a little over a week, the pain is almost gone. I feel so much better.
Improving Smiles. Improving Lives. Call for Jaw Pain Relief.
If TMJ pain is negatively impacting your life, you deserve a treatment plan that will minimize or remove your symptoms. Dr. Rudnick provides leading-edge diagnosis and treatment methods for TMD in a comfortable, modern office.
The best way to treat TMJ pain is to find out the underlying cause, as different kinds of TMJ require different approaches. Dr. Rudnick has experience finding and addressing TMD.
Reach out to Rudnick Dentistry to request an appointment!
Additional TMJ Information
Neuromuscular Dentistry: A New Approach to TMJ Disorder
What Does TMJ Disorder Feel Like?
Have you experienced unexplainable headaches and facial soreness?
You may be experiencing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and not even know it.
TMJ connects your jaw to your skull, and it allows you to eat, speak, and smile.
What Should I Look For?
It’s estimated that between 10 to 35 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorder.
TMJ disorder includes one or more of the following symptoms:
- Stiff jaw, neck, or shoulders
- Chronic headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Clicking or popping in the jaw joint
- Limited jaw movement
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
If it’s left untreated, it can lead to:
- Chronic jaw pain
- Migraines
- Tooth loss
- Digestive issues
- Heart problems
It’s not always easy to diagnose; it may take a combination of exams and advanced scans to see the root of the problem.
But:
Accurate diagnosis and treatment can relieve your symptoms and prevent issues in your day-to-day life.
What causes TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorder (TMD) results when the jaw isn’t in its optimal position.
This can be caused by:
- Oral trauma
- Facial muscle fatigue
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Jaw clenching
- Bone cartilage damage around the TMJ
- Arthritis
- Poor dental work
- Genetics
When your TMJ is inflamed or misaligned, it results in severe pain, leading to complicated health conditions.
Can TMJ Disorder Go Away On Its Own?
Minor TMJ disorder pain might go away without treatment if the jaw muscles begin to rest properly.
However: Symptoms may flare up again, possibly worse than before if the root cause of your TMJ is not correctly addressed.
What Causes the TMJ to Flare Up?
Stress is one of the most significant factors of TMJ flare-ups.
TMJ affects our mental health and physical health.
Stress leads to jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and hormonal changes, which can cause TMJ symptoms to reappear.
Other factors include frequent chewing of hard or sticky foods that overwork and irritate your jaw muscles.
What Type Of Dentist Should I Search For To Relieve TMJ Symptoms?
A neuromuscular dentist will eliminate your persistent TMJ pain. This type of dentistry requires advanced specialty training and revolves around placing your jaw into its optimal position to alleviate pain.
They work with hard and soft tissue, muscles, and facial nerves to realign your jaw.
Looking for TMJ Relief in Palm Beach Gardens?
If you’re experiencing any of the TMJ symptoms mentioned above, talk to Dr. Andrew Rudnick about fixing the root problems of your TMJ disorder.
With years of specialty training and experience, he’s helped countless patients in Palm Beach County.
He uses various examinations to diagnose you correctly and creates a personalized treatment plan to eliminate TMJ from your life including:
- X-rays
- Head and neck evalua]tion
- CT scans
- Oral exams
- TENS units
- Myotronics K7
- Sonography
- Electromyography
Many patients who suffered from TMJ described their pain as unbearable, affecting their daily lives. In as little as a week with Dr. Rudnick’s treatment, they’ve felt immense relief.
REQUEST YOUR APPOINTMENT
Or:
Call us at 561-625-1991
Email us info@rudnickdentistry.com
Our office treats TMJ patients from all over the state, including West Palm Beach, Jupiter, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, and Wellington.
