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Get Relief From Jaw Pain With TMJ/TMD Treatment

Your Dentist in Philadelphia, PA

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Pain Relief is Here

If you've been living with jaw pain, chronic headaches, neck or shoulder tension, clicking, or your jaw locking, you deserve a real solution. Dr. Molly Rosen takes a diagnostic and treatment approach to TMJ that gets to the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Whether this is your first-time seeking help or you've been around the treatment block without results, we’re here to help you.

If you're a physical therapist looking to refer a patient for co-managed TMJ care, Dr. Rosen welcomes collaborative treatment. Please feel free to call the office directly to discuss a patient's case before referring.

Initial TMJ Evaluation

Your first appointment is built around one goal: finding answers. Before any treatment is recommended, Dr. Rosen takes the time to evaluate your jaw, muscles, joints, and bite with a level of detail most patients have never experienced.

What happens during your first appointment

  • Review of your CT scan to assess the joint structure and identify any anatomical concerns
  • Precise jaw measurements to evaluate range of motion and bite position
  • Hands-on muscle exam to assess tension, tenderness, and trigger points
  • Joint evaluation to check for clicking, deviation, or restricted movement
  • Sinus assessment to rule out contributing factors
  • Tendon evaluation to identify areas of inflammation or strain

It’s time to schedule a visit if you are…

  • Experiencing TMJ or jaw pain symptoms for the first time
  • Someone who has been previously misdiagnosed or given a treatment that didn't help
  • Looking for answers before committing to any advanced treatment
  • Noticing that your symptoms are worse in the morning
  • Wondering whether sleep apnea may be connected to your jaw issues
  • Interested in conservative options before considering anything more involved

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Common Treatment Options

Once you're diagnosed with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJ), Dr. Rosen will use Electromyography sensors to measure muscle activity and jaw movement to confirm proper alignment and build a treatment plan tailored to you. Common treatment options may include:

  • TENS: Small electrical devices deliver gentle impulses to the jaw muscles, helping them relax and offering many patients immediate relief right away.
  • Orthotic devices: A custom oral appliance repositions your jaw into its optimal alignment, reducing chronic pain and other TMJ symptoms.
  • Orthodontic treatment: If a misaligned bite or crooked teeth are driving your TMJ, Invisalign can restore proper alignment and may reduce or eliminate your symptoms entirely.

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Complex & Comprehensive TMJ Treatment

For patients whose symptoms are more complex, Dr. Rosen offers a comprehensive TMJ treatment path. This full neuromuscular approach involves confirming a precise diagnosis, identifying the specific type of TMJ issue, and determining if a neuromuscular solution is appropriate for your case.

Neuromuscular dentistry evaluates the relationship between your teeth, jaw joints, and the muscles that control movement. When these three systems are out of balance, the body compensates in ways that may cause pain beyond the jaw. Comprehensive treatment brings them back into alignment.

This approach is for people who…

  • Are adolescents experiencing jaw development concerns or bite issues during growth
  • Have dealt with chronic migraines or TMJ symptoms for years
  • Have been through treatments elsewhere but didn’t experience lasting relief
  • Want to address root causes rather than manage symptoms
  • Are experiencing severe TMJ that is not responding to conservative care
  • Have symptoms that worsen throughout the day
  • Are concerned about worsening of their condition

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Restoring the Bite & Smile After TMJ Treatment

For patients with significant tooth damage, comprehensive TMJ treatment involves more than appliances and muscle rehabilitation. Restoring the bite is necessary for long-term success.

Once the jaw has been stabilized and the ideal bite position has been confirmed, Dr. Rosen can rebuild the teeth to support the position. This eliminates the need to rely on an appliance and gives the bite a lasting foundation.

Treatment options for bite reconstruction are personalized for your situation, and Dr. Rosen will walk you through a custom plan before you get started. Options may include:

  • Dental implants
  • Crowns
  • Veneers or onlays
  • Orthodontics
  • All-on-X implants or implant-supported dentures
  • Dental bonding
  • Bridges or implant-supported bridges
  • Full mouth reconstruction

This phase of treatment is also an opportunity to address cosmetic concerns that may have developed alongside the TMJ issues. Many patients find that once their bite is where it needs to be, they're ready to put the finishing touches on a smile they feel good about.

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Ready to Find Relief?

Call our Philadelphia office at 215.673.0123 or request an appointment online. Complete the TMJ questionnaire before your visit so Dr. Rosen can review your history.

Fill out this questionnaire before your first visit, so that Dr. Rosen can contact you prior to your appointment.