Woman with a tight jaw

TMJ

Are you constantly wondering why your jaw feels painful or tight?

You may have an inflamed temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. Clenching and grinding can exacerbate this condition.

Thankfully, TMJ disorders are treatable with help from the dentists at the Center for Dentistry in Aiken, SC. Visit us for solutions.

You Use Your TMJ Every Day

You use your TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, constantly. When you talk, chew, or laugh, your TMJ helps make motion possible. When it is inflamed, you may have trouble opening your mouth. You may also feel pain in your jaw, head, or face.

What Are TMD?

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Temporomandibular disorders, or TMD, occur when you overwork your jaw joint by biting, clenching, or grinding, whether consciously or subconsciously. When you have a TMD, you can experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms.

Choose Dentists Who Welcome You to the Team

We pride ourselves on listening to our patients. You play a big role in determining your TMJ disorder treatment, so we treat you like a crucial member of the team. Together, we will all work to find a plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.

At the Center for Dentistry in Aiken, SC, we can determine if you have a TMD and develop a treatment plan. There's no better time than the present to treat your TMJ problems. Drs. Leah B. Wilkins and Talmadge D. Wilkins IV can help you.

With our caring dentists and dental team, you can finally stop living with daily temporomandibular joint pain. To begin, reach out to our kind team or call:

(803) 648-9461

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"I appreciate the professionalism and the family feel." Why Aiken, SC, Trusts Our Team

1

Larry Verburg

Aiken, SC

2023

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Five stars: The dentists at the Center are perfectionists. My family and I have used them for our dental needs since they opened, and we have always been quite pleased with the results.

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1

James Vogt

Aiken, SC

2023

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The staff is excellent and takes care of their guests. I leave every time feeling well taken care of!

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If You Have TMJ Problems, We Can Help Here's How We Treat TMD

We care about our patients — and our biggest goal is making you feel better. From truly listening to what you have to say to fully explaining every option, our dentists will help you take back control of your TMJs. Our treatment options include:

Custom Bite Splints

Oral appliance therapy is an effective method for long-term TMD relief. Our dentists use custom splints to reposition your jaw and jaw joints, preventing you from clenching and grinding your teeth. You can wear your splint while you sleep, so you can finally wake up to a life without temporomandibular disorder pain.

BOTOX Injections

BOTOX® injections can be used to relax your muscles, giving your jaw and joints a chance to rest and heal. Patients with TMD can return every few months for injections for low-maintenance relief. This treatment will not impact your smile or appearance, so you do not have to worry about it changing how you look.

Physical Therapy

In cases where oral appliance therapy and BOTOX don't provide complete relief, our dentists can refer you to a trusted physical therapist. They can teach you exercises to alleviate discomfort and regain jaw movement. With most temporomandibular disorders, though, it won't be necessary.

Timely TMD Treatment Can Prevent Long-Term Dental Problems

As dentists, we see the harmful effects of repeated TMJ stress regularly. While you may not have experienced dental problems yet, it is possible that clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth will cause them at some point. TMD treatment is more than a way to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms — it's an investment in a patient's oral health.

Regular TMJ stress can lead to broken or cracked teeth or even infections that require a root canal. All of this damage to your teeth can mean that they'll need more expensive care like crowns or implants later on.

Fortunately, you can prevent these issues by investing in your health today with TMJ treatment, like oral splints or BOTOX.

Relaxed woman

TMJ Problems Can Be Visible

Woman with jaw pain after eating ice cream
Have you noticed a change in your facial structure? People with TMD can actually strengthen the muscles on one side of their jaw and weaken the muscles on the other. This creates a jutting effect, or an uneven jaw. This side effect is reversible, and with TMD treatment, your jaw can return to its original appearance.

How Do I Ease My TMJ Pain?

Dealing with TMJ disorders can feel overwhelming, especially when they cause daily pain. Still, you can take back some control. Patients can play a part in alleviating their temporomandibular joint pain by:
We care about our patients — and our biggest goal is making you feel better. From truly listening to what you have to say to fully explaining every option, our dentists will help you take back control of your TMJs
We care about our patients — and our biggest goal is making you feel better. From truly listening to what you have to say to fully explaining every option, our dentists will help you take back control of your TMJs

Being Mindful

Like many patients with a TMJ disorder, you may clench your jaw in times of stress.

Take time each day to check in with yourself, relax your jaw, and relieve tension. This can make a genuine difference if practiced consistently.

Eating Wisely

When patients with temporomandibular joint pain eat hard or sticky foods, they can overwork their TMJs.

When possible, choosing soft foods like smoothies, yogurt, or applesauce can give your TMJs a much-needed break.

Applying Ice

If your temporomandibular joint pain is especially uncomfortable, you may apply an ice pack to the area.

Hold an ice pack to the area for 15 minutes for a bit of relief.

Taking Medication

You can use over-the-counter medications sparingly to ease your discomfort.

Our dentists can guide you through the benefits of options like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

"Always enjoy the staff." Reassuring Reviews From Our Aiken, SC, Patients

1

Mike Cissell

Aiken, SC

2023

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Center for Dentistry is an excellent group! I've been a patient here since moving to Aiken, and have been absolutely impressed at the high quality care during each visit. The staff are all amazing, and both Dr Tal and Dr Leah are wonderful! I recommend them to anyone seeking a high quality caring dental practice!

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Jon Viklinetz

Aiken, SC

2023

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What a great experience! Everyone was wonderful. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and my hygienist was fantastic. Dr. Wilkins was professional, accommodating, and kind. I've never liked going to the dentist, but now I'm excited for my next appointment. 10 out of 10 would recommend.

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Dr. Talmadge D. Wilkins IV and Leah B. Wilkins

Center for Dentistry

At Center of Dentistry, our dentists favor a patient-friendly approach to cosmetic, implant, and comprehensive dentistry. Our highly trained staff will go the extra mile to make you feel at ease. Our dentists are affiliated with professional organizations including:

  • American Dental Association
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • Pankey Institute for Florida

To schedule a visit at our Aiken, SC, dental office, contact us online, or call us at 803-648-9461 today!

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