TMJ Treatment for Head & Neck Pain Relief

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is where the lower jaw meets the skull. It is located just in front of the ear lobe. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of maladies used to diagnose pain in the lower or upper jaw and/or neck. This pain is often related to stress and often occurs in the absence of other possible dental sources of pain. The diagnosis is confirmed by temporarily changing the patient's bite. To do this the patient bites on a custom-formed piece of plastic placed between the teeth. The plastic piece is called a splint, bite jig, or Lucia jig. If the patient's pain is alleviated by this then a tentative diagnosis of TMD is often appropriate.

Dr. Sefranek places a special emphasis on the economical relief of head and neck pain through a careful analysis of the patient's bite. If the teeth interfere with each other during rest or chewing, this can cause muscle cramping (charley horse) in the muscles of the jaw, popping and clicking in the jaw joints. The treatment is painless and very effective over 90% of the time. Our treatment is non-surgical. We help patients avoid surgery. If you suffer from these or similar symptoms and /or if you have had TMJ surgery recommended please contact us.