Peartree Dental Care

Dr. Michael Zhou

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(410) 750-2599

General and Aesthetic Dentistry

5725 Richards Valley Rd A7
Ellicott City, MD 21043

Peartree Dental Care > Services > TMJ/Bruxism Treatment

We offer solutions like oral appliances and BOTOX® to help relieve your TMJ pain.

TMJ/Bruxism Treatment

Living with TMJ problems or bruxism can be exhausting. If you wake up with headaches, experience constant jaw pain, or notice your teeth are wearing down, you know how these issues can impact your daily life. At Peartree Dental Care, Dr. Michael Zhou understands these challenges. He takes great pride in helping his patients overcome TMJ pain and enjoy a restored quality of life.

Understanding TMJ and TMD

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the hinge joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull, allowing you to chew, speak, and yawn. These joints work with surrounding muscles and ligaments to ensure smooth movement, but they can become damaged or inflamed due to:

Chronic teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
Arthritis
Injury or trauma to the jaw
Misaligned bite or orthodontic issues
Stress or tension leading to jaw strain

When the TMJs are overworked or misaligned, it can lead to TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder.

Benefits of Treating TMJ Problems and TMD

Effective treatment for TMD and bruxism offers life-changing benefits, including:

Jaw Pain Relief

TMJ pain can be debilitating. Proper treatment can relieve jaw pain, headaches, and other discomforts so you can focus more on the things that matter to you.

Reduced Tooth Wear

Addressing bruxism preserves your natural smile by protecting your teeth from the damage of excess chewing forces, such as chips, fractures, and enamel wear.

Restored Jaw Function

With reduced pain and restored jaw function, you’ll enjoy the benefits of better sleep, easier chewing, and feel more focused and engaged in everyday activities.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. Michael Zhou

Dr. Michael Zhou grew up in Maryland and earned his undergraduate degree in history from Johns Hopkins University. He then completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at the University of Maryland Dental School, followed by a general dentistry residency (AEGD) at the Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center in West Virginia. This advanced training provided him with comprehensive experience in treating complex dental cases and working with patients from diverse backgrounds.

A Foundation in Research and Lifelong Learning

Dr. Zhou’s dedication to lifelong learning is evident in his extensive research and ...

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Symptoms of TMD

TMD symptoms vary, but common signs include:

Jaw pain or tenderness
Frequent headaches or earaches
Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth
Difficulty chewing or speaking
Limited jaw movement or “locking”
Teeth grinding or clenching, especially at night
Worn, chipped, or flattened teeth

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, a consultation with a TMJ dentist in Ellicott City, MD, like Dr. Zhou, can help diagnose and treat the problem.

TMJ Pain Relief at Peartree Dental Care

Dr. Zhou takes a personalized, comprehensive approach to treating TMD and bruxism. Your journey begins with a detailed evaluation to assess your jaw function, bite alignment, and symptoms.

TMD treatment options may include:

Occlusal Guards — Custom-made bite guards prevent teeth grinding and relieve jaw strain.
Bite Correction — Adjustments or restorations, such as crowns, help balance your bite and reduce TMJ stress.
Physical Therapy — Gentle exercises can improve jaw strength and mobility.
Lifestyle Modifications — Stress management techniques like yoga and meditation can help reduce general tension.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between TMJ and TMD?

You will often hear TMJ and TMD mentioned together, but they refer to different things.

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects the lower jaw to the skull. This joint is critical for everyday functions like chewing, speaking, and yawning.
TMD refers to temporomandibular joint disorders, a group of conditions that affect the TMJ and the muscles and ligaments surrounding it. TMD can cause pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving the jaw, making it harder to perform simple actions like eating or talking.

Why Does This Distinction Matter?

Understanding the difference between TMJ (the joint) and TMD (the disorder) allows you to better communicate your symptoms and concerns. For example, if you’re experiencing pain, clicking, or jaw locking, you may have TMD affecting your TMJ.

If you’re unsure about your symptoms, a consultation with a TMJ dentist in Ellicott City, MD, like Dr. Zhou, can help determine the root cause of your discomfort and recommend an effective treatment plan.

Call Today for TMJ Pain Relief

By addressing both the joint and the disorder, Dr. Zhou focuses on comprehensive care to relieve your pain and improve your jaw’s function. Call Peartree Dental Care today at (410) 750-2599 to schedule an appointment to find the relief you need!

Find TMJ Pain Relief in Ellicott City, MD

TMJ pain and symptoms don’t have to control your life. At Peartree Dental Care, Dr. Zhou provides compassionate care and effective solutions for TMD and bruxism.

Call us today at (410) 750-2599 to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward a pain-free, confident smile. We proudly serve Ellicott City, Columbia, Catonsville, and surrounding areas. Let us help you reclaim your comfort and well-being.

Blogs

December 1, 2024

Find Relief from Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorder

If you experience chronic or severe jaw pain or a stiff jaw that restricts movement, it could be a sign of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Thankfully, you can find treatment to solve the underlying dental problem, relieve symptoms, and restore function. Dr. Michael Zhou at Pear Tree Dental Care in Ellicott City, MD can help address the underlying dental causes and provide treatment of TMJ disorder and jaw pain so you can live fully again.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) works like a hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. It helps control the ...

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Does TMJ Pain Control Your Life? We Can Help!