Drs. Chen and Kim

Dr. Lawrence Chen and Dr. Alice Kim

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(410) 235-8525

General and Aesthetic Dentistry

Drs. Chen and Kim > Services > TMJ/Bruxism Treatment

We listen, evaluate, and provide gentle, personalized TMJ pain solutions.

TMJ/Bruxism Treatment

Do you wake up with a sore jaw, catch yourself clenching during stressful moments, or have been told you grind your teeth at night? TMJ problems can disrupt your sleep, make eating uncomfortable, and create a cycle of pain and stress that impacts your overall well-being and quality of life.

You don’t have to settle for living like this. Drs. Kim and Chen offer individualized TMJ and bruxism treatment in Baltimore to break the cycle and help you find lasting relief.

Understanding TMJ and TMD

The acronym, TMJ, refers to the temporomandibular joints. These complex joints connect your lower jaw to your skull and work with muscles, ligaments, and cartilage, allowing you to speak, chew, yawn, and swallow smoothly.

When the TMJs become damaged, inflamed, or don't function properly, the condition is called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This dysfunction can be the result of injury, arthritis, teeth grinding and clenching, or stress. The joints may become misaligned, the cartilage may wear down, or the surrounding muscles may become overworked and painful.

The Life-Changing Benefits of TMJ Treatment

If you live with the pain and disruption of TMD, you'll appreciate how treatment can transform your days and nights.

Pain Relief

Effective TMD treatment addresses the causes of jaw pain, facial discomfort, and headaches, providing significant relief from daily discomfort that may have been affecting you for months or years.

Reduced Tooth Wear

By correcting jaw function and eliminating harmful habits like teeth grinding, TMJ treatment protects your teeth from excessive wear and prevents further damage to your jaw joints.

Quality of Life

When jaw pain no longer limits what you can eat, disrupts your sleep, or causes constant tension headaches, you can return to enjoying daily activities without discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if I have TMD?

The only way to accurately diagnose TMD is through a thorough consultation with experienced TMD dentists like Drs. Kim and Chen. You may recognize concerning symptoms, but professional evaluation is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.

Recognizing Potential TMD Symptoms

Many people live with TMJ pain for months or years before seeking help, often assuming their discomfort is normal or will resolve on its own.

Common signs that could suggest TMD include:

Jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing or speaking
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening the mouth
Difficulty opening your mouth fully or jaw locking
Frequent headaches, particularly in the morning
Earaches or a feeling of fullness in your ears
Facial pain or fatigue in the jaw muscles
Neck and shoulder pain or stiffness
Worn, chipped, or sensitive teeth from grinding

Professional TMJ Evaluation

During your TMD evaluation, Drs. Kim and Chen will first examine your mouth to look for signs of worn teeth, indicating possible TMJ issues. They will examine the function of your TMJs and bite, and take 3-D scans to understand what's happening with the joints.

Every patient's TMD is unique, so we will carefully tailor your treatment plan to address specific causes and symptoms, ensuring the most effective relief possible.

Experiencing TMJ Pain or TMD Symptoms?

Call Drs. Kim and Chen today at (410) 235-8525 to schedule your comprehensive TMD evaluation. We serve patients throughout Baltimore, including families and professionals near Johns Hopkins University, Hampden, and Roland Park.

Individualized TMD Treatment

Effective TMD treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis. During your evaluation, Drs. Kim and Chen examine your jaw joints, assess your bite, take digital scans, and discuss your symptoms and medical history.

We then tailor treatment to your specific needs, which may include:

Occlusal Guards — Custom-fitted nightguards protect teeth from grinding damage and allow the TMJs time to rest and recover.
Bite Adjustment — Restoring a worn or damaged tooth balances your dental bite and reduces strain on jaw joints and muscles.
BOTOX® Therapy — Strategic injections can relax overactive jaw muscles, provide relief from tension, and reduce the intensity of teeth grinding and clenching.
Physical Therapy — Specific exercises can help strengthen jaw muscles, improve range of motion, and reduce jaw tension.
Lifestyle Modifications — Learning stress management techniques like yoga or meditation can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

OUR TEAM

TMJ Pain Relief in Baltimore, MD

It’s not normal to live with jaw pain, morning headaches, or the constant tension that comes with teeth grinding day in and day out.

As experienced TMJ dentists in Baltimore, MD, Drs. Kim and Chen have helped many patients find lasting TMJ pain relief. Call us today at (410) 235-8525 to schedule your TMD evaluation, so we can determine the best way to help you.

We proudly serve patients throughout Baltimore, including families, students, and professionals near Johns Hopkins University, Hampden, and Roland Park.

Discover TMJ Pain Relief Without Surgery