TMJ Disorder Treatment in St. Augustine, FL

Specialized care for jaw joint pain, dysfunction, and limited movement from conservative therapy to advanced surgical solutions

Don't let TMJ pain continue to affect your quality of life. Expert care can provide the relief you've been seeking, from conservative therapy to specialized surgical solutions when needed.

What Is TMJ Disorder Treatment?

TMJ disorder treatment encompasses a spectrum of therapeutic approaches designed to address dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint—the complex hinge and sliding joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. These disorders can cause significant pain, restricted jaw movement, and impact daily activities like eating and speaking. Effective treatment requires accurate diagnosis of the specific joint problem and a progressive approach that typically begins with conservative measures before considering surgical intervention.

The temporomandibular joints are among the most frequently used joints in your body, involved in speaking, chewing, yawning, and facial expressions. Disorders affecting these joints can result from various factors including arthritis, jaw injury, chronic teeth grinding, disc displacement, or structural jaw problems. The complex nature of these joints requires specialized expertise for proper diagnosis and management of the diverse conditions that can affect them.

As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Johnson has advanced training specifically focused on the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders. His comprehensive approach begins with thorough evaluation to identify the precise nature of your joint dysfunction, followed by development of a personalized treatment plan that addresses both symptoms and underlying causes while prioritizing the least invasive effective options.

Our TMJ Disorder Treatment Options

Conservative TMJ Therapy

For many patients, TMJ disorders respond well to non-surgical approaches that reduce joint stress and promote healing. Dr. Johnson provides comprehensive conservative care that may include customized occlusal splints (specialized night guards) to reduce muscle tension and protect joint structures; targeted physical therapy protocols to improve jaw function and reduce pain; medication recommendations to address inflammation and discomfort; and lifestyle modifications to reduce joint stress. This multi-faceted approach addresses the various factors contributing to your TMJ symptoms while avoiding unnecessary surgical intervention.

Minimally Invasive TMJ Procedures

When conservative measures don’t provide adequate relief, minimally invasive procedures offer the next level of intervention. Dr. Johnson performs specialized techniques like arthrocentesis—a procedure that flushes the joint space to remove inflammatory byproducts and reduce pain; intra-articular injections that deliver anti-inflammatory medications directly to the joint; and arthroscopy, which uses a small camera to examine joint structures and perform necessary repairs through tiny incisions. These outpatient procedures can provide significant symptom improvement with minimal recovery time.

Advanced TMJ Surgical Reconstruction

For patients with severe joint damage or structural abnormalities, Dr. Johnson offers specialized surgical reconstruction procedures. These include open joint surgery to repair or reposition the disc, remove damaged tissue, or address bony joint changes; custom joint implants when necessary to replace severely damaged components; and corrective jaw surgery when TMJ disorders are related to fundamental jaw misalignment or asymmetry. These sophisticated procedures address complex joint problems that cannot be adequately managed through conservative or minimally invasive approaches.

Comprehensive Pain Management

TMJ disorders often involve complex pain patterns that may extend beyond the joint itself. Dr. Johnson provides comprehensive pain management approaches that address both joint-specific pain and associated muscle tension or nerve irritation. This may include trigger point injections for muscle relief; coordinated care with pain management specialists when appropriate; and integrated approaches that combine physical therapy, medication, and procedural interventions. This comprehensive strategy ensures that all aspects of your TMJ-related pain are effectively addressed.

Dr. Douglas L. Johnson, DMD

With over 25 years of specialized experience, Dr. Johnson provides exceptional care using the latest techniques and technology.

Dr. Johnson is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who completed his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and advanced training through fellowships at prestigious institutions. His extensive training and experience allow him to perform complex procedures with precision and care.

At our state-of-the-art facility, we prioritize your comfort and results. Dr. Johnson and his specially trained staff are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care in a welcoming environment.

What are the Benefits of Specialized TMJ Disorder Treatment?

Specialized TMJ disorder treatment offers significant advantages that extend far beyond simple pain relief. The primary benefit is accurate diagnosis—the complex nature of the temporomandibular joint means that different conditions can cause similar symptoms, and specialized expertise is essential for identifying the specific problem affecting your joint. This diagnostic precision ensures that treatment addresses the actual cause of your symptoms rather than just temporarily masking pain.

The functional improvements from proper TMJ treatment can be truly life-changing for patients who have struggled with limited jaw movement, difficulty eating, or pain with daily activities. Restored jaw function allows for comfortable eating, speaking, and facial expressions without the constant concern about pain or locking. Many patients report significant improvement in their quality of life, able to enjoy favorite foods and social interactions without the limitations imposed by untreated TMJ disorders.

From a long-term health perspective, appropriate TMJ treatment prevents progressive joint damage that can occur when disorders go untreated or are managed inappropriately. Early, effective intervention can preserve joint structures and prevent the development of more serious degenerative conditions that might eventually require more invasive treatment. This preventive aspect is particularly important for younger patients facing decades of potential joint function.

For many patients with chronic TMJ pain, proper treatment resolves not only the joint-specific symptoms but also associated conditions like headaches, neck pain, and ear symptoms that often accompany TMJ disorders. This comprehensive improvement in related symptoms can have profound effects on overall wellbeing, often resolving problems that patients didn’t realize were connected to their jaw joint dysfunction.

Our Reviews

Why Patients Choose Us

Care and Commitment

From the front office to the exam room, our practice is made up of professionals who take your oral health very seriously. Using state-of-the-art equipment designed with safety and efficiency in mind, we are able to offer top-notch care. As you walk through our office, you will notice that everything is clean, comfortable and thoroughly sterilized. Your safety and comfort are our priority.

Honesty and Affordability

We know that the cost of care can be confusing. In addition to offering a number of in-office payment options to fit your budget, we also give you up-front cost information on your treatment ahead of time. We are in network with a variety of insurance plans, and we offer dental financing with credit available in time frames that fit your needs. We are happy to help you navigate your dental insurance and alternative payment options.

Comprehensive Oral Surgery Care in One Location

At our practice, we are qualified to handle all aspects of your oral and maxillofacial care, so you are always surrounded by people that you trust. If we must refer out, we promise to send you to carefully vetted colleagues who apply the same professional principles in their office that we do in ours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Symptoms Suggest I Might Have a TMJ Disorder?

Common symptoms that may indicate a TMJ disorder include: pain or tenderness in the jaw joint area, in front of the ear, or throughout the jaw muscles; clicking, popping or grating sounds with jaw movement; limited jaw movement or jaw locking; difficulty or discomfort when chewing; facial pain or unexplained headaches, particularly in the temple area; ear symptoms like pain, ringing, or sense of fullness without infection; and changes in how your teeth fit together. If you’re experiencing multiple symptoms, particularly if they persist beyond a few weeks or interfere with daily activities, a specialized evaluation is recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.

How Do You Determine Which TMJ Treatment Is Right for Me?

Treatment recommendations are based on several factors including: the specific diagnosis and nature of your joint dysfunction; severity of your symptoms and functional limitations; duration of your TMJ problems; response to previous treatment attempts; findings from clinical examination and specialized imaging; your overall health status; and your treatment preferences and goals. Dr. Johnson follows a progressive approach that typically begins with conservative measures before considering more invasive options, ensuring that you receive the least invasive treatment that will effectively address your condition. During your consultation, he’ll explain his recommendations and the rationale behind them, creating a collaborative treatment plan.

Is TMJ Surgery Always Necessary?

No, surgery is not necessary for most TMJ disorders. The majority of patients experience significant improvement with conservative measures like splint therapy, physical therapy, and medication management. Surgical intervention is typically considered only when: conservative approaches have been appropriately tried without adequate improvement; there is clear evidence of specific joint abnormalities that won’t respond to non-surgical treatment; symptoms are severe enough to significantly impact quality of life; or imaging demonstrates progressive joint damage that requires surgical correction. Dr. Johnson’s philosophy emphasizes exhausting appropriate conservative options before considering surgical intervention.

Visit Us in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center is ideally situated at 1301 Plantation Island Dr. Suite #101, St. Augustine, FL 32080, making us easily accessible for patients throughout St. Augustine and surrounding communities.