Medford TMJ Dentist Explains How Temporomandibular Joint Problems Can Manifest

Undoubtedly, taking simple steps to protect your smile, like brushing and flossing, will go a long way toward protecting your oral health. However, it can be equally important to protect and optimize the underlying structure of your smile. That is why temporomandibular joint health is critical. Keep reading to learn more about how TMJ issues develop and manifest in daily life.

Your temporomandibular joints are the joints that connect your skull and lower jaw. Your TMJs allow you to chew, speak, and emote.

Sometimes, temporomandibular joints are damaged due to discrete trauma, from accidents or collisions, for example. In other cases, TMJ damage is caused by repetitive irritation and structural dental problems.

If, for example, your bite alignment is poor, and your teeth do not come together naturally when you chew, you may shift how you hold your lower jaw in an effort to compensate. This puts immense pressure on the TMJ joints.

Patients who suffer from bruxism, or chronic dental grinding, are likewise prone to TMJ issues, as pressure caused by tooth-on-tooth grinding strains temporomandibular joints.

If you are suffering from temporomandibular damage, you might notice:

A clicking or popping noise when you move your jaw
Jaw pain or soreness, which may radiate up to the ear or down through the neck
Limited jaw mobility, some patients are not able to fully open their mouths and take big bites

In order to treat TMJ problems, Dr. Varledzis first determines the underlying cause of your jaw dysfunction. Armed with this knowledge, we’ll be able to make personalized treatment recommendations that my include:

Stress-reduction techniques to combat anxiety-related dental grinding
Orthodontic treatment to improve bite alignment
Customized restorations or bonding to optimize how your top and bottom teeth come together
Protective oral appliances to guide your jaw into a healthier position, and protect your teeth from damage

Don’t wait to pursue TMJ treatment, as discomfort and structural problems can compound over time. Give our Medford TMJ dentists a call to learn more about living with TMJ disorder!

Request your appointment, we look forward to hearing from you.

Request An Appointment Call Us: (541) 779-4196

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   Kristin Lunde 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough great things about Dr. Pett and the entire team at Hillcrest Family Dentistry! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warmth and professionalism. The office is spotless, modern, and has a very calming atmosphere, which immediately put me at ease.

Dr. Pett is truly exceptional—thorough, gentle, and incredibly knowledgeable. He took the time to explain every step of my procedure and answered all my questions with patience and care. I felt completely comfortable throughout my visit, and the quality of work was outstanding.

The staff is also amazing! My hygienist, Brandi, always puts me at ease. The front desk, one of the dental assistants, Ashley and the office manager Kristen are friendly, efficient, and always accommodating when it comes to scheduling. I never feel rushed, and they genuinely care about their patients' well-being.

Dr. Pett recently took over this office and we could not be more pleased! I highly recommend Hillcrest Family Dentistry!!!
  
 
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   Angel Garcia 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I personally have a lot of dental anxiety. Dr.Pett and his staff made me very comfortable in tending to my dental concerns. I love the dynamic between Dr.Pett and his team. Very professional and caring.
  
 
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   Kathy Cote 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. During a regular cleaning I found out that I needed my bridge replaced.  This was not something that I wanted to hear but knowing that it was important to do I scheduled this for February, 2025.  I was concerned about being highly anxious and let the staff know.  The dentist Kyle Pett wanted to know what they could do to make me feel better about this and help with the anxiety.

As they prepared me for the first part of removing my existing bridge they explained what was going to happen and ask if I was doing alright.

I was quite impressed with how well they made me feel comfortable.  Checked with me often to see if I needed a break and was OK. I appreciate them. Thanks

I would highly recommend this office.
  
 
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   J G 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile by the front desk. The back office staff were very friendly and caring about my dental needs. Dr.Pett was very professional and informative. Definitely recommending him to my friends and family.
  
 
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   Kirk Melahn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at Hillcrest Family Dentistry are the nicest my wife and I have ever come across. We have been at dentist offices where it's easy to see the idea is money making. At Hillcrest, the goal is healthy patients. It not just shows in the work and care they give, but the explanations of what needs to be done and why. We have searched our whole lives for a dentist of Dr. Pett's quality, but throw in an entire staff? We are set now. Funny, I want this office to thrive, but I feel like I'm sharing my favorite fishing hole.
  
 
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   Bruce Rhodes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. V was my most favorite dentist ever.  And so, I was a bit leery to know that he was retiring.  Well, I was thoroughly surprised and overjoyed after I met, Dr. Pett, the new dentist at Hillcrest Family Dentistry. I love him already. (As a patient who HATES going to the dentist, my first impression was delightful. I am an excellent judge of people and he will be a great asset to the clinic.  He has already replaced an old crown in my mouth and I barely knew it was happening.  And, it fit perfectly). Necia Egan --- the best of the best. She is such a caring, excellent hygienist and an overall excellent person. Front office staff - both are so welcoming.  Kristen works her tail off to answer all questions about charges/billing, etc. and always greets me as a friend.  Consider making Hillcrest Family Dentistry your dental home.
  
 
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   Michael Ussary 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Staff and Dr Pett were professional and made sure I understood the procedure that was being done.
-Mike
  
 
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   Chase Elliott 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable staff. After my previous dentist retired I switched to Hillcrest and they pointed out some areas to improve upon, and took their time to explain in detail their findings.
  
 
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   Chelsea Elena 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The entire experience going into this practice as a new patient was by far the most thoughtful and thorough I’ve had in any sort of dental environment. The staff are all incredibly friendly and kind and the hygienist, assistant , and the dentist especially were all really intuitive and helpful and gentle throughout my cleaning and procedures and adapting to my personal needs throughout. Will definitely stay on as a regular patient and will be taking my children there as well.