How Prosthodontics Can Help Patients with TMJ Disorders

When jaw pain, clicking, or headaches interfere with your day‑to‑day life, it’s more than just an annoyance—it can be a sign that your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are under strain. At Rockingham Prosthodontics in Harrisonburg, VA, Dr. Rigby uses his expertise in prosthodontics to help patients regain comfort, function, and stability in their jaws and bites. Here’s how this specialized care works, why it matters, and when you should consider it for your own jaw health.

Understanding TMJ Disorders and What They Disrupt

Your TMJs are the hinge joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull, allowing you to talk, chew, yawn—and live without pain. When they aren’t functioning well, you may experience:

-Jaw soreness or stiffness, especially in the morning

-Clicks, pops or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth

-Frequent headaches, face or neck pain linked to biting or chewing

-A bite that suddenly feels “off” or teeth that don’t meet as they used to

These symptoms often point to underlying issues—grinding (bruxism), misaligned bites, missing or worn teeth, or stress placed on your joint and muscles. Over time, the stress can lead to uneven tooth wear, muscle tension, and joint damage.

How a Prosthodontist Can Make a Difference

As a specialist in both function and restoration, Dr. Rigby is uniquely positioned to evaluate the whole system—not just the joints, but your bite, the existing dental work, and how all the pieces fit together. His role may involve:

-Custom‑made stabilization splints or nightguards to reduce stress on the jaw joint and muscles—giving your system a chance to recover and rest.

-Adjusting or restoring existing dental work (crowns, bridges, implants) that may be contributing to bite misalignment and joint strain.

-Planning and managing complex restorative care when tooth loss or wear has shifted your bite and overloaded your jaw joints.

Because prosthodontics focuses on restoring both comfort and function, treatment isn’t just about reducing symptoms—it’s about rebuilding a solid foundation for your oral health.

When Should You Consider Prosthodontic Care for TMJ Problems?

If you’re in Harrisonburg and you’ve started noticing patterns—like waking with a sore jaw, hearing clicking when you open wide, experiencing frequent headaches linked to your bite, or having dental restorations that no longer seem to “fit”—it’s a good time to schedule a consultation. Early evaluation helps avoid longer‑term joint damage, more extensive dental treatment, and ongoing discomfort.

TMJ Therapy Rockingham Prosthodontics

At Rockingham Prosthodontics, Dr. Rigby and his team will take the time to listen to your symptoms, perform a comprehensive evaluation, and lay out a treatment path that’s tailored to your goals and lifestyle. If TMJ issues are affecting you, we’re here to help restore comfort, functionality, and stability. Let’s get your jaw and bite working together again—so you can eat, talk, and move without pain or worry.

Contact Us

Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0