Understanding TMJ Disorders and How We Treat Them
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often leading to chronic discomfort, pain while chewing, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. At Surgical & Sleep Solutions, Dr. Shaunda Kelly provides comprehensive TMJ therapy in Orange City, FL, tailored to each patient’s symptoms and lifestyle.
As a dual-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon and physician, Dr. Kelly brings both surgical and non-surgical approaches to managing TMJ disorders, offering advanced solutions that go beyond conventional mouthguards or over-the-counter pain relief.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders can result from various factors, including:
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Jaw misalignment or malocclusion
- Arthritis in the TMJ
- Injury or trauma to the jaw or head
- Stress-induced muscle tension
- History of joint deterioration
These issues can affect daily quality of life by limiting jaw movement, interfering with sleep, or causing persistent facial pain. That's why early diagnosis and customized treatment are critical.
Customized TMJ Treatment Options
At Surgical & Sleep Solutions, TMJ therapy is never one-size-fits-all. We offer:
- Comprehensive evaluation and digital imaging to assess jaw alignment and joint health
- Oral appliance therapy such as custom night guards to reduce clenching
- Injectable therapies, including cosmetic injectables to relax overactive jaw muscles
- Advanced therapies like Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) to accelerate healing in inflamed tissues
- Collaboration with sleep medicine services, especially for TMJ patients who also suffer from sleep apnea
Dr. Kelly may also recommend lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy referrals, or jaw exercises to manage symptoms conservatively.
When to Seek TMJ Therapy
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time to schedule an evaluation:
- Jaw pain that persists or worsens over time
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Popping or locking of the jaw joint
- Tooth wear from grinding
- Earaches not caused by infection
Residents in Orange City, Deltona, Deland, Debary, and surrounding areas benefit from our multidisciplinary approach rooted in both surgical precision and patient-focused care.
Meet Dr. Shaunda Kelly
Dr. Shaunda Kelly, DMD, MD, is certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and brings over a decade of surgical and academic experience, including service as Chief of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at the Birmingham VA Medical Center. She applies a concierge-style approach to TMJ therapy, ensuring each patient receives a treatment plan that supports long-term comfort and function.
Explore additional services that may complement TMJ care, such as facial cosmetics or non-opioid pain management.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is TMJ and how is it different from TMD?: TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, while TMD stands for temporomandibular disorders, a group of conditions affecting that joint. People often use the terms interchangeably.
- Do I need surgery for TMJ disorder?: Not necessarily. Most TMJ conditions respond well to non-surgical therapies like oral appliances, injections, or physical therapy. Surgery is only considered for severe or unresponsive cases.
- Can TMJ therapy help with migraines or headaches?: Yes. TMJ disorders often contribute to tension-type headaches or migraines, especially when jaw muscles are involved. Targeted TMJ therapy can reduce these symptoms.
- How long does TMJ treatment take to show results?: Many patients report relief within a few weeks of starting therapy, but long-term improvement may take several months depending on the treatment plan and underlying causes.
- Is TMJ therapy covered by insurance?: Coverage varies by provider and whether the treatment is considered dental or medical. Our team will help verify your benefits during your consultation.
Schedule Your TMJ Evaluation in Orange City, FL
You don’t have to live with daily jaw pain or discomfort. At Surgical & Sleep Solutions, we help patients across Orange City, Deltona, Deland, Debary, Enterprise, and beyond find relief with precision TMJ care.
Call us at 386-837-1236 or contact us online to schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. Shaunda Kelly.