If you’re experiencing chronic jaw pain, frequent headaches, or difficulty chewing, you may be suffering from TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder). At Brilliance Family Dental, we provide comprehensive TMJ treatment that addresses the root cause of your discomfort. Whether you’re dealing with jaw clicking, facial pain, or TMJ headaches, Dr. Helton offers effective solutions using modern techniques and custom oral appliances to restore comfort and function to your jaw.
TMJ treatment eliminates chronic pain while restoring normal jaw function, which means you can eat, speak, and live without constant discomfort. By addressing the underlying causes of TMJ disorder, Dr. Helton relieves muscle tension, reduces inflammation, and prevents further damage to your temporomandibular joint. From custom night guards to bite adjustment therapy, our TMJ solutions offer lasting relief that improves your daily comfort and overall health.
If you’re experiencing chronic jaw pain, frequent headaches, or difficulty chewing, you may be suffering from TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder). At Brilliance Family Dental, we provide comprehensive TMJ treatment that addresses the root cause of your discomfort. Whether you’re dealing with jaw clicking, facial pain, or TMJ headaches, Dr. Helton offers effective solutions using modern techniques and custom oral appliances to restore comfort and function to your jaw.
TMJ treatment eliminates chronic pain while restoring normal jaw function, which means you can eat, speak, and live without constant discomfort. By addressing the underlying causes of TMJ disorder, Dr. Helton relieves muscle tension, reduces inflammation, and prevents further damage to your temporomandibular joint. From custom night guards to bite adjustment therapy, our TMJ solutions offer lasting relief that improves your daily comfort and overall health.
We minimize wait times, but maximize our care for your oral health
We use modern technology to provide gentle, effective care
With over 30+ years of experience, we provide outstanding dental care
Lilburn families choose Brilliance Family Dental because we take a comprehensive approach to TMJ disorder treatment. Dr. Helton understands that TMJ symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life, from chronic headaches to difficulty eating. Our practice combines advanced diagnostic tools with conservative, effective treatment options to provide lasting relief. We work closely with each patient to develop personalized treatment plans that address their specific TMJ symptoms, whether through custom oral appliances, bite adjustments, or a combination of therapies.
Dr. Timothy S. Helton, DMD, is a skilled general dentist at Brilliance Family Dental in Lilburn, Georgia. With over 30 years of experience serving Gwinnett County, Dr. Helton is committed to fostering strong patient relationships while delivering comfortable care in a relaxed environment.
Dr. Helton earned his Bachelor of Science in biology from Erskine College and his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from The Medical College of Georgia in 1988. After 22 years as a leader at Nanston Dental Group in Snellville, he established Brilliance Family Dental to offer personalized care in a more intimate setting.
Dr. Helton can diagnose TMJ disorder during your examination, but common TMJ symptoms include:
Jaw Pain and Tenderness: Persistent pain in the jaw joint area, especially when chewing, talking, or opening your mouth wide.
TMJ Headaches: Frequent tension headaches or migraines that originate from jaw muscle tension and joint stress.
Jaw Clicking or Popping: Audible sounds when opening or closing your mouth, sometimes accompanied by a catching sensation.
Limited Jaw Movement: Difficulty opening your mouth fully or experiencing lockjaw where the jaw gets stuck in an open or closed position.
Facial Pain: Discomfort in the cheeks, temples, or around the ears that radiates from the temporomandibular joint.
Ear Pain and Ringing: Pain near the ear canal, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or feeling of fullness in the ears without infection.
Teeth Grinding: Bruxism (grinding or clenching teeth), especially at night, which worsens TMJ symptoms.
Bite Changes: Feeling like your teeth don't fit together properly or experiencing an uncomfortable bite alignment.
Dr. Helton performs a thorough examination of your jaw joint, evaluates your bite alignment, and assesses muscle tenderness. He may review your dental history, discuss your symptoms in detail, and check for signs of teeth grinding. In some cases, imaging studies may be recommended to get a complete picture of your TMJ condition.
A TMJ mouth guard, also called an occlusal splint or night guard, is a custom-fitted oral appliance that you wear while sleeping. It prevents teeth grinding and clenching, reduces muscle tension, and helps position your jaw in a more comfortable alignment. Custom guards made by Dr. Helton fit precisely and are much more effective than over-the-counter options.