Upton and Baker DDS - Wake Forest

TMJ Therapy in Wake Forest

TMJ therapy can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore proper jaw function for those suffering from TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) or TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder), which affect the jaw’s muscles, nerves, and joints.
Call 919-263-2143

Jaw Pain is Not Normal

Jaw pain should never be considered normal, even if it’s become a regular part of your life. In reality, it can be a sign of a condition known as TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder), which affects one or both of your TMJs (Temporomandibular Joints). When these joints become misaligned or diseased, inflammation can develop, leading to pain and other discomforts.

    What Are the Signs of TMJ Disorder (TMD)?

  • Headaches
  • Earaches or tenderness around the ear
  • Face or jaw pain and tenderness
  • Muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
  • Difficulty chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth

How Do We Diagnose and Treat TMJ Disorder?

Diagnosis

Treating TMD starts with a thorough clinical exam, where we assess your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. During this appointment, we check for pain or tenderness and listen for any clicking or popping sounds as you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If TMD is identified, we often recommend a bite splint or night guard as the first line of treatment.

Treatment and Relief

Our primary treatment involves custom-made bite splints, designed to fit snugly over your upper and/or lower teeth. These devices help prevent grinding and clenching, which are common contributors to TMD, while also realigning the jaw to reduce stress and promote healing.

Alternative Treatment Options

For symptoms caused by a misaligned bite or missing teeth, orthodontics or restorative dental procedures may be recommended. If uneven bite pressure is straining the TMJ, reshaping specific teeth can help balance the bite force and provide relief.

Contact us today

to schedule an initial consultation & exam.

Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. When this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed, it’s called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD.

Symptoms of TMD include pain or tenderness around the ear, jaw joint, or jaw muscles, as well as issues with opening or closing your mouth. You may also hear clicking, popping, crunching, or grinding sounds when chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth. TMD can also be linked to neck pain and headaches.

TMD can result from various factors, such as jaw injuries, joint diseases like arthritis, and habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching. Stress can also play a role, though it’s unclear if it causes or results from TMD. Other contributors include poorly fitting dentures and habits like biting fingernails or pens. With so many potential causes, diagnosing TMD can be challenging. The best way to understand your symptoms is to schedule an appointment.

Headaches can have many causes, and determining the exact reason requires a physical examination by a healthcare professional.

In most cases, TMJ pain can be managed with non-invasive treatments and therapies. Surgery is rarely needed for TMD. We prioritize your well-being by discussing all available options, starting with the safest and least invasive methods, and ensuring that you have the final say in your treatment plan.

Google Verified Patient Reviews

Adriane Elek
3 weeks ago
Both my son and I see Dr Baker. Dr Baker is friendly and takes his time explaining everything. You don’t feel like just another patient. The staff is amazing. Everyone is so friendly and they instantly make you feel comfortable. My 5 year old son loves going to the dentist! I definitely recommend Upton and Baker to anyone looking for a great dentist!
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RH.
3 weeks ago
I recently moved to Wake Forest and needed to find a dentist. I visited Upton & Baker DDS today for my routine dental cleaning and to address a concern I had with my teeth. They were very professional from the moment they called me to schedule an appointment till the moment I left their office this afternoon. Victoria did an amazing and thorough cleaning. She worked very gently and made me feel at ease. Dr. Baker was also very pleasant. He took his time with speaking to me and explained everything very clearly. All and all, I felt really comfortable and I am happy that I have found my new dentist.
More
Zachary Ambrose
1 month ago
I've been searching for a dentist with a similar small-town feel since mine retired a couple of years ago. I've been to four other practices in the triangle and all of them have felt, for lack of a better word "corporate". I had my first cleaning with Dr. Baker this morning and it felt like I was right back in my old dentists office again. He was compassionate, personable, and made you feel like a person and not a patient. He took the time to thoroughly review my X-rays and went out of his way to make sure I was happy with my experience. I think I've finally found my new dentist!
More
Maria Baker
2 months ago
Very kind and courteous staff. Dr. Baker was so incredibly nice and gentle as I tend to be very nervous at the dentist’s office. He took lots of care to make sure I was comfortable and calm, and he explained everything clearly and thoroughly. He and the whole staff are very knowledgeable and experienced. I trust them with dental care for my whole family. Highly recommend this practice.
More
Marcus Allen
4 months ago
Best Dentist in the area. Great hygienists and the dentists always take the time to discuss any areas of improvement or concern. Other places I feel like they are rushing you in and out as quickly as possible. I have recommended at least 4 people to go there and they all love it. If Baker or Upton are unsure of the best course of treatment, they will call other specialists to get their opinion. My wife went to 3 other dentists before Baker, and he was able to figure out the issue after a week. I can not recommend them enough.
More
Adriane Elek
3 weeks ago
Both my son and I see Dr Baker. Dr Baker is friendly and takes his time explaining everything. You don’t feel like just another patient. The staff is amazing. Everyone is so friendly and they instantly make you feel comfortable. My 5 year old son loves going to the dentist! I definitely recommend Upton and Baker to anyone looking for a great dentist!
More
RH.
3 weeks ago
I recently moved to Wake Forest and needed to find a dentist. I visited Upton & Baker DDS today for my routine dental cleaning and to address a concern I had with my teeth. They were very professional from the moment they called me to schedule an appointment till the moment I left their office this afternoon. Victoria did an amazing and thorough cleaning. She worked very gently and made me feel at ease. Dr. Baker was also very pleasant. He took his time with speaking to me and explained everything very clearly. All and all, I felt really comfortable and I am happy that I have found my new dentist.
More
Zachary Ambrose
1 month ago
I've been searching for a dentist with a similar small-town feel since mine retired a couple of years ago. I've been to four other practices in the triangle and all of them have felt, for lack of a better word "corporate". I had my first cleaning with Dr. Baker this morning and it felt like I was right back in my old dentists office again. He was compassionate, personable, and made you feel like a person and not a patient. He took the time to thoroughly review my X-rays and went out of his way to make sure I was happy with my experience. I think I've finally found my new dentist!
More
Maria Baker
2 months ago
Very kind and courteous staff. Dr. Baker was so incredibly nice and gentle as I tend to be very nervous at the dentist’s office. He took lots of care to make sure I was comfortable and calm, and he explained everything clearly and thoroughly. He and the whole staff are very knowledgeable and experienced. I trust them with dental care for my whole family. Highly recommend this practice.
More
Marcus Allen
4 months ago
Best Dentist in the area. Great hygienists and the dentists always take the time to discuss any areas of improvement or concern. Other places I feel like they are rushing you in and out as quickly as possible. I have recommended at least 4 people to go there and they all love it. If Baker or Upton are unsure of the best course of treatment, they will call other specialists to get their opinion. My wife went to 3 other dentists before Baker, and he was able to figure out the issue after a week. I can not recommend them enough.
More
Upton and Baker DDS - Wake Forest

Request an Appointment Today

Call 919-263-2143