TMJ Treatment in Cary, NC
15+ Years of Specialized TMJ Experience
- Fellow of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
- Precision diagnostics with 3D imaging, JVA, and Biopack
- Splints, electrotherapy, laser therapy, injections, and Botox
- Treating jaw pain at its source, not just the symptoms
Why Choose Dr. Kearney for TMJ Treatment in Cary, NC
Specialized TMJ Care From Dr. Kearney
Dr. Kearney's approach to TMJ treatment is rooted in specialized training and years of focused clinical practice:
Credentials & Approach
✓ Fellow of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain (FAACP), with craniofacial pain residency training
✓ 15+ years treating TMJ/TMD with neuromuscular and centric-relation techniques
✓ TMJ screening included during all routine checkups at our Cary, NC, practice
✓ Capable of identifying whether your symptoms are TMJ-related or caused by another condition
His extensive experience in both TMD treatment and general restorative dentistry means he can address the root of the problem and repair any dental damage caused by clenching and grinding, all under one roof. If you are dealing with jaw pain, our team is here to help you find answers and lasting relief.
“
★★★★★ Google Review
Dr. Kearney and his staff are top-notch! I'm so glad to have found this solo practice where I always see the same dentist. I went to other large practices where you never knew which dentist you were going to see next. Plus, the staff is so caring and kind… I actually look forward to going to the dentist just to see them.
When my mother died, I was at their office for a cleaning, and I was still grieving because it had just been a week or so. When I came out, they had a bouquet of flowers, waiting at the checkout desk. I was absolutely floored by their kindness.
On top of that, Dr. Kearney and his team are expert in TMJ issues which brings me a lot of comfort as I ended up in a lockjaw situation at a different practice. He was also the first dentist to notice that I had significant erosion to my front teeth and offer a solution that completely changed my smile. My front teeth had been eroded for over a decade and no one else ever said hey, we could fix this!
I just can't say enough good things about Dr. Kearney and his team.
A Closer Look
at the TMJs
The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect your jaw and skull. They allow you to open and close your mouth and shift your jaw from side to side. These joints are surrounded by muscles, nerves, and connective tissue that all work together during everyday actions like chewing, speaking, and yawning.
When the TMJs or surrounding tissues are compromised, overworked, or damaged, they can become inflamed or swollen. This results in symptoms like headaches, tinnitus, and even dental issues. If you are experiencing any symptoms of a temporomandibular disorder, our Cary dental office offers effective treatments to address the problem at its source.
“Dr. Kearney was gentle and kind during the thorough evaluation of what's causing my TMD, and he spent a great amount of time explaining TMJ and the mechanisms that cause issues there. He also answered every single question I had.” — Lauren, 5-Star Review
How We Treat TMJ Disorder at Our Cary, NC, Practice
Dr. Kearney can alleviate the symptoms of your TMJ disorder through a variety of non-surgical approaches. Your treatment plan is customized based on your diagnosis, lifestyle, and budget, and may include one or more of the following:
Botox for
TMJ Relief
For patients whose TMD symptoms are driven by muscle overactivity, clenching, or chronic tension in the jaw, therapeutic Botox may be an appropriate addition to the treatment plan. Dr. Kearney uses Botox injections targeting the masseter and temporalis muscles to reduce clenching force, ease muscle tenderness, and help manage headache patterns associated with TMD.
Keep in mind, this is a medical application of Botox, not cosmetic. It is used as part of a broader, diagnosis-driven TMJ care pathway alongside splint therapy, electrotherapy, or other modalities, never as a standalone treatment. During your evaluation at our Cary office, Dr. Kearney will determine whether therapeutic Botox is appropriate for your case based on your diagnostic findings and overall treatment goals.
"A patient with Dr. Kearney for 10 years, I greatly appreciate the personal care and specialized skill he and his staff have provided me for long term relief from my chronic TMD symptoms."
— Tara, 5-Star Review
Dr. Kearney Uses Advanced Technology
to Screen for Temporomandibular Disorders
Dr. Kearney has the technology necessary to diagnose and treat TMD with precision. He includes a TMJ screening during all checkups at our Cary practice.
This screening features technology like Sirona® 3D imaging, iTero® intraoral scans, Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA), and Biopack instrumentation. With these advanced tools, Dr. Kearney can provide an in-depth analysis of the condition of your TMJs.
Excessive vibrations, hyperactive muscles, and abnormal jaw movements are all indicative of TMJ issues, and our equipment can record vibrations and noises that may be inaudible to the human ear, monitor muscle activity, and precisely track jaw movements. Having detailed information about your TMJs can help Dr. Kearney develop a more targeted and lasting treatment plan.
A Closer Look at Our TMJ Diagnostic Tools
A Pain-Free Life Is Affordable We Accept Dental and Medical Insurance
Depending on your treatment plan and the severity of your TMD, you can expect to pay $850 to $3,500 for your care. Many dental and medical plans will contribute to the cost, though your coverage will depend on your specific plan. If you need help making your care more affordable, our Cary team may be able to arrange a payment plan that fits your budget.
What if It's Not a TMJ Disorder?
Not all jaw pain, headaches, or facial discomfort point to a TMJ disorder. Symptoms that mimic TMD can sometimes be traced to other dental conditions, such as a cracked tooth, root canal infection, or bite misalignment. Because these issues share overlapping symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is essential before starting any treatment.
Dr. Kearney's diagnostic approach is designed to differentiate between TMJ-related dysfunction and other causes. If he determines that your symptoms are not related to a TMJ disorder, he also provides a full range of restorative and general dentistry treatments at our Cary, NC, office, so you can get the care you need without being referred to other offices.
Prevent Additional Problems With TMJ Treatment
Dealing with temporomandibular disorders can be incredibly stressful and painful. Without treatment, your TMD can also lead to complications, including:
✖ A dislocated jaw joint
✖ Teeth grinding
✖ Worn teeth
✖ Broken teeth
✖ Loose teeth
✖ Physical stress
✖ Muscle tension
✖ Arthritis
There is a way to alleviate your TMJ symptoms and prevent complications before they begin: by contacting us for treatment. You can trust our Cary dentist to treat your TMD at the source and help you avoid further issues from your overworked TMJs.
FAQ About TMD and TMJ Treatment in Cary, NC
What symptoms are associated with TMD?
TMD can cause symptoms like ear pain, ear stuffiness, tinnitus, and headaches, specifically in the temple area. It can also cause dizziness, though this symptom is much less common.
Is TMD curable?
Some TMJ disorders are curable. For more severe cases, the condition may not be fully curable but can be significantly improved and managed with treatment. Dr. Kearney will develop a custom treatment plan based on your symptoms and the severity of your condition to provide long-term relief.
Can wisdom teeth cause TMD?
Not typically. Unless the wisdom teeth erupt into a poor position and interfere with a patient's bite or jaw position, they are unlikely to cause TMD.
Is TMD hereditary?
There may be a genetic component to TMD, but factors such as your bite, alignment, and teeth clenching play a larger role.
What if I don't have a TMJ disorder?
Your jaw pain may be the result of another condition, like a broken tooth or root canal infection. If Dr. Kearney determines that a TMJ disorder is not the cause of your discomfort, he also provides a full range of restorative and general dentistry treatments so you can get all the care you need in one location.
