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ADVANCED DENTISTRY & TMJ
TMJ / TMD Therapy in Ball Ground, GA
Jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and facial soreness can all trace back to dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. TMJ evaluation and treatment at Ireland Restorative Dentistry is led by Dr. Ireland, whose prosthodontic training in occlusion gives her particular expertise in bite-related dysfunction. Dr. Hewgley also evaluates and co-manages TMJ patients, and both doctors work together on cases that involve both bite correction and general restorative care.
HOW IT WORKS
Your TMJ evaluation, step by step.
1
Comprehensive Evaluation
We evaluate your jaw joints, muscles, bite, and range of motion — listening carefully to your symptoms and history before making any recommendations.
2
Diagnosis
We identify the source of your dysfunction — whether it is the joint itself, the muscles, the bite, or a combination — and explain our findings clearly.
3
Treatment Plan
A personalized treatment plan is developed. This may include a bite splint, occlusal adjustment, physical therapy referral, or a combination of approaches.
4
Monitoring & Adjustment
We monitor your response to treatment and adjust the plan as needed. TMD treatment is often gradual — we stay with you through the process.
What is TMJ / TMD?
The temporomandibular joint — the TMJ — is the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull. It is one of the most complex joints in the body, responsible for every bite, chew, and word you speak. Temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, refers to a range of conditions affecting this joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.
TMD is more common than most people realize — and it is frequently misdiagnosed or attributed to other causes. The symptoms can be significant, but they are very often treatable.
Signs and symptoms of TMD
You may have TMD if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Headaches or migraines that seem to originate near the temples
- Earaches or a feeling of fullness in the ears without infection
- Facial pain or tightness in the jaw muscles
- Difficulty fully opening or closing the mouth
Why Ireland Restorative Dentistry for TMD?
TMJ dysfunction is one of the most misunderstood conditions in dentistry — and one of the most undertreated. Jaw pain, morning headaches, clicking or popping joints, worn teeth, and chronic muscle tension are all signs that the bite may not be functioning the way it should. Getting to the root cause requires a careful, whole-mouth evaluation — not just a night guard prescription.
At Ireland Restorative Dentistry, TMJ patients benefit from the combined perspective of two doctors who approach the condition from complementary angles.
Dr. Ireland’s prosthodontic training gives her a deep foundation in occlusion — the science of how the upper and lower teeth meet, how bite forces distribute across the jaw, and how even minor imbalances in the bite can produce significant symptoms over time. She has been evaluating and treating complex bite and TMJ cases for over 30 years, and her ability to connect occlusal findings to a patient’s symptoms is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in this practice.
Dr. Hewgley brings a thorough general dentistry perspective and a particular interest in how TMJ dysfunction intersects with overall health. She evaluates TMJ patients with the same careful attention to detail, and co-manages cases with Dr. Ireland when a combined approach — addressing both the bite and the broader restorative picture — serves the patient best.
Together they offer something most practices cannot: the ability to diagnose and treat TMJ dysfunction at the level it actually requires, without referring out for the parts that demand real expertise.
Is TMD connected to teeth grinding?
Yes — in many cases. Bruxism, the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, is one of the most common drivers of TMD symptoms. The constant muscle activity and joint loading that comes with grinding creates inflammation, soreness, and over time can cause significant wear to the teeth and damage to the joint. A custom bite splint is often the first and most effective step in breaking this cycle.
Jaw pain is not something to live with.
Book an evaluation and let’s find the source of your symptoms and a path forward.
Related Services
Practice Info
📍 310 Gilmer Ferry Rd, Ste 200
📍 Ball Ground, GA 30107
⏰ Mon–Thu 8am–5pm
⏰ Fri by appointment
Insurance & Fees
Ireland Restorative Dentistry is a fee-for-service practice. We will submit insurance claims on your behalf as a courtesy. Transparent estimates are provided before any treatment begins.
PATIENT STORIES
Trusted by families across Ball Ground and beyond.
★★★★★
“My wife and I had our first visit to Ireland Dental. They have AMAZING staff from Amanda, Celeste, Amber, Dr. Ireland & Dr. Hewgley! Dr. Ireland & Dr. Hewgley made us feel very comfortable and explained everything and it’s like we have known them all for years!!”
Ted Fountain
Google Review · 5 Stars
★★★★★
“Dr. Ireland is absolutely fabulous!!! I am so grateful I found her. She is compassionate and absolutely excellent. I highly recommend her and her entire team! Her dental hygienist, Brooke, is also first in class. Would give 10 stars, if I could!”
Denise L.
Google Review · 5 Stars
★★★★★
“Our entire family loves the staff at Ireland Dental! The staff is fabulous, professional, kind and they truly make it an enjoyable experience. Dr. Ireland is the best! She has such a calming spirit and makes everyone feel extremely comfortable.”
Michele Champagne
Google Review · 5 Stars
ALSO IN ADVANCED DENTISTRY & TMJ
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Full Mouth Rehabilitation
When TMD has caused significant tooth wear — comprehensive prosthodontic restoration of the entire bite.
Crowns & Bridges
Restoring teeth worn down by grinding — prosthodontic crowns that rebuild proper bite height.