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TMJ / TMD Comprehensive Evaluation in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

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Jaw pain, headaches, facial tension, and clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth are often signs of an underlying temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). At Dreamwell Center, we provide a thorough TMJ/TMD Comprehensive Evaluation in Santa Rosa Beach to accurately diagnose the root cause of jaw dysfunction and create a personalized treatment plan.

Our detailed evaluation process is designed to help Santa Rosa Beach residents find lasting relief from TMJ-related pain while improving jaw function, sleep quality, and overall well-being.

Understanding TMJ and TMD Disorders

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect your jaw to your skull and play a crucial role in speaking, chewing, yawning, and facial movement. When these joints or surrounding muscles become inflamed, misaligned, or overworked, it can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

TMD is a complex condition that often goes undiagnosed because symptoms may mimic headaches, ear pain, neck tension, or dental discomfort.

Common Symptoms of TMJ / TMD

You may benefit from a TMJ evaluation in Santa Rosa Beach if you experience:

  • Jaw pain or stiffness

  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw

  • Facial pain or tension

  • Frequent headaches or migraines

  • Ear pain, pressure, or ringing (tinnitus)

  • Difficulty opening or closing the mouth

  • Neck, shoulder, or upper back pain

  • Jaw locking or limited range of motion

At Dreamwell Center, our comprehensive TMJ assessment focuses on identifying the underlying causes—not just treating symptoms.

What Is a TMJ/TMD Comprehensive Evaluation?

A TMJ/TMD Comprehensive Evaluation is an in-depth clinical assessment designed to examine jaw function, muscle balance, bite alignment, and joint health. Unlike a basic dental exam, this evaluation looks at how the jaw, teeth, muscles, airway, and posture work together.

Our goal is to uncover the root cause of TMJ dysfunction so we can recommend effective, long-term solutions.

What’s Included in Our TMJ/TMD Evaluation at Dreamwell Center

Detailed Medical and Symptom History

We begin by reviewing your health history, lifestyle factors, stress levels, sleep patterns, and jaw-related symptoms.

Comprehensive Jaw and Bite Assessment

Our specialists evaluate:

  • Jaw movement and range of motion

  • Bite alignment and occlusion

  • Muscle tenderness and tension

  • Joint sounds and stability

Muscle and Postural Analysis

TMJ disorders are often linked to neck posture, shoulder tension, and airway issues. We assess muscular balance and posture to identify contributing factors.

Airway and Sleep Considerations

Many TMJ issues are associated with clenching, grinding (bruxism), and sleep-disordered breathing. Our evaluation considers how airway health and sleep quality may affect jaw function.

Why a Comprehensive TMJ Evaluation Matters

Treating the Cause, Not Just the Pain

TMJ disorders rarely have a single cause. They may result from:

  • Bite misalignment

  • Chronic teeth grinding or clenching

  • Stress and muscle tension

  • Poor posture

  • Airway or sleep issues

  • Previous jaw trauma

A TMJ/TMD Comprehensive Evaluation in Santa Rosa Beach allows us to identify these contributing factors and design a targeted treatment approach.

TMJ Evaluation vs General Dental Exam

Many patients assume TMJ pain is a dental issue alone. However, TMJ disorders require a broader, interdisciplinary evaluation.

TMJ Evaluation Includes:

  • Joint mechanics and function

  • Muscle coordination

  • Bite and jaw alignment

  • Neuromuscular balance

This deeper approach helps avoid misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments.

Personalized TMJ Care for Santa Rosa Beach Residents

At Dreamwell Center, we tailor every TMJ evaluation to the individual. No two patients experience TMJ disorders the same way, which is why personalized assessment is essential.

Potential Treatment Recommendations May Include:

  • Custom oral appliances or splints

  • Jaw stabilization therapy

  • Muscle relaxation techniques

  • Stress and habit modification

  • Postural and airway considerations

  • Coordination with sleep therapy when needed

All recommendations are based on findings from your comprehensive evaluation.

Why Choose Dreamwell Center in Santa Rosa Beach?

Dreamwell Center is a trusted provider of TMJ and TMD evaluations in Santa Rosa Beach, known for our holistic, patient-focused approach.

What Sets Us Apart:

  • Expertise in TMJ, airway, and sleep-related conditions

  • Comprehensive diagnostic approach

  • Personalized treatment planning

  • Focus on long-term relief and function

  • Care for Santa Rosa Beach and surrounding communities

We proudly serve patients from Santa Rosa Beach, Seagrove Beach, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, and nearby areas.

How TMJ Disorders Can Affect Daily Life

Untreated TMJ dysfunction can impact more than just your jaw. Many patients experience:

  • Chronic headaches or facial pain

  • Poor sleep quality

  • Difficulty eating or speaking

  • Increased stress and tension

  • Reduced quality of life

Early evaluation and intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and help restore comfort and function.

When Should You Schedule a TMJ/TMD Evaluation?

You should consider scheduling a TMJ/TMD Comprehensive Evaluation in Santa Rosa Beach if:

  • Jaw pain persists or worsens

  • Headaches or facial pain are frequent

  • Jaw noises or locking occur regularly

  • Previous treatments have not provided relief

Addressing TMJ disorders early often leads to better outcomes and reduced long-term discomfort.

Schedule Your TMJ/TMD Comprehensive Evaluation in Santa Rosa Beach

If you’re experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or facial tension, a thorough evaluation is the first step toward relief. At Dreamwell Center, we’re committed to helping Santa Rosa Beach residents achieve comfort, balance, and long-term jaw health.

👉 Book your TMJ/TMD Comprehensive Evaluation in Santa Rosa Beach today and take the first step toward lasting relief.

Our Doctors

Brush Up on Our Dentist's Expertise
Dr. Michael O'Donnell DMD
Dr. Michael O’Donnell opened Dreamwell Center in early 2019 to bring quality comprehensive treatment of TMJ and sleep disorders to patients in Northwest Florida.

Dreamwell Center is recognized on the Inc. 5000, reflecting strong leadership, operational integrity, and consistent growth
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Dr. Chris Farrugia DDS
Dr. Farrugia began treating sleep disorders at his private dental practice in 2013 and has been diagnosing and treating TMD/TMJ for over 25 years.
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Dr. Noana Issar-Grill DDS
Originally from Maryland, Dr. Noana Issar-Grill has called Florida home for quite some time. She has spent almost 24 years in the Air Force treating TMJ/TMD and sleep apnea patients. Prior to her time in the military, she was in private practice in Maryland. She is a Diplomate in the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

She has two children; a son who lives near Washington D.C. and a daughter who lives in New York City. She has a deep passion for sleep medicine and thoroughly enjoys helping patients to live a better life. She enjoys traveling around the world, spending time with her family and reading.
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How we serve you better

Where Science Meets Smiles
Mandibular Advancement Devices
Reposition the lower jaw forward during sleep to maintain an open airway, reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms for better rest quality.
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Digital Impression Scanners
Capture precise 3D images of teeth using optical technology, eliminating messy traditional molds while improving accuracy and patient comfort for restorations.
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CBCT Machine
Provides detailed 3D images of teeth, bones, soft tissues, and airways, enabling dentists to diagnose issues that might not be visible on traditional 2D X-rays.
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Airway Analysis Software
Precisely evaluates a patient's upper airway dimensions using 3D imaging, helping dentists diagnose sleep-related breathing disorders and plan treatments.
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Jaw Measurement Devices
Devices precisely track mandibular movements, bite force, occlusal relationships, and temporomandibular joint function for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
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Digital Patient Questionnaires
Streamline intake, securely collect medical history and symptoms, reduce paperwork, ensure accurate records, and save time for both patients and dental staff.
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Panoramic X-rays
A comprehensive, 360-degree view of the entire mouth, teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures in a single image, enabling better diagnosis  for various dental conditions.
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Digital X-Rays
Digital radiography reduces radiation exposure and provides high-quality images for better diagnosis.
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TRIOS Intraoral Scanner
Create precise 3D digital impressions of patients' teeth without using  messy putty materials, leading to more accurate restorations.
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Cephalometric X-rays
Analyze facial growth, airway problems, and jaw relationships to better plan treatments like braces or jaw surgery.
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Oral Appliance Adjustment Tools
Precisely modify dental devices for optimal fit, comfort, and functionality through specialized pliers, burs, torches, and articulating paper.
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Bite Registration Materials
Materials accurately capture jaw relationships, aiding in precise occlusal analysis and ensuring proper fit of dental restorations during laboratory fabrication.
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Blood Pressure Monitors
Dental offices use blood pressure monitors to assess cardiovascular health before procedures, ensuring patient safety and identifying potential risks during treatment.
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Mallampati Classification Charts
Visually assess a patient's airway by categorizing visibility of oral structures (I-IV), helping predict intubation difficulty and anesthesia risks.
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Soft Tissue Laser
Enables more precise, less invasive procedures with reduced bleeding, faster healing times, and often less need for anesthesia compared to traditional dental tools.
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Height and Weight Scales
Assess BMI, correlate oral health with body metrics, track growth patterns for pediatric patients, and inform safe anesthetic dosing during procedures.
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DEKA Laser
Provide versatile dental solutions for soft/hard tissue procedures, offering precision cutting, reduced bleeding, faster healing, minimal discomfort, and enhanced patient comfort.
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Laser Systems for Tissue Reduction
Precisely target and vaporize excess tissue with minimal bleeding, faster healing, reduced pain, and enhanced precision for gum contouring and lesion removal.
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Calipers for Anatomical Measurements
Precisely measure anatomical features like tooth dimensions, interdental spaces, and gingival margins, aiding in diagnosis, treatment planning, and prosthetic design.
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Autoclave Sterilization
Uses high-pressure steam to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and spores on dental instruments, ensuring patient safety and preventing cross-contamination between procedures.
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Tongue Depressors
Flat wooden or plastic tools used by dental professionals to gently press the tongue down, providing better visibility of the oral cavity during examinations.
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Appliance Cleaning Solutions and Containers
Our eco-friendly appliance cleaning solutions come in convenient, spill-proof containers for efficient sanitization of all dental equipment, ensuring patient safety.
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Testimonials

OUR CROWING ACHEIVEMENTS
100+ reviews
"April has been so nice and welcoming in setting up my appointments, also giving so much information about all my options for financing or products that may help my sleep apnea! Khyla is wonderful taking care of all my needs in the back with keeping me well informed on all of the things being done or devices I need to use while always making sure I'm comfortable!"
"A wonderful experience! The care and compassion Dr. Noana, Khyla, and April have is outstanding. I feel I am in very competent hands on this journey to wellness."
"I’m about midway through my treatment for sleep apnea at the Dreamwell Center, and am pleased about the progress I’ve made so far. Dr. Noana has been very encouraging, which helps to keep me motivated, and Khyla is always available for technical assistance and moral support. April keeps me on track with my appointments and understands if I make a last minute change. And I really appreciate the complimentary Iced Pear flavored lip balm with SPF!"
"My daughter had an office visit with Dr. Noana. We had a great experience with the other office staff, Kayla & April. Everyone was very kind & professional."
"What a great team! April, Kristi and Khyla are very welcoming and put you at ease right away. They answer all questions professionally and clearly. I am very comfortable with my visits there."
"We recently moved to the area and thrilled to have access to this practice and type of dental/airway treatment. My children had a great first appointment at their beautiful practice."

FAQ

Questions
How often should I visit the dentist?

It is recommended to visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. However, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits based on your individual oral health needs.

What should I do if I have a toothache?

If you experience a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food particles stuck between your teeth. If the pain persists, contact your dentist for an appointment as soon as possible. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to help alleviate discomfort until you can see your dentist.

How can I prevent cavities?

To prevent cavities, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also essential for maintaining good oral health.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Signs of gum disease include red, swollen, or tender gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, receding gums, and loose or shifting teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

What payment options do you accept?

We accept most major dental insurance plans, as well as cash, credit cards, and financing options through third-party providers. Please contact our office for more information on specific payment options and to verify your insurance coverage.

What should I do in a dental emergency?

In case of a dental emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or broken dental appliance, contact our office immediately. We reserve time in our daily schedule for emergency appointments and will provide you with instructions on how to handle your situation until you can see the dentist.

Are dental X-rays safe?

Yes, modern dental X-rays are safe. The amount of radiation exposure from a dental X-ray is minimal, and dentists take precautions to minimize exposure by using lead aprons and collars. X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool for detecting dental issues that may not be visible during a regular exam.