Identifying risk factors early can help prevent the condition from worsening and guide appropriate interventions.
Parking lot located in The Ridge plaza.
Parking lot located in The Ridge plaza.
Rochester,NH
I truly can’t say enough great things about Dr. Israel, his assistant Lauren, and the hygienist Leah. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and genuinely cared for. The entire team creates such a calm and positive atmosphere that it actually makes going to the dentist something I look forward to! Dr. Israel is an outstanding dentist — incredibly knowledgeable, gentle, and attentive. He takes the time to explain every step of the process and makes sure you’re completely comfortable before proceeding. His professionalism and kindness really stand out. Lauren, his assistant, is wonderful — always organized, supportive, and caring. She and Dr. Israel work together so smoothly, which helps everything go efficiently and stress-free. Leah, the hygienist, is amazing at what she does. She’s so thorough but also gentle, and she offers really helpful tips without ever making you feel judged. Her friendly and calm demeanor makes cleanings a breeze. This team is everything you could ask for in dental care: skilled, compassionate, and truly dedicated to their patients. I recommend them wholeheartedly!
Rochester, NH
I have terrible dental anxiety which kept me from going to a dentist for almost 10 years. I knew I needed a lot of work done so I finally made the appointment here at Gentle Dental and I’m SO glad I did. These people are so incredibly kind and compassionate. They weren’t judgmental or pushy. They explained everything to me in detail and didn’t make me feel bad or rushed. I had cavities filled today for the first time in over 10 years by Dr. Israel and his assistant Jalyn and it was as great an experience as one can have at the dentist. They were so kind and calming, took tons of breaks and checked in. Truly could not have had a better experience. I will recommend this place and specifically Dr. Israel and Jalyn to anyone who will listen!!
Rochester, NH
My visit to Gentle Dental was great. Dr. Entezari was super nice and friendly. He patiently listened to all my concerns and explained everything in detail. I asked a lot of questions as I am an engineer and curious. He answered all those questions very patiently and clearly. He is a very smart and talented dentist. He was able to polish my veneer in few minutes and I am very happy with the results. He is very experienced and skilled. He knows what he is doing. I will need to do filling on my teeth and he kindly fit me in his schedule on time. More importantly, he is caring, kind and loves to go beyond and that makes him special. Jalyn, his assistant was super nice and caring. She patiently took the X-Ray of my teeth and was speaking with me the entire time as a great host. She even took care of a wound on my finger that was bleeding for some reason. Not a tooth! Kindness is there. The staff at the front desk are also very nice, friendly and helpful. They are professional and explain things if there are any questions or concerns pertaining to the costs and insurance. Michelle, the office manager, is very nice and professional. She patiently explained to me why the new patient fee was not covered by my insurance since Aetna covered X-Ray only once every 5 years and I had used that once before seeing Gentle Dental. In conclusion, I strongly recommend Dr. Entezari and Gentle Dental folks as they are professional, caring, nice, kind, and helpful!
TMJ disorders refer to problems with the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. These disorders can cause pain, discomfort, and limited jaw movement, affecting both your oral health and daily activities.
At Gentle Dental Rochester, our goal is to provide a comprehensive diagnosis to ensure that your symptoms are accurately understood and addressed. We take a multi-step approach to diagnosing TMJ disorders, which includes:
During your initial visit, our experienced team will perform a physical examination of your jaw, face, and neck. We will assess your jaw's movement, checking for any restricted motion, clicking, or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth. We’ll also look for muscle tenderness around your jaw and neck, which may indicate tension or inflammation associated with TMJ disorders.
We’ll ask you to describe your symptoms in detail. Understanding the nature, frequency, and severity of your jaw pain, headaches, or other discomforts allows us to gauge how your condition is affecting your daily life. You may also be asked if you experience other symptoms such as earaches, facial pain, or difficulty chewing, which are often associated with TMJ issues.
To further investigate the underlying causes of your symptoms, we use advanced imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to obtain detailed images of your jaw joints, teeth alignment, and bone structure. These imaging tools allow us to:
The images also allow us to track the alignment of your teeth and bite—a critical factor in diagnosing TMJ disorders, as bite issues often contribute to jaw strain and discomfort.
If we suspect that the TMJ disorder is linked to other health conditions, we may recommend additional tests to rule out problems like bruxism (teeth grinding), arthritis, or neurological conditions. These tests may include blood tests or a referral to a specialist if necessary.
A comprehensive evaluation is essential because TMJ disorders can often mimic other conditions such as ear infections, sinus problems, or even toothaches. By thoroughly reviewing all your symptoms and using advanced diagnostic tools, we can accurately distinguish TMJ from other potential health issues.
TMJ disorders can sometimes overlap with symptoms from other health problems, such as sinus infections, ear conditions, or even dental issues like cavities or gum disease. A full evaluation allows us to rule out these other causes and focus on an effective treatment plan for your specific condition.
Once we’ve identified the exact cause of your symptoms, we can tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs. Depending on the severity and type of TMJ disorder you’re diagnosed with, treatment may include conservative methods (e.g., pain management, physical therapy) or more advanced interventions like splints, surgery, or injection therapies.
We also take the opportunity to assess how your overall health may be contributing to the condition. Stress, teeth grinding, and posture are all factors that could aggravate TMJ disorders, and addressing these factors is crucial to long-term relief.
We offer a variety of non-invasive treatments to manage TMJ disorders, including:
In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to correct more severe TMJ issues. Our experts will guide you through all options, ensuring the best treatment for your situation.
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing TMJ disorders. We’ll recommend specific exercises to strengthen the jaw muscles and reduce discomfort.
We also explore alternative treatments, such as acupuncture or chiropractic care, to help with pain relief and jaw function restoration.
While not all TMJ disorders are preventable, certain habits and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk or severity of symptoms:
Education and ongoing support from Gentle Dental can empower you to manage your condition long-term.
Most major dental insurance plans are accepted at Gentle Dental Rochester. Our team will review your benefits, explain what is covered, and help you understand any out-of-pocket costs.
We provide transparent pricing before treatment begins, so you always know what to expect. If you need additional help, we also offer flexible payment options to make your TMJ care more manageable.
Gentle Dental in Rochester, NH, offers a wide range of dental services, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and emergency dental care. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Explore our website for more information and to book an appointment with our skilled professionals.
A dentist trained in TMJ disorders is the best first choice. Severe cases may be referred to an oral surgeon or physical therapist.
Costs vary by severity and treatment type. Simple care is more affordable, while advanced therapies cost more. Gentle Dental Rochester provides clear estimates and checks your insurance coverage.
Yes. TMJ issues often radiate discomfort to the temples, neck, and shoulders due to interconnected muscle groups.
Avoid chewy, crunchy, or hard foods. Soft foods help reduce jaw strain during flare ups.
Many patients feel improvement within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on severity and consistency with treatment.
If your request is a dental emergency, or you would like to call and schedule your dental appointment, contact information for our offices can be found here: Gentle Dental Locations. New patient offer not valid for emergency appointments.
It’s a good thing we can open and close our mouths so that we can do the things ...
