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.
- 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
What Are the Signs of TMJ Disorder (TMD)?
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.
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