Jaw pain is not something to ignore.
It may seem like a normal part of daily life, but jaw pain can actually signal temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which affects one or both of your temporomandibular joints (TMJs). These joints, located in the lower jaw, can become inflamed due to misalignment or disease, leading to discomfort and other symptoms.
Signs of TMJ Disorder (TMD):
- Headaches
- Earaches or tenderness around the ear
- Pain and tenderness in the face or jaw
- Muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, or upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
- Difficulty with chewing, yawning, or opening the mouth
If you experience any of these symptoms, seeking treatment can relieve pain, improve jaw function, and enhance your overall quality of life.
Diagnosing and Treating TMJ Disorder
Diagnosis
We begin by conducting a thorough examination of your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth to identify the source of any pain or discomfort. We’ll check for tenderness and listen for any clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth, chew, or swallow. If we detect TMD, a bite splint or night guard is often recommended as the first step in treatment.
Treatment and Relief
Bite splints are custom-made mouthpieces designed to fit over your teeth to prevent grinding and clenching, which can worsen TMD symptoms. These splints also help realign your jaw, easing pressure on the TMJ and providing relief.
Alternative Treatment Options
If your symptoms stem from a misaligned bite or missing teeth, orthodontics or restorative dental work may be necessary. Additionally, reshaping certain teeth to relieve pressure on your TMJ can help balance your bite and offer further 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 the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
Symptoms of TMD can include pain or tenderness around the ear, jaw joint, or muscles in the jaw, face, or temples. You might also have difficulty opening or closing your mouth and hear clicking, popping, or grinding noises when chewing, yawning, or speaking. Neck pain and headaches can also be linked to TMD.
TMD can result from several factors, including jaw injuries, arthritis, tooth clenching or grinding (bruxism), and muscle tension in the head or neck. Stress may also contribute, though it’s unclear whether it’s a cause or a consequence. Poorly fitting dentures or habits like biting nails or pens can also play a role. Diagnosing TMD can be complex, so it’s best to schedule an appointment for a proper assessment.
Headaches have many possible causes, and a physical examination is needed to determine whether TMD is contributing to them.
Most cases of TMJ pain can be managed with non-invasive treatments. Surgery is rarely necessary, and if it is, we will discuss all options with you, focusing on safe and simple treatments to help you make an informed decision about your care.
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