Jaw Pain is Not Normal
If jaw pain is something you experience daily, it may seem like a normal part of life. However, jaw pain is not typical and could be a sign of a condition called TMD, which affects one or both of your TMJs (temporomandibular joints). These are the joints of your lower jaw. When misalignment or disease affects the TMJ, inflammation occurs, causing pain and other symptoms.
- Headaches
- Earaches and tenderness around the ear
- Face or jaw pain and tenderness
- Muscle pain in your neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding of the jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth
What Are the Signs of TMJ Disorder (TMD)?
Some common signs and symptoms of TMD include:
How Do We Diagnose and Treat TMJ Disorder?
Diagnosis
To diagnose TMD, we start with a comprehensive clinical exam where we evaluate your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. We check for pain or tenderness and listen for clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If TMD is diagnosed, a bite splint or night guard is often recommended as the first treatment option.
Treatment and Relief
One common treatment for TMD involves bite splints. These are custom designed plastic mouthpieces that fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. Bite splints help prevent grinding and clenching, which often cause or worsen TMD. They also realign the jaw, relieving stress on the surrounding muscles and tissues.
Alternative Treatment Options
If misalignment or missing teeth are contributing to your symptoms, orthodontics or restorative dental work may be suggested. If your bite is causing pressure on the TMJ, reshaping individual teeth to distribute the bite force evenly may also be considered.
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 refers to the Temporomandibular Joint. When this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed, it is called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).
TMD symptoms often include pain and tenderness around the ear, jaw joint, or muscles of the jaw, face, or temples. You may also have difficulty opening or closing your mouth, and may hear a clicking, popping, crunching, or grinding noise when you chew, yawn, or open your mouth. TMD can also be linked to neck pain and headaches.
TMD can be caused by a combination of factors, including jaw injuries and joint diseases like arthritis. Bruxism (tooth grinding or clenching) and muscle tension in the head or neck can worsen TMD symptoms. Stress may also play a role, though it’s unclear whether stress causes TMD or is a result of it. Other factors that can lead to TMD include poorly fitting dentures and habits like nail biting or chewing on pens or pencils. Due to the variety of potential causes, TMD can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to understand your symptoms is to schedule an appointment with us.
Headaches can have many causes, and determining the source of your headache requires a physical examination. A dentist or healthcare provider will be able to evaluate your symptoms and help identify the cause.
In most cases, TMJ pain can be effectively treated with non invasive therapies. Surgery is rarely necessary for TMD. We will always present you with all treatment options, starting with the safest and least invasive methods, and provide you with the information to make an informed decision about your care. Your health and well being are our top priority.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Booking an Appointment is Easy!
Simply call us or book an appointment in 3 easy steps:
Fill Out a Quick Form
We'll Call You Right Away
Choose a Time That Works for You
