Jaw pain is not normal
If jaw pain is something you live with daily, it might feel like a normal part of life. But jaw pain is a sign that something is wrong. One or both of your temporomandibular joints may be affected by inflammation, misalignment, or strain. This condition is known as TMD. When the joint or surrounding tissues are irritated, pain and other symptoms begin to appear.
- Headaches
- Earaches or tenderness near the ears
- Pain in the jaw, face, or around the joints
- Muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, or upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
- Trouble chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth fully
What are the signs of TMJ disorder (TMD)?
How do we diagnose and treat TMJ disorder?
Diagnosis
We begin with a complete clinical exam of your jaw, bite, facial muscles, and joints. During your visit, we will gently check for signs of pain or discomfort and listen for unusual sounds while you open and close your mouth. If we determine you have TMD, we often recommend a custom bite splint or night guard as the first step in treatment.
Treatment and Relief
A bite splint is a clear, plastic mouthpiece made just for you. It fits over your upper or lower teeth and works to prevent clenching and grinding. It also helps to realign your jaw slightly, easing pressure on the joints and muscles so they can begin to heal.
Alternative Treatment Options
If your symptoms are linked to a misaligned bite or missing teeth, we may suggest orthodontic care or restorative treatments. In some cases, reshaping one or more teeth can help balance your bite and take stress off the jaw joints.
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, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. TMD refers to any disorder or condition that affects this joint or the surrounding muscles and nerves.
Common signs include pain or tenderness near the ear or jaw, clicking or popping when moving the mouth, and muscle tension in the face or neck. You may also experience headaches, difficulty chewing, or a restricted range of jaw motion.
TMD can be triggered by a number of factors including jaw injuries, arthritis, teeth grinding, clenching, poor posture, or stress. In some cases, ill fitting dentures or habits like chewing on pens or biting your nails may contribute. Because the causes vary, a proper diagnosis is important to determine the best course of action.
It is possible. TMD can lead to tension in the jaw and surrounding muscles, which may cause headaches. However, headaches can have many different causes. A clinical exam is the best way to determine whether your jaw issues are related.
Most people with TMD can be treated without surgery. We start with the least invasive options first. These include bite splints, stress management, and correcting your bite. Surgery is rarely needed and is only considered after other methods have not helped.
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