TMJ Treatment

Understanding TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull and is responsible for the movements needed to talk, chew, and yawn. When this joint or the muscles surrounding it become inflamed or dysfunctional, it is called a TMJ disorder, and it affects millions of people.

Common Symptoms

• Jaw pain or tenderness especially when chewing or opening wide
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth
• Headaches or earaches that seem to originate near the jaw
• Jaw locking in an open or closed position
• Facial pain or fatigue in the muscles around the jaw
• Difficulty chewing or a sudden change in the way your teeth fit together

How We Treat TMJ

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. Our approach includes:

• Custom nightguards: A precisely fitted oral appliance worn at night to prevent teeth grinding and relieve pressure on the joint
• Physical therapy exercises: Targeted stretches and movements to strengthen jaw muscles and improve range of motion
• Stress management guidance: Since stress and clenching are major contributors, we help you identify and address these triggers
• Bite adjustment: If your bite is contributing to the problem, we can make adjustments to balance the forces on your jaw
• Referrals: For severe cases, we coordinate with TMJ specialists and oral surgeons

Many patients experience significant relief within a few weeks of starting treatment. The key is getting an accurate diagnosis first.