Jaw pain can make simple daily activities like eating, speaking, yawning, and even smiling uncomfortable. If you’re experiencing persistent jaw discomfort, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth, you may be suffering from a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, also known as TMD. At Elite Dentistry, we provide personalized TMJ and jaw pain treatment to relieve discomfort, restore normal jaw function, and improve your overall quality of life.
Our experienced dental team understands that every patient experiences TMJ disorders differently. That’s why we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment, identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms before recommending a customized treatment plan. Whether your jaw pain is caused by teeth grinding, jaw clenching, stress, injury, or bite misalignment, we’re here to help you find effective, long-term relief.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most frequently used joints in the body. Located on each side of your face just in front of your ears, these joints connect your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. They allow smooth movement when you chew, speak, yawn, laugh, and swallow.
When the muscles, ligaments, or joints become irritated, inflamed, injured, or misaligned, it can lead to a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMJ disorders can affect one or both sides of the jaw and may range from mild discomfort to chronic pain that interferes with everyday activities.
Fortunately, many TMJ conditions can be successfully managed with conservative, non-surgical treatment provided by your dentist.
Several factors can contribute to the development of TMJ disorders. In many cases, more than one factor may be involved.
During your evaluation, our team carefully identifies the factors contributing to your symptoms so treatment can be tailored to your specific needs.
TMJ disorders can cause a variety of symptoms that affect not only your jaw but also your face, head, neck, and shoulders.
At Elite Dentistry, we begin with a comprehensive examination to understand the source of your jaw pain and evaluate the function of your temporomandibular joints.
We’ll discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, previous injuries, medical history, and any habits such as teeth grinding or clenching that may contribute to your condition.
Your dentist will examine the movement of your jaw, checking for pain, stiffness, clicking, popping, or limited range of motion.
We inspect your teeth for signs of grinding or excessive wear while evaluating the surrounding jaw muscles for tenderness, inflammation, and muscle tension.
If additional information is needed, digital X-rays or other imaging may be recommended to evaluate the condition of your jaw joints and surrounding structures.
Receiving professional treatment for TMJ disorders offers many benefits, including:
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