TMJ Treatment: Understanding and Relieving Jaw Joint Pain
If you’ve ever woken up with a sore jaw, experienced headaches with no clear cause, or heard clicking sounds when you chew, you might be dealing with a TMJ disorder.
At A. DENT, we provide non-invasive and personalized TMJ treatment to help reduce pain, restore proper jaw function, and improve your quality of life.
What Is TMJ?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint . The joint that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to the side of your skull, right in front of your ears. You use this joint every time you eat, speak, smile, or yawn.
When this joint becomes inflamed, strained, or misaligned, it leads to a group of symptoms known as TMJ Disorder, or TMD.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorders affect each person differently, but common signs include:
-
Jaw pain or tenderness (especially around the ears or temples)
-
Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening the mouth
-
Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
-
Limited movement or locking of the jaw
-
Frequent headaches, especially around the temples
-
Neck and shoulder tension
-
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
-
Facial muscle fatigue
Some patients experience mild discomfort, while others may struggle with daily pain and restricted movement. Either way, TMJ issues can significantly affect your ability to eat, sleep, and concentrate.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
How Is TMJ
Diagnosed?
At A. DENT, diagnosing TMJ disorder starts with a thorough consultation, where we:
-
Listen to your symptoms and medical history
-
Examine your jaw movement and bite alignment
-
Check for tenderness, clicking, or limited motion
-
Take digital X-rays or 3D scans if needed
This detailed assessment helps us determine the severity and cause of your condition and guides the right treatment plan for you.
TMJ disorders can develop from a variety of factors:
-
Teeth grinding (bruxism) often during sleep
-
Jaw clenching, usually linked to stress or anxiety
-
Poor bite alignment (malocclusion)
-
Injury or trauma to the face or jaw
-
Arthritis affecting the joint
-
Overuse of jaw muscles (e.g. gum chewing or nail biting)
-
Missing teeth, which shift the balance of your bite
-
Postural habits, such as slouching or forward head posture
In many cases, multiple causes contribute to the development of TMJ disorder.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
How Is TMJ
Diagnosed?
At A. DENT, diagnosing TMJ disorder starts with a thorough consultation, where we:
-
Listen to your symptoms and medical history
-
Examine your jaw movement and bite alignment
-
Check for tenderness, clicking, or limited motion
-
Take digital X-rays or 3D scans if needed
This detailed assessment helps us determine the severity and cause of your condition and guides the right treatment plan for you.
TMJ disorders can develop from a variety of factors:
-
Teeth grinding (bruxism) often during sleep
-
Jaw clenching, usually linked to stress or anxiety
-
Poor bite alignment (malocclusion)
-
Injury or trauma to the face or jaw
-
Arthritis affecting the joint
-
Overuse of jaw muscles (e.g. gum chewing or nail biting)
-
Missing teeth, which shift the balance of your bite
-
Postural habits, such as slouching or forward head posture
In many cases, multiple causes contribute to the development of TMJ disorder.
TMJ Treatment Options: What We Offer
We focus on conservative and non-surgical treatments first. These are designed to reduce strain on your jaw joint, relieve muscle tension, and correct any bite-related issues.
1. Custom TMJ Splint or Night Guard
-
A thin, removable dental appliance is worn over your teeth — usually at night — to:
-
Reduce teeth grinding or clenching
-
Decrease pressure on the jaw joint
-
Relax your jaw muscles during sleep
-
Prevent damage to your teeth and restorations
-
-
These splints are custom-made to fit comfortably and effectively.
2. Bite Adjustment (Occlusal Equilibration)
-
If an uneven bite is causing stress on the TMJ, we may make small adjustments to your tooth surfaces so your bite closes more evenly — relieving pressure on the joint.
3. Physical Therapy and Jaw Exercises
-
We may recommend gentle jaw stretching and strengthening exercises to improve joint mobility and reduce pain over time.
4. Lifestyle & Habit Coaching
-
We guide you on how to:
-
Avoid excessive jaw movement (e.g., wide yawning, gum chewing)
-
Maintain better posture during work or sleep
-
Manage emotional stress, which often triggers jaw clenching
-
5. Medication Support
-
In more severe or inflamed cases, we may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or muscle relaxants for short-term relief.
6. TMJ Orthotics or Full-Mouth Rehabilitation
-
For chronic or advanced TMJ dysfunction, we may provide a long-term bite appliance or restore worn-down teeth to rebalance your bite permanently.
7. Collaboration with Specialists
-
In rare cases where symptoms don’t improve, we may coordinate care with:
-
TMJ physiotherapists
-
Pain management specialists
-
Oral surgeons (for joint surgery — only when all other options fail)
-
How Long Does TMJ Treatment Take?
What Happens If TMJ Disorder Is Left Untreated?
TMJ issues may worsen over time and lead to:
-
Chronic pain and limited jaw movement
-
Tooth damage or wear from grinding
-
Difficulty eating or speaking
-
Migraines and muscle tension
-
Joint damage requiring surgical intervention
Early diagnosis and treatment make recovery faster and more effective.
That depends on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment. Some patients feel better within a few weeks of using a splint or changing habits.
Others with chronic TMJ issues may need several months of ongoing care and monitoring.
Let's Get You Some Relief
If you suspect TMJ disorder, don’t wait until the pain worsens. The right treatment can make eating, talking, and smiling feel natural again.