TMJ / TMD Treatment

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. TMD covers a range of conditions that disrupt that joint, with symptoms like clicking or popping, difficulty chewing, a stuck jaw, headaches, and pain.

• ArthritisWear or inflammation in the jaw joint.
• InjuryTrauma to the jaw, head, or neck.
• Disc dislocationThe cushioning disc inside the TM joint shifts out of place.
• Grinding or clenchingHabitual pressure on the joint, often during sleep, that wears it down. A custom night guard can help reduce this strain.
• Improper bite (malocclusion)When the upper and lower teeth do not meet evenly.
• StressTension that contributes to clenching and muscle fatigue.

• Thorough examTMD is most common among women of childbearing age, and many other conditions can mimic its symptoms, so an accurate diagnosis is important. Your dentist will review your medical history and check the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping, and limited motion.
• Imaging and bite analysisWe typically take specialized X-rays of the TM joints and may take an impression of your teeth to evaluate how your bite fits together.

• Conservative care firstTreatment can range from self-care and non-invasive therapies to injections. We follow a step-by-step approach because non-invasive therapies are often effective at relieving symptoms.
• Bite appliancesA custom appliance or night guard can ease pressure on the joint, protect the teeth, and help reposition the bite.
• Advanced therapy when neededIn severe or persistent cases, additional therapies, including injections or surgical care, may be considered.

"If you are experiencing jaw pain, clicking, or persistent headaches, an evaluation is the best first step. We will work with you to identify the cause and recommend the most conservative treatment that can give you lasting relief."