Jaw pain is not normal
If you experience jaw pain daily, it may feel normal to you, but it is not. Jaw pain can be a sign of a condition called TMD that affects one or both of your TMJs. These joints connect your lower jaw to your skull. When disease or misalignment occurs, the TMJ and surrounding tissues become inflamed, causing pain and other symptoms.
- Headaches
- Earaches or tenderness around the ear
- Pain and tenderness in the face or jaw
- Muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth
What are the signs of TMJ disorder (TMD)?
For expert diagnosis and care, trust a knowledgeable Dentist in Burlington to help relieve your jaw pain and improve your quality of life.
How do we diagnose and treat TMJ disorder?
Diagnosis
Treatment starts with a detailed clinical exam of your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. We check for pain, tenderness, and listen for clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If diagnosed with TMD, we often recommend a bite splint or night guard as the first step in treatment.
Treatment and Relief
Bite splints are custom made plastic mouthpieces designed to fit over your upper or lower teeth. These devices prevent grinding and clenching, which can cause or worsen TMD. The splint also helps realign the jaw and reduce stress on the surrounding area.
Alternative Treatment Options
If a misaligned bite or missing teeth cause your symptoms, we may suggest orthodontic treatment or restorative dental work. If your bite puts too much pressure on the TMJs, reshaping individual teeth to balance the bite may be recommended.
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 is the Temporomandibular Joint. When this joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it is called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD.
Symptoms include pain or tenderness in or around the ear, jaw joint, or muscles of the jaw, face, or temples. You might experience trouble opening or closing your mouth or hear clicking, popping, crunching, or grinding noises when chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth. TMD can also be linked to neck pain and headaches.
TMD has many possible causes including jaw injuries and joint diseases like arthritis. Tooth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism, and muscle tension in the head or neck may worsen symptoms. Stress is another possible factor, though it is unclear whether stress causes TMD or results from it. Ill fitting dentures and habits like nail biting or chewing on pens can also contribute. Because of many causes, TMD can be hard to diagnose. The best way to understand your jaw pain is to schedule an appointment.
Headaches have many causes. No doctor can diagnose the cause without a physical exam.
Most TMJ pain is successfully treated with non invasive methods. Surgery is rarely needed. Your health and comfort are important to us. We will explain all options, start with the safest and simplest treatments, and help you decide the best path forward.
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