Jaw pain is not normal.
If jaw pain is part of your everyday life, it may seem normal to you. The truth is, jaw pain is far from normal and may be a symptom of a condition called TMD from one or both of your TMJs. Those are the joints of your lower jaw, called TemporoMandibular Joints. When disease or misalignment occurs, the TMJ and surrounding area becomes inflamed — which is what causes pain and other symptoms.
- Headaches
- Earaches, tenderness around the ear
- Face or jaw pain and tenderness
- Muscle pain in your neck, shoulders and upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning or opening your mouth
What are the signs of TMJ disorder (TMD)?
How do we diagnose and treat TMJ disorder?
Diagnosis
Treatment of TMD begins with a comprehensive clinical examination, to check your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. During your appointment, we will check for pain and tenderness and listen for clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If the disorder is diagnosed, a bite splint or night guard is often recommended as the initial treatment.
Treatment and Relief
Our treatment application involves bite splints, which are custom-created plastic mouthpieces, designed to fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. These type of devices prevent the grinding and clenching that often causes or worsens TMD. The splint also realigns the jaw, removing stress on the surrounding area.
Alternative Treatment Options
If a misaligned bite or missing teeth are the cause of your symptoms, we may recommend orthodontics or restorative dental work. If your bite is placing undue pressure on the TMJ’s, we may suggest reshaping individual teeth to redistribute the bite force evenly.
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 stands for Temporomandibular Joint. If this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed we refer to that as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMD for short.
Signs or symptoms of TMD include pain and tenderness in or around the ear, the jaw joint, or the muscles of the jaw, face or temples. Other symptoms are problems opening or closing your mouth, and a clicking, popping, crunching or grinding noise when you chew, yawn or open your mouth. TMDs may be linked with neck pain and headaches.
TMD is caused by a combination of factors like jaw injuries and joint disease, such as arthritis. It’s believed that bruxism (tooth clenching or grinding) and head or neck muscle tension may make TMD symptoms worse. Stress is also a possible factor. However, it is not clear if stress causes TMD or is a result. Other things that may lead to TMDs are partial or full dentures that are not the right fit and certain habits such as fingernail biting and pen or pencil biting. As you can see, there are an array of different causes which makes TMD hard to diagnose. The best way to understand your jaw pain symptoms are to book an appointment.
There are many possible causes of headaches. No doctor will be able to determine the cause of your headache without a physical examination.
Most often, TMJ pain can be treated effectively with non-invasive treatments and therapies. In very rare circumstances, TMD may require surgery. Your health and happiness are both important to us. We will always present you with all of your options, work through the safest and easiest options first, and give you the final decision on what happens next.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Gpreet D
3 years ago
I love this clinic. I go there for my regular cleanings and everybody is so nice there. The manager Puneet is very knowledgeable and polite. She always makes sure that every person feels welcomed and keeps a check on all the appointments. Cindy is my favourite hygienist. She is equally patient and detail oriented. She keeps me calm and interact with me during my hygiene appointments. Dr Maleki is a very good dentist. He took very good care of my younger daughter and completed all her fillings with such ease. By far the best clinic. 5 stars!!!
Antonio Glorioso
3 years ago
Me and my family have recently started going to this dental office and it is by far one of the best offices we have been to. Overall had a great experience! Dr. Maleki is an awesome dentist, very knowledgeable, he makes you feel comfortable, takes his time with you, addresses all of your concerns, and explains everything in a way that is easy to understand while providing you with the best possible treatment options. Puneet is very kind, sweet and welcoming, she works the front desk and answers all of your questions with ease. Insurance billings are direct and easy to understand, booking appointments couldn't be any easier and she's great at reminding you of your appointments always. Cindy is a great hygienist, best one I've ever had. She's kind, understanding, patient and takes her time with you, while providing you with comfortable pain free cleanings and her attention to detail is amazing! The dentist and staff are all super friendly, respectful and make you feel at ease everytime. HIGHLY recommend!!!
diselino
4 years ago
My first experience at this location was absolutely delightful. God knows I've had my fair share of bad dentists in my life. Dr. Maleki made me feel very relaxed and comfortable all throughout the procedure. This was a brand new and refreshing experience for me. He did an amazing job and the staff are just as nice and friendly. Since my visit I've switched from my old dentist to Dr. Maleki and I can't see myself going anywhere else.
Gabriela Rodarte
4 years ago
Great Family practice in Nobleton.
Dr Malaki and Tim are incredible , I walked in there not knowing what to expect but as the were fixing my tooth they were telling me what they were doing and making sure I was okay .
I highly recommend Parkview Family Dental ! :)
Gpreet D
3 years ago
I love this clinic. I go there for my regular cleanings and everybody is so nice there. The manager Puneet is very knowledgeable and polite. She always makes sure that every person feels welcomed and keeps a check on all the appointments. Cindy is my favourite hygienist. She is equally patient and detail oriented. She keeps me calm and interact with me during my hygiene appointments. Dr Maleki is a very good dentist. He took very good care of my younger daughter and completed all her fillings with such ease. By far the best clinic. 5 stars!!!
Antonio Glorioso
3 years ago
Me and my family have recently started going to this dental office and it is by far one of the best offices we have been to. Overall had a great experience! Dr. Maleki is an awesome dentist, very knowledgeable, he makes you feel comfortable, takes his time with you, addresses all of your concerns, and explains everything in a way that is easy to understand while providing you with the best possible treatment options. Puneet is very kind, sweet and welcoming, she works the front desk and answers all of your questions with ease. Insurance billings are direct and easy to understand, booking appointments couldn't be any easier and she's great at reminding you of your appointments always. Cindy is a great hygienist, best one I've ever had. She's kind, understanding, patient and takes her time with you, while providing you with comfortable pain free cleanings and her attention to detail is amazing! The dentist and staff are all super friendly, respectful and make you feel at ease everytime. HIGHLY recommend!!!
diselino
4 years ago
My first experience at this location was absolutely delightful. God knows I've had my fair share of bad dentists in my life. Dr. Maleki made me feel very relaxed and comfortable all throughout the procedure. This was a brand new and refreshing experience for me. He did an amazing job and the staff are just as nice and friendly. Since my visit I've switched from my old dentist to Dr. Maleki and I can't see myself going anywhere else.
Gabriela Rodarte
4 years ago
Great Family practice in Nobleton.
Dr Malaki and Tim are incredible , I walked in there not knowing what to expect but as the were fixing my tooth they were telling me what they were doing and making sure I was okay .
I highly recommend Parkview Family Dental ! :)
