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
Jocelyn Goddard
1 month ago
You don't usually say I had an awesome time at the dentist, but I sure did. The good vibe I got when I checked out their website, only got stronger the minute I stepped in the door. The people are fun, polite and professional. The decor is beautiful too.
Cynthia Ann
2 months ago
Always a friendly atmosphere at cottage country dental. The new dentist is super friendly and does excellent work. The hygienist I had today was very friendly and very thorough and extremely gentle. My teeth feel great 😁
Susan McNaughton
4 months ago
This place is great. Every person that I interacted with was very knowledgeable and caring. The atmosphere is relaxing and the views are lovely as you look out over a forest. They have exceeded my expectations and I am very grateful to have discovered them.
Sue Vollmer
6 months ago
Super friendly and helpful office staff. Dental hygenistvJulie is amazing. Very thorough and yet sensitive to my comfort level during my cleaning. Quick to get you back in if additional dental work required. Blood pressure check at the beginning of the appointment also a,valuable tool.as there are folks with no family doctor and most of us don't check our blood,pressure regularly at the free public machines located at pharmacies. Dentists are friendly and professional. Great dental office that gives,back to t he community.
Aaron Miles
7 months ago
This team is incredible. Dr. Danyal was very informative and comforting in his expertise and experience during today's appointment.
My biggest phobia in life has always been "the dentist" thus, avoiding them has regrettably taken its toll on my teeth.
Now, I am having to do some extensive repairs and cosmetic upgrades.
This team has won me over. Not just by their outstanding customer service and professionalism, but mainly their integrity and approach.
I have been to other dentists that seem to simply want to stack, quickly add to an astronomical up comming bill without any concern to my personal situation.
Dustin, the office manager took the time to explain each process and suggested a timeline that was suitable to my other medical issues (diabetes) which has allowed for my body to properly heal. As well, as my anxiety 🙃.
Today I was greeted by Sarah (the dental assistant) whom could have easily been mistaken for the doctor with her ability to answer all.of my questions, layered with sunshine.
Thanks to the team at Cottage Country Dental for bringing back my smile. 😁
Jocelyn Goddard
1 month ago
You don't usually say I had an awesome time at the dentist, but I sure did. The good vibe I got when I checked out their website, only got stronger the minute I stepped in the door. The people are fun, polite and professional. The decor is beautiful too.
Cynthia Ann
2 months ago
Always a friendly atmosphere at cottage country dental. The new dentist is super friendly and does excellent work. The hygienist I had today was very friendly and very thorough and extremely gentle. My teeth feel great 😁
Susan McNaughton
4 months ago
This place is great. Every person that I interacted with was very knowledgeable and caring. The atmosphere is relaxing and the views are lovely as you look out over a forest. They have exceeded my expectations and I am very grateful to have discovered them.
Sue Vollmer
6 months ago
Super friendly and helpful office staff. Dental hygenistvJulie is amazing. Very thorough and yet sensitive to my comfort level during my cleaning. Quick to get you back in if additional dental work required. Blood pressure check at the beginning of the appointment also a,valuable tool.as there are folks with no family doctor and most of us don't check our blood,pressure regularly at the free public machines located at pharmacies. Dentists are friendly and professional. Great dental office that gives,back to t he community.
Aaron Miles
7 months ago
This team is incredible. Dr. Danyal was very informative and comforting in his expertise and experience during today's appointment.
My biggest phobia in life has always been "the dentist" thus, avoiding them has regrettably taken its toll on my teeth.
Now, I am having to do some extensive repairs and cosmetic upgrades.
This team has won me over. Not just by their outstanding customer service and professionalism, but mainly their integrity and approach.
I have been to other dentists that seem to simply want to stack, quickly add to an astronomical up comming bill without any concern to my personal situation.
Dustin, the office manager took the time to explain each process and suggested a timeline that was suitable to my other medical issues (diabetes) which has allowed for my body to properly heal. As well, as my anxiety 🙃.
Today I was greeted by Sarah (the dental assistant) whom could have easily been mistaken for the doctor with her ability to answer all.of my questions, layered with sunshine.
Thanks to the team at Cottage Country Dental for bringing back my smile. 😁
