The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to your skull. When this joint is inflamed, misaligned, or stressed, it causes a condition called TMD (temporomandibular disorder) — which shows up as jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and limited jaw movement.
Symptoms
Common signs of TMD include:
- Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open and close your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Headaches or earaches with no clear cause
- Jaw locking or stiffness
Some of these symptoms overlap with other conditions, so a proper exam is important before starting treatment.
How we evaluate it
We check your jaw’s range of motion, listen for sounds when you open and close, and look at how your teeth fit together. Dental X-rays or 3D imaging may be taken to check the joint structure.
Treatment options
Many cases of TMD resolve with conservative care:
- Custom night guard — reduces tooth grinding and jaw clenching during sleep, which is a common driver of TMD symptoms
- Physical therapy — stretching and strengthening exercises for the jaw muscles
- Bite adjustment — in some cases, adjusting how the teeth come together helps relieve joint stress
- Medication — muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatories for acute flare-ups
Surgery is a last resort and is rarely needed. We start with the least invasive options first.
Related treatments
TMJ issues sometimes overlap with facial rejuvenation — injectable treatments that relax overactive jaw muscles can provide relief in some patients. We also offer oral sedation for patients who are anxious about dental procedures.
Schedule an evaluation in Spring Valley
Call Sahara Family Dentistry at (702) 871-4990 or contact us online. We see patients from Spring Valley, Winchester, Chinatown, The Lakes, Central Las Vegas, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson.