TMJ and Jaw Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief

Do you wake up with headaches? Jaw pain? Does your jaw click or pop when you open your mouth? These could be signs of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder — a condition that affects millions of Americans. At Augusta Dental in Henderson, NV, Dr. Alan Sevy diagnoses and treats TMJ disorders to help patients find lasting relief.

Understanding the Temporomandibular Joint

The temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw to your skull, one on each side of your face. They are among the most complex joints in the human body, allowing the jaw to move up and down and side to side. When these joints or the muscles surrounding them are irritated or damaged, the result is a TMJ disorder — also sometimes written as TMD (temporomandibular disorder).

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

Symptoms vary widely but commonly include pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders; aching pain in or around the ear; difficulty or discomfort while chewing; a clicking, popping, or grating sensation in the jaw joint; and locking of the jaw, making it difficult to open or close the mouth. Many TMJ patients also experience frequent headaches or migraines that don’t respond well to typical treatments.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

TMJ disorders can result from several factors: teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), often during sleep; arthritis in the jaw joint; erosion of the joint disk; injury to the jaw or face; or chronic stress that causes jaw muscle tension. In many cases, it’s a combination of factors. Dr. Sevy will take a detailed history and examine your bite, jaw muscles, and joint movement to identify contributing causes.

Treatment Options at Augusta Dental

Treatment for TMJ disorders at Augusta Dental starts conservatively and escalates only if needed. For most patients, a custom-fitted night guard that prevents grinding and takes pressure off the jaw joint provides significant relief. Other approaches include physical therapy exercises, medications for pain and inflammation, bite correction, and in severe cases, referral to a specialist. The good news is that most TMJ disorders respond well to conservative care.

Don’t let jaw pain and headaches go untreated. Call Augusta Dental at 702-616-1942 or visit us at 1485 W. Warm Springs Rd., Ste. 101, Henderson, NV. Dr. Alan Sevy can help identify the source of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan.