Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the joints connecting your jaw to your skull, causing pain, clicking, limited movement, and numerous associated symptoms. At Maison Dental Studio, Dr. Murray and Dr. Mullen understand the complex relationship between TMJ problems, teeth grinding, and sleep disorders, providing comprehensive evaluation and treatment addressing these interconnected issues.
Many patients suffering from chronic headaches, facial pain, or disrupted sleep don’t realize their symptoms stem from TMJ dysfunction or sleep-disordered breathing. Our thorough examinations identify these often-overlooked problems, allowing us to provide targeted treatments improving both your oral health and overall quality of life.
We take conservative approaches to TMJ treatment, starting with the least invasive options and progressing only if necessary. Most patients experience significant relief through nightguards, physical therapy exercises, stress management, and lifestyle modifications, avoiding the need for more aggressive interventions.
TMJ disorders encompass various conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints and surrounding muscles. Symptoms include jaw pain or tenderness, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth, difficulty chewing or uncomfortable bite, locking of the jaw joint, ear pain or ringing in ears (without infection), and headaches or neck aches.
Multiple factors contribute to TMJ problems including teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), jaw injuries or trauma, arthritis affecting the temporomandibular joint, misaligned bite, stress causing muscle tension, and connective tissue disorders. Often several factors combine, making diagnosis and treatment complex.
During your TMJ evaluation, we’ll perform comprehensive examinations of your jaw joints, muscles, and bite alignment. We assess your range of motion, listen for clicking or popping sounds, evaluate your bite for misalignment, check for signs of teeth grinding, and review your symptoms and medical history thoroughly. Digital x-rays or other imaging may be necessary to visualize joint structures and rule out other problems.
Our treatment approach focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, restoring normal jaw function, and addressing underlying causes. Conservative treatments include custom nightguards preventing grinding and reducing joint stress, exercises strengthening jaw muscles and improving mobility, stress management techniques, anti-inflammatory medications when appropriate, and lifestyle modifications like soft food diets during acute episodes.
Thorough examinations identify TMJ disorders, teeth grinding, and potential sleep problems, allowing us to address all contributing factors.
Precisely fabricated nightguards and occlusal splints fit comfortably, protect your teeth effectively, and position your jaw optimally for healing.
We start with the least invasive treatments, progressing only when necessary, helping most patients achieve relief through conservative management.
Experience the difference that modern technology and compassionate care can make in your dental health journey. Our team is ready to provide you with exceptional treatment in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Whether you need routine preventive care, cosmetic enhancements, or advanced restorative procedures, we’re here to help you achieve optimal oral health. Schedule your appointment today and discover why families throughout Youngsville choose Maison Dental Studio for their dental care needs. We accept most major insurance plans, offer flexible financing options, and feature our in-house membership plan to make quality dental care accessible for everyone.
TMJ disorder symptoms include jaw pain or tenderness, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty opening your mouth wide, jaw locking, uncomfortable or shifting bite, ear pain or fullness, and headaches especially in temples. Many patients also experience neck pain, shoulder tension, and facial muscle fatigue. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, comprehensive evaluation can determine whether TMJ disorder is the cause.
Diagnosis involves thorough examination of your jaw joints and muscles, assessment of jaw movement and bite alignment, evaluation for teeth grinding signs, review of symptoms and medical history, and imaging studies when necessary. We may also screen for sleep disorders and other conditions contributing to TMJ symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
Yes, nightguards are highly effective for managing teeth grinding (bruxism). Custom nightguards create barriers between your teeth preventing damage from grinding forces, help relax jaw muscles reducing tension, and protect existing dental work from grinding damage. Most patients notice reduced jaw pain, fewer headaches, and less tooth sensitivity after consistent nightguard use.
Absolutely. TMJ disorders commonly cause headaches, particularly tension headaches in the temples, sides of the head, or behind the eyes. Jaw muscle tension and joint inflammation refer pain to surrounding areas including your head, face, and neck. Many patients with chronic headaches find significant relief once their TMJ problems are properly diagnosed and treated.
