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
Halli Roussell
3 weeks ago
I have had severe dental anxiety my whole life and needed work done after 7 years of not being seen. Dr. Butler was recommended to me by a friend and I’m glad I took the recommendation. Everyone at the office is patient, affirming and gentle. I was supported before my first appt began and indicating I had high anxiety wasn’t missed. I appreciate that their office intake process is mindful of your intake survey after such bad experiences with dentists who brushed right over my anxiety before going on to make it worse. The first time I came in they allowed me to do a gentle intake where no work was done, to talk through my concerns and options before prescribing me something I could take for future appts to help get myself back to the office. I have always felt heard when presenting my concerns and have never been made to feel embarrassed or ashamed for being afraid which for those struggling with anxiety can be the worst part. I’ve now been back 4 times to get all my work done and the staff know my name now and follow up with me. It generally feels like the staff at Dr. Butler care and truly stand by their expertise as an office specializing in dental anxiety. As I’m writing this review also celebrating that I felt safe enough to come here by myself for the first time. It may not be needed for everyone but if dental anxiety has kept you away like it has for me. This is the right place for you to go.
Davin Yannick
5 months ago
The doctor did a comprehensive exam after a clerical error said I was meant to only have a short exam, the tech was kind and also very thorough. The front desk staff were pleasant and went out of their way to make sure I got accurate estimates without accidentally tripping my insurance company into thinking I’d had the work done already and used up my benefits. They were easily willing to do estimates for two different treatment options for me. I was able to get in for a new patient exam and for my long treatment appointment within a really reasonable time frame. I’m very happy with this whole office. I would recommend them.
Merril Tate
5 months ago
Careig,compassionate and professional. Best dental care I have had done in 3 years. New to this practice. Showed me excellent care for my special needs. Gentle teeth cleaning. Dr. Butter excellent bedside manner. Gave me options and his opinion on best way to go out my plan. Got my follow up appointment with in a week. Glad I changed the Bulter Dental Practice.
Neal Lundeen
4 months ago
My experience with Butler Family Dental has been wonderful.
I had to choose a new dentist due to an insurance change in our household.
My previous dentist has always been my dentist for 54 years.Butler Family Dental made this transition so smooth and a good experience.
Thank you
Mark Peabody
5 months ago
I thought the Dental Hygenist was outstanding. She was 23 years old (Didn’t get her name) but she did some extra steps that ensured my teeth were clean and unstained.
Halli Roussell
3 weeks ago
I have had severe dental anxiety my whole life and needed work done after 7 years of not being seen. Dr. Butler was recommended to me by a friend and I’m glad I took the recommendation. Everyone at the office is patient, affirming and gentle. I was supported before my first appt began and indicating I had high anxiety wasn’t missed. I appreciate that their office intake process is mindful of your intake survey after such bad experiences with dentists who brushed right over my anxiety before going on to make it worse. The first time I came in they allowed me to do a gentle intake where no work was done, to talk through my concerns and options before prescribing me something I could take for future appts to help get myself back to the office. I have always felt heard when presenting my concerns and have never been made to feel embarrassed or ashamed for being afraid which for those struggling with anxiety can be the worst part. I’ve now been back 4 times to get all my work done and the staff know my name now and follow up with me. It generally feels like the staff at Dr. Butler care and truly stand by their expertise as an office specializing in dental anxiety. As I’m writing this review also celebrating that I felt safe enough to come here by myself for the first time. It may not be needed for everyone but if dental anxiety has kept you away like it has for me. This is the right place for you to go.
Davin Yannick
5 months ago
The doctor did a comprehensive exam after a clerical error said I was meant to only have a short exam, the tech was kind and also very thorough. The front desk staff were pleasant and went out of their way to make sure I got accurate estimates without accidentally tripping my insurance company into thinking I’d had the work done already and used up my benefits. They were easily willing to do estimates for two different treatment options for me. I was able to get in for a new patient exam and for my long treatment appointment within a really reasonable time frame. I’m very happy with this whole office. I would recommend them.
Merril Tate
5 months ago
Careig,compassionate and professional. Best dental care I have had done in 3 years. New to this practice. Showed me excellent care for my special needs. Gentle teeth cleaning. Dr. Butter excellent bedside manner. Gave me options and his opinion on best way to go out my plan. Got my follow up appointment with in a week. Glad I changed the Bulter Dental Practice.
Neal Lundeen
4 months ago
My experience with Butler Family Dental has been wonderful.
I had to choose a new dentist due to an insurance change in our household.
My previous dentist has always been my dentist for 54 years.Butler Family Dental made this transition so smooth and a good experience.
Thank you
Mark Peabody
5 months ago
I thought the Dental Hygenist was outstanding. She was 23 years old (Didn’t get her name) but she did some extra steps that ensured my teeth were clean and unstained.
