TMJ/TMD Treatment — Relief from Jaw Pain
Jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or difficulty opening your mouth? Our team diagnoses and treats TMJ disorders with custom solutions to get you lasting relief.
If your jaw clicks when you chew, you wake up with headaches or a sore jaw, or opening your mouth feels stiff and painful — you may be dealing with a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). These conditions affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control its movement, and they are far more common than most people realize.
What Is TMJ/TMD?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in your body. It acts as a sliding hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull, allowing you to talk, chew, and yawn. When this joint or the muscles around it become dysfunctional, the resulting condition is called TMD (temporomandibular disorder).
Symptoms vary widely and can include jaw pain or tenderness, clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing your mouth, difficulty opening the mouth fully, locking of the jaw in an open or closed position, headaches (especially in the temples), earaches or ringing in the ears, and neck and shoulder pain.
What Causes TMJ Pain?
TMD can result from teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), especially during sleep. Other causes include jaw injury or trauma, arthritis in the joint, stress-related muscle tension, disc displacement within the joint, and bite misalignment. In many cases, multiple factors contribute, and the exact cause can be difficult to pinpoint.
How Do We Treat TMJ Disorders?
At Summit Ridge Dental, we take a conservative, stepwise approach to TMJ treatment. Most patients experience significant relief without surgery.
Custom Night Guards and Oral Splints
A custom-fitted occlusal guard worn at night prevents teeth grinding and clenching, reduces pressure on the joint, and allows the muscles to relax. Unlike over-the-counter options, our guards are precisely fitted to your bite using digital impressions for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Physical Therapy and Exercises
We teach targeted jaw stretching and strengthening exercises that reduce muscle tension and improve range of motion. These exercises, performed daily at home, are one of the most effective components of TMJ treatment.
Lifestyle and Stress Management
Stress is a major trigger for jaw clenching. We discuss strategies for reducing jaw strain, including diet modifications (softer foods during flare-ups), posture awareness, relaxation techniques, and breaking habits like nail biting or gum chewing.
Bite Adjustment
If bite misalignment is contributing to the problem, subtle reshaping of tooth surfaces (equilibration) can distribute bite forces more evenly and reduce strain on the joint.
Medication
For acute flare-ups, short-term use of anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants may be recommended to manage pain and reduce muscle spasms.
Advanced Cases
For severe or persistent TMD that does not respond to conservative treatment, we coordinate care with oral surgeons or TMJ specialists for advanced options.
How Much Does TMJ Treatment Cost?
A custom occlusal night guard typically costs $400 to $800. Comprehensive TMJ evaluation and treatment plans vary based on the severity and complexity of the condition.
Many dental insurance plans cover night guards under preventive or major services. We are in-network with Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, UnitedHealthcare, and other major plans. Our Summit Savings Plan provides 15% off for uninsured patients, and CareCredit financing is available.
Your TMJ Care Team
Dr. Sarah Chen, DDS, FAGD
Founder & Lead Dentist
Dr. Chen takes a comprehensive approach to TMJ diagnosis, using 3D imaging and bite analysis to identify the underlying causes of jaw dysfunction.
View full bio →
Dr. James Patel, DMD
Associate Dentist
Dr. Patel focuses on conservative TMJ treatment, including custom night guards and patient education for long-term management.
View full bio →TMJ Treatment — Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint. TMD is the term for disorders affecting this joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Symptoms include jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and difficulty opening the mouth.
Yes. General dentists are trained to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders. Treatment typically begins with a custom night guard and conservative therapies. For complex cases, we coordinate with specialists.
Many patients notice improvement within 2 to 4 weeks of wearing a custom night guard consistently. Full resolution may take several months depending on the severity. Ongoing management with a night guard is common.
Many dental insurance plans cover custom night guards. Medical insurance may also cover TMJ treatment depending on your plan. We help navigate both dental and medical benefit options.
Over-the-counter guards can actually make TMJ problems worse by altering your bite. A custom-fitted guard from your dentist is precisely calibrated to your jaw alignment for safe, effective treatment.
Stop Living with Jaw Pain
Schedule a TMJ evaluation and start your path to lasting relief. Three convenient locations, insurance accepted.