TMJ Pain Relief
Do you have frequent headaches, earaches, tender jaw muscles or a dull, aching facial pain? Does your jaw lock or stray to one side when you open your mouth? These aches and pains may be related to the jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint or “TMJ,” and the muscles that work to move the joint. These painful conditions are often called “TMD” for temporomandibular disorders. At Dental Arts of Westwood, we help patients in Westwood, MA and nearby communities identify and manage TMJ-related discomfort through personalized evaluation and treatment options.
To schedule a consultation or learn more about our office, visit our contact page.
Does your jaw lock or stray to one side when you open your mouth? These aches and pains may be related to the jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint or “TMJ,” and the muscles that work to move the joint. These painful conditions are often called “TMD” for temporomandibular disorders.
TMJ Treatment and Jaw Pain Relief in Westwood, MA
Signs and symptoms
A TMD is a condition, not a specific disease. Temporomandibular disorders can have many different signs and symptoms, from mild to severe. Some patients may have symptoms but are still able to function fully. TMDs appear to be more common in women. Specific symptoms may include:
- pain in or around the ear
- tender jaw muscles
- clicking or popping noises in the jaw
- difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- pain when yawning or chewing
- jaw joints that feel as if they are “locked,” “stuck” or they “go out”
- headaches
What causes TMD?
Several conditions may be linked with TMD. This often makes it difficult to pinpoint the cause of a particular case of TMD. Related conditions may include:
- jaw or head injuries
- diseases that affect the muscles or joints, such as arthritis
- tooth grinding
- stress
Patients experiencing jaw clenching or teeth grinding may also benefit from our Dysport® treatments for bruxism and jaw tension to help relax overactive jaw muscles.
To determine how best to treat your condition, a complete evaluation is recommended. Your dentist may check the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Your complete medical history may be reviewed, so it is important to keep your dental office record up-to-date. Your dentist may take X-rays and may make a model of your teeth to see how your bite fits together. Your dentist may also request specialized X-rays of the TM joints.
Treatment Options
New! Dental Arts of Westwood is pleased to offer a full suite of laser treatments using the Fotona TimeWalker®. The TimeWalker® is a next-generation laser device that can be used in TMD/TMJ treatment, using heat to relax the joint.
Patients interested in advanced laser therapy may also explore our Fotona laser treatment options designed to support airway health, snoring reduction, and overall oral wellness.
For some patients, the disorders may disappear by themselves; for others, they may come and go, or may worsen over time. TMD disorders are often managed, rather than cured. Your general dentist may recommend treatment, or he or she may refer you to a physician or dental specialist.
There are several ways TMD may be managed. The success of the treatment often depends upon you and your dentist working together to find what works to relieve your symptoms.
Treatment may involve a series of steps. The step-by-step plan allows you to try simple treatment before moving on to more involved treatment. Experts generally recommend a “less is often best” approach to treating TMJ disorders. Patients in Westwood, MA and surrounding communities often seek TMJ care to reduce jaw pain, headaches, and tension caused by clenching or grinding.
The following self-care practices may be recommended:
- eating softer foods or avoiding foods that cause symptoms
- minimize extreme jaw movements, such as yawning, yelling or singing
- avoid chewing gum
- modifying the pain with heat or ice packs
- practicing relaxation techniques to control jaw tension, such as meditation
If necessary, your dentist may recommend the following:
- exercises to strengthen jaw muscles
- medicines to reduce pain or inflammation, or to help you relax
- a night guard or bite plate to decrease clenching or grinding of teeth
In some cases, your dentist may recommend fixing an uneven bite by adjusting or reshaping some teeth. Orthodontic treatment may also be recommended.
If you’re suffering from TMD, we can work with you to find the right solution for your symptoms.
Looking for additional treatment options in Westwood, MA? Learn more about our Dysport® treatments for jaw tension, NightLase® laser therapy, and advanced dental care services.
Ready to find relief from TMJ pain and jaw discomfort? Visit our contact page to schedule your consultation with our experienced dental team.
What Patients in Westwood Are Saying
Frequently Ask Questions
Common TMJ symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, earaches, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, facial tension, difficulty chewing, and jaw locking. Patients in Westwood, MA experiencing these symptoms may benefit from a TMJ evaluation.
Yes. Dental Arts of Westwood provides TMJ pain relief and TMD treatment options for patients in Westwood, Dedham, Norwood, Canton, Needham, Medfield, Dover, and surrounding Massachusetts communities.
Yes. Teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching are common contributors to TMJ discomfort and jaw muscle tension. These habits can place excessive stress on the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles.
TMJ treatment options may include night guards, bite adjustment, jaw exercises, stress management techniques, medications, and advanced laser therapy using the Fotona TimeWalker® system to help relax the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
Yes. TMJ disorders are often associated with headaches, facial soreness, ear pain, and muscle tension around the jaw and neck area.
Patients choose Dental Arts of Westwood for personalized TMJ evaluations, advanced treatment technology, compassionate care, and comprehensive treatment plans focused on reducing jaw pain, headaches, and muscle tension while improving overall comfort and function.