Real Relief for Jaw Pain and Tension
If you are living with complications caused by TMJ, the team at Smith Family Dentistry in Saginaw, MI, is here for you. Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a term that describes pain or discomfort surrounding the joint and muscles in the jaw. It can be brought on by a physical injury or could occur from having misaligned teeth or an off bite. If left untreated, chronic symptoms can have a negative effect on one’s quality of life.
Schedule an EvaluationSigns and Symptoms of TMJ
TMJ can cause a wide range of symptoms, many of which people don’t immediately connect to their jaw. Common symptoms include:
- Severe headaches
- Neck pain
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking in the jaw
- Numbness or loss of sensation
- Vertigo
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty or pain while chewing
Because these symptoms can overlap with other health issues, TMJ often goes undiagnosed for a long time. If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms together, especially jaw clicking or pain paired with headaches, it’s worth having your jaw evaluated.
What Causes TMJ?
TMJ disorder doesn’t have a single cause, and understanding what’s behind your symptoms helps us recommend the right treatment. Common contributing factors include physical injury to the jaw, misaligned teeth or an uneven bite, chronic teeth grinding or clenching, and jaw joint arthritis. In many cases, more than one of these factors is at play, which is why an individual evaluation matters more than a one-size-fits-all approach.
How We Treat TMJ
If you have TMJ, you don’t have to suffer helplessly with chronic pain. We offer treatment options that address the root issue, rather than simply masking the problem with pain medication. Depending on what’s driving your symptoms, treatment may involve a custom night guard to reduce grinding and clenching, adjustments to correct bite alignment, or guidance on jaw exercises and habits that ease strain on the joint. Our team starts with a thorough evaluation of your jaw, bite, and symptoms before recommending a plan built around your specific situation.
Call Smith Family Dentistry in Saginaw to schedule your appointment today. We’ll work together to solve your TMJ troubles, so you can finally enjoy the comfort you deserve.
Request an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
About TMJ Treatment
Coverage depends on your specific plan and the type of treatment recommended. Our team at Smith Family Dentistry can help you understand your options during your visit.
Yes, for many patients a custom night guard reduces the grinding and clenching that puts extra strain on the jaw joint, which can significantly ease TMJ symptoms over time.
This varies by patient and by the cause of the TMJ disorder, but many people begin noticing relief within a few weeks of starting treatment at our Saginaw office.
No referral is needed. You can call our office directly to schedule a consultation and have your jaw pain evaluated.
Mild, occasional jaw discomfort sometimes resolves on its own, but chronic or worsening symptoms usually need treatment to address the underlying cause and prevent the condition from getting worse.
Your first visit will include a discussion of your symptoms, an evaluation of your jaw and bite, and a conversation about treatment options that fit your specific needs.