TMJ Treatment

Get Relief From Jaw Pain, Headaches, and TMJ Symptoms

Temporomandibular Joint disorders—commonly referred to as TMJ or TMD—are more common than most people realize, especially among teens, adults with high-stress lifestyles, and patients who clench or grind at night. Ever heard about the terms like “TMJ specialist, jaw pain treatment, and why does my jaw click when I chew?” our goal is to clearly explain what TMJ disorders are, what causes them, and how our team can help you find long-lasting relief.

At Westover Family Dentistry, we combine advanced training, modern diagnostics, and a patient-first approach to help you understand your symptoms and choose the best treatment path. Dr. Austin Westover completed a specialized mini-residency at the Center for Occlusal Studies in TMJ and Craniofacial Pain, allowing him to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders with precision and compassion. If you’re living with jaw pain, headaches, facial tension, or unexplained ear symptoms, you deserve answers and relief.

What Is TMJ and Why Can It Cause So Many Symptoms?

The temporomandibular joint functions like a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. Because the joint is used all day, talking, chewing, swallowing- it’s highly sensitive to stress, imbalances, clenching, trauma, or misalignment. When the joint or surrounding muscles aren’t functioning properly, patients may experience wide-ranging symptoms, including:

• Jaw joint pain or tenderness
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds
• Discomfort or difficulty when chewing
• Locking of the jaw or limited opening
• Facial muscle soreness (especially in the morning)
• Tooth soreness or sensitivity
• Earaches or a feeling of pressure/fullness
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Neck and upper back pain
• Daytime clenching or nighttime grinding

If any of these feel familiar, you’re not alone, and treatment today is more comfortable, more personalized, and more effective than ever.

How Do We Diagnose TMJ Disorders?

Understanding the root cause of your discomfort is the first step. Your dentist will evaluate:

• Jaw joint movement and stability
• Muscle tenderness or fatigue
• Bite alignment
• Signs of grinding or wear
• Range of motion
• Facial, neck, and shoulder muscle involvement

This thorough evaluation helps us recommend treatment options tailored to your symptoms rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

What Treatments Are Available for TMJ Disorders?

Once we identify the underlying cause of your TMJ symptoms, Dr. Westover will discuss a personalized treatment plan. Options may include:

Oral Splints

• Helpful in cases involving trauma or specific jaw positions
• Designed to reduce strain on the joint

Oral Orthotics

• A custom mouthpiece worn over the teeth
• Repositions the jaw into a more comfortable, relaxed position

ULF TENS Therapy

• Ultra-Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation
• Relieves muscle tension and helps the jaw settle into a natural resting position

Physical Therapy

• Builds strength, improves mobility, and reduces inflammation

Dietary & Inflammatory Counseling

• Helps patients manage flare-ups caused by inflammation and muscle overuse

Injections

• Targeted medications used to break the pain cycle

Osteopathic or Cranial Manipulations

• Manual techniques that support muscle, joint, and nerve balance

Botox® for TMJ

• Reduces muscle tension
• Helpful for chronic clenching or grinding
• Can significantly decrease the frequency of headaches and jaw soreness

Once your jaw is in a comfortable, stable position, additional treatment options may be recommended to maintain the results and prevent symptoms from returning.

How do I know if my jaw pain is really TMJ?

• Persistent discomfort when chewing
• Morning headaches or facial soreness
• Clicking or popping sounds
• Limited opening
  If you’re unsure, a TMJ evaluation can determine the true cause of your symptoms.

What habits can make TMJ symptoms worse?

• Clenching or grinding (often during sleep)
• Poor posture, especially at a desk
• Nail biting or chewing on ice/pens
• High caffeine intake
• Stress-related muscle tension

How long does TMJ treatment usually take to show results?

• Many patients feel relief within days or weeks
• More complex cases may take several months
• Early evaluation can shorten overall treatment time

Can TMJ cause ear pressure or ringing?

Yes, because the jaw joint sits directly beside the ear canal, inflammation and muscle tension often create ear-related symptoms like fullness, ringing, or discomfort.