TMJ Therapy

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the hinges that connect your lower jaw to your skull, located just in front of each ear. TMJ disorders, sometimes called TMD, are a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in these joints and the surrounding muscles. At Drangsholt Dental, we offer evaluation and treatment for TMJ disorders, which can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain affecting daily life.

Common TMJ symptoms include jaw pain or tenderness, pain near the ear, clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth, difficulty chewing or pain while chewing, frequent headaches (especially morning headaches), neck and shoulder pain, and limited ability to open the mouth wide. Causes vary and often involve multiple factors, including jaw injury, arthritis in the joint, teeth grinding (bruxism), bite misalignment, stress and clenching, and connective tissue diseases.

TMJ treatment typically starts with conservative, non-invasive approaches. These include custom-fitted oral appliances (often called nightguards or splints) that prevent grinding and reposition the jaw, physical therapy and jaw exercises, stress management techniques, lifestyle modifications, and short-term use of pain relievers or muscle relaxants. For most patients, these conservative treatments provide significant relief. More advanced treatments including injections and surgery are reserved for severe cases that don't respond to conservative care.