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Understanding TMJ Treatment and Relief

by Oct 21, 2025General Dentistry

TMJ

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • TMJ is a fairly common condition that impacts millions of people and stems from various circumstances and underlying causes.
  • Fortunately, TMJ/TMD is typically easy to diagnose, and there are numerous treatments to combat symptoms.
  • Understanding what TMJ is—including common signs—and how to effectively treat each one are vital steps for patients seeking relief.

If you have ever experienced a clicking jaw, facial pain, or difficulty chewing, you are not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, between 11 and 12 million Americans suffer from pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area, making this one of the most common causes of chronic facial pain.1

At ProGrin Dental, we understand how debilitating these symptoms can be, and we are here to help you find lasting relief. The information below that we have put together explains the many causes of TMJ discomfort, how temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are diagnosed, and the most effective treatments for finding lasting relief.

What Is TMJ/TMD?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or “jaw joint,” is one of the most complex joints in your body. Located on both sides of the head, just in front of your ears, this joint connects your jawbone to your skull and allows you to talk, chew, and yawn.2 When this joint or the surrounding muscles become inflamed or damaged, it results in temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

While “TMJ” technically refers to the joint itself, the term is commonly used to describe disorders affecting this area. TMD is the more accurate medical term for conditions that cause jaw pain and dysfunction.

Common Symptoms of TMJ/TMD

Recognizing common symptoms of TMD is the first step toward getting proper treatment. Many people suffer for years without realizing their circumstances are connected to a treatable jaw disorder.3TMJ

Physical symptoms include:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness, especially when chewing or speaking
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing your mouth
  • Difficulty opening your mouth wide, or jaw locking in an open or closed position
  • Pain in or around your ears (that is not related to an ear infection)
  • Facial pain that may feel like a dull ache or a sharp stabbing sensation
  • Neck and shoulder pain that seems to radiate from your jaw area

Associated symptoms may include:

  • Frequent headaches or migraines, particularly in the temple area
  • Tooth pain or sensitivity without an apparent dental cause
  • Dizziness or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)4
  • Changes in how your upper and lower teeth fit together

If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a qualified dentist/TMJ specialist who can properly diagnose and treat your condition.

What Causes TMJ/TMD?

TMD can develop from various factors, and often multiple causes contribute to the disorder:

Physical factors:

  • Arthritis affecting the temporomandibular joint
  • Jaw injury or trauma from accidents or impact
  • Erosion or displacement of the disk that cushions the joint
  • Structural problems present from birth

Lifestyle factors:

  • Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching, often during sleep
  • Poor posture that strains the neck and facial muscles
  • Chronic stress leading to muscle tension in the jaw
  • Excessive gum chewing or nail biting habits

Medical factors:

  • Connective tissue diseases that affect the joint
  • Certain types of arthritis, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
  • Previous dental work that altered your bite alignment

Understanding the root causes of your TMD is essential for developing an effective treatment plan. As experienced dentists in Simpsonville SC, we conduct thorough evaluations to identify the specific factors contributing to your jaw pain.

Diagnosing TMJ/TMD

When you visit ProGrin Dental for TMJ treatment, we begin with a comprehensive examination that includes:

  • A detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors
  • Physical examination of your jaw joint, checking for clicking, tenderness, and range of motion
  • Evaluation of your bite alignment and how your teeth come together
  • Assessment of your facial muscles for tension and trigger points
  • Digital imaging, such as X-rays or 3D cone beam scans, to visualize the joint structure
  • In some cases, referral for MRI imaging to examine soft tissues and the articular disk

Proper diagnosis is crucial because jaw pain can sometimes stem from other conditions like sinus problems, tooth infections, and neurological issues. As your trusted dentist in Simpsonville SC, we ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis before beginning treatment.

Treatment Options for TMJ/TMD

Is there a cure for TMJ? That depends on the underlying condition causing it.

The good news is that most cases of TMD are treatable and even respond well to conservative treatment. It is important to understand that treatment usually focuses on managing symptoms, addressing underlying causes, and preventing progression of the disorder.

Conservative Treatments

Self-care measures:

  • Applying ice packs or moist heat to reduce pain and inflammation
  • Eating soft foods and avoiding hard, chewy, or crunchy items
  • Practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing
  • Gentle jaw stretching and strengthening exercises
  • Maintaining good posture, especially when working at a computer

Medications:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
  • Muscle relaxants to reduce tension in the jaw muscles
  • Anti-inflammatory medications to decrease swelling
  • In some cases, low-dose antidepressants for pain management

Dental Appliances

One of the most effective treatments involves custom-fitted oral appliances. The best mouth guard for TMJ is one that is specifically designed by a dental professional to fit your unique bite. These devices, also called “splints” or “bite guards,” work by:

  • Preventing teeth grinding and clenching during sleep
  • Repositioning the jaw to reduce stress on the joint
  • Providing cushioning between the upper and lower teeth
  • Relaxing jaw muscles and reducing tension

At ProGrin Dental, we create custom mouth guards tailored to your specific needs. Unlike generic over-the-counter options, professionally fitted guards provide superior comfort and effectiveness, making them truly the best mouth guards for TMJ relief.

Advanced Treatments

For cases that do not respond to conservative measures, additional options include:

Physical therapy:

  • Ultrasound therapy to increase circulation and reduce inflammation5
  • Electrical stimulation to relax muscles and relieve pain
  • Manual therapy techniques to improve joint mobility
  • Targeted exercises to strengthen and balance jaw muscles

Dental procedures:

  • Orthodontic treatment to correct bite misalignment
  • Dental restorations to improve how your teeth fit together
  • Equilibration (selective reshaping) of tooth surfaces to optimize bite function

Injections:

  • Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation in the joint
  • Botox injections to relax overactive jaw muscles
  • Hyaluronic acid injections to lubricate the joint6

Surgical options:

Surgery is rarely necessary to address TMD symptoms and is typically considered only when conservative treatments have failed and severe structural problems exist. Surgical procedures range from minimally invasive arthroscopy to total joint replacement in extreme cases.

Why Choose ProGrin Dental for TMJ Treatment?

As a leading Simpsonville practice, ProGrin offers comprehensive TMJ treatment backed by advanced technology and compassionate care. Here is what sets us apart:

  • Expertise: Our team has extensive experience diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders.
  • Personalized care: We develop individualized treatment plans based on your specific symptoms and causes.
  • Advanced technology: We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately assess your condition.
  • Conservative approach: We always start with the least invasive treatments and progress only as needed
  • Comprehensive follow-up: We monitor your progress and adjust treatment as necessary to ensure optimal results.

Schedule Treatment With a TMJ Dentist Today

Don’t let jaw pain control your life. If you are experiencing symptoms of TMD, the experienced team at ProGrin Dental is here to help. As the best dentists in Simpsonville SC, we are committed to providing effective, personalized TMJ treatment that addresses your unique needs.

We are ready to help you achieve a pain-free, healthy smile today, so that you can enjoy life without jaw pain, headaches, or discomfort. Your journey to TMJ relief begins here at ProGrin Dental.

Contact our Simpsonville office today to schedule your consultation. We also offer Botox treatment for TMJ at our Boiling Springs location.

 

References

  1. “TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders),” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, August 2025, https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd.
  2. “TMJ Anatomy,” Physiopedia, retrieved on October 24, 2025, from: https://www.physio-pedia.com/TMJ_Anatomy.
  3. Mayo Clinic Staff, “TMJ disorders,” Mayo Clinic, December 2024, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941.
  4. “Tinnitus,” Cleveland Clinic, December 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/14164-tinnitus.
  5. Shuang Ba, Pin Zhou, and Ming Yu, “Ultrasound is Effective to Treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorder,” Journal of Pain Research, June 2021, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8203600/.
  6. Pankaj Kukreja, Bhavna Jha Kukreja, Maria Maddalena Marrapodi, et al., “Efficacy of hyaluronic acid in temporomandibular disorders evaluated with diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD),” Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, August 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11740289/.