If you’re experiencing jaw pain, headaches, earaches, or a clicking jaw, you might be suffering from TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder (TMD). TMD can cause inflammation in the jaw’s muscles, nerves, and joints, leading to discomfort and difficulty chewing or opening the mouth. At Renova Dental, we diagnose and treat TMD with custom-made bite splints, night guards, and other treatments to realign the jaw and relieve pain. If needed, we may also recommend braces or restorative dental work. Contact us today for an evaluation and find relief from jaw pain.
If jaw pain is a regular part of your life, it might feel normal, but it’s actually a sign of a condition called TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder), affecting one or both of your TMJs (TemporoMandibular Joints). Misalignment or disease can cause inflammation, leading to pain and other symptoms.
Treating TMD starts with a comprehensive exam to check your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. We’ll assess for pain, tenderness, and listen for clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If diagnosed, we may recommend a bite splint or night guard as the first treatment.
Treatment often involves custom-made bite splints, designed to fit over your upper or lower teeth. These devices help prevent grinding and clenching, which can worsen TMD, while also realigning the jaw to reduce stress on surrounding areas.
If a misaligned bite or missing teeth are contributing to TMD, we may suggest braces or restorative dental work. In some cases, reshaping individual teeth may help redistribute bite force evenly, alleviating pressure on the TMJs.
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, and TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) occurs when this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed.
While not all cases of TMD can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by managing stress, avoiding habits like teeth grinding and nail-biting, and wearing a nightguard if you clench your teeth while sleeping. Regular dental checkups can also help catch early signs of TMD.
TMD can be caused by various factors, including jaw injuries, arthritis, tooth clenching or grinding (bruxism), muscle tension, stress, and poorly fitting dentures. Certain habits, like nail-biting, may also contribute. Because of the many possible causes, TMD can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to understand your symptoms is to book an appointment.
Headaches can have many causes. A physical examination by a doctor is necessary to determine if TMD is contributing to your headaches.
Most TMJ pain can be treated effectively with non-invasive methods. Surgery is very rare and is only considered in extreme cases. We’ll explore safe and effective options first, giving you the final say in your treatment plan.
Yes, dental fillings are safe. Modern materials like composite resin are durable and designed to blend with your natural teeth for both function and appearance.
