How Do I Know I Have TMJ Pain? Six Signs to Watch Out For

Persistent jaw pain and headaches can affect your sleep, mood, focus, and quality of life. Dr. Edward Liu Sedation and Implant Dentistry proudly offers TMJ pain treatment to patients in Holt, Michigan, and the surrounding locations. Don’t let chronic jaw pain ruin your life when relief is a call away. Book an appointment with Dr. Edward Liu and discover how to enjoy life without constant discomfort.

What are the symptoms of TMJ pain?

Everyone has temporomandibular joints (TMJs) on either side of the face. These joints work as a hinge, connecting your lower jaw to the skull. You may not realize it, but you use TMJs countless times daily to eat, smile, speak, yawn, cough, etc. When everything is fine, you’ll rarely notice the presence of TMJs. However, when strained, injured, or inflamed, TMJs can cause several unwanted symptoms.

These include:

Headaches: Several factors, including stress, infections, trauma, etc., can cause head pain. However, if you experience pain in the temple region, the cause could be TMJ disorder. This is usually worse in the morning, ruining your day before it starts.
Limited jaw movement: Can’t move your jaw past a few millimeters? If you have challenges opening your mouth wide to bite into a sandwich or burger, it’s a sign of limited jaw movement. In extreme cases of TMJ pain, you may even have trouble opening your mouth at all!
Jaw pain: Problems with your jaw joints may cause jaw soreness or tenderness. Jaw pain can make eating feel uncomfortable or even painful. You may notice it’s harder to chew on one side or that your bite feels “off.” This symptom alone isn’t a sure sign of TMJ pain, but it’s time to talk to a TMJ dentist if accompanied by other symptoms.
Earaches: TMJ disorder (TMD) is often mistaken for ear pain because the jaw joints are close to the ears. When the TMJs malfunction, you may experience a feeling of pressure, ringing (tinnitus), or earaches, even without an ear infection. This is another hallmark symptom of TMJ-related issues or jaw inflammation.
Popping or clicking sounds: Pops or clicks when you open your mouth can be another symptom of TMJ pain. Talk to a TMJ dentist in Holt, Michigan, especially if it’s accompanied by discomfort, limited movement, or jaw locking. Weird jaw noises may happen due to misalignment, joint inflammation, or cartilage wear.
Facial pain: TMJ pain isn’t just localized to the jaws. The TMJs involve several muscles, nerves, ligaments, etc., so pain can radiate to nearby areas, causing facial pain or muscle tenderness.

Dr. Liu uses a customized oral appliance to manage TMJ pain. This retainer-like device fits snugly in the mouth and protects jaw joints and surrounding structures from excessive strain. The TMJ mouthguard is worn at night during sleep, and patients experience noticeable pain relief after a few days of nightly wear.

Call Our Office for More Information

New Patients: (517) 777-8878 | Existing Patients: (517) 699-2985
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TMJ Pain treatment near me in Holt, Michigan

TMJ pain can diminish your quality of life, but it’s treatable. Do you suspect TMJ pain? Don’t spend another day in pain. Instead, call (517) 777-8878 and reserve a TMJ evaluation with Dr. Edward Liu Sedation and Implant Dentistry. Soon, you’ll live a healthy, painless lifestyle.

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Dr. Edward Liu

Edward Liu, D.D.S., is a highly accomplished general and cosmetic dentist with over two decades of experience. A graduate of the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, he earned his doctorate in 2000. Dr. Liu is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry and one of only 407 dentists in the U.S. and Canada to hold this title. He also achieved Mastership from the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor held by only 1% of dentists. His expertise in dental implants and sedation dentistry, combined with 1600 hours of continuing education, ensures exceptional patient care.