TMJ Pain Therapy: Find Relief for Jaw and Facial Pain

Living with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) or simply TMJ pain is more than just physical discomfort—it affects your whole life. With constant headaches, jaw soreness, facial pain, and other discomforts, TMJ pain affects everyday activities like eating and talking and ruins your work, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Whether you have battled TMJ pain for weeks or months, enough is enough! Schedule an appointment with Dr. Edward Liu Sedation and Implant Dentistry for pain relief. Dr. Edward Liu and the team offer simple yet effective treatments to manage chronic headaches, jaw soreness, and other TMJ-related aches.

How do I know I have TMJ pain?

Everyone has two hinge-like joints (TMJs) located on either side of the face. The TMJs allow the jaws to move in several directions when eating, smiling, talking, yawning, etc. Unfortunately, when injured, misaligned, or infected, TMJs cause all sorts of problems.

Some include:

Constant headaches
Jaw pain and soreness
Clicking or popping sounds when closing and opening your mouth
Facial and neck pain
Earaches
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Locked jaws
Difficulty or painful chewing

Several factors can contribute to TMJ pain, but the most common is teeth grinding (bruxism). When you grind or clench your teeth, the excessive force creates tension in the jaw joints, muscles, and surrounding structures, leading to pain and discomfort. Additionally, a misaligned bite can cause imbalances in jaw function, forcing the muscles to work harder to compensate. This added strain stresses the jaw and its supporting structures, often resulting in TMJ pain.

How is TMJ pain treated?

Effective treatment starts with a proper diagnosis. The dentist will discuss your symptoms and physically inspect your jaws to determine their range of motion and the presence of unusual sounds. Digital scans and X-rays may also help to identify any structural abnormalities. We take the time to diagnose your TMJ pain because its symptoms mimic other conditions like ear infections and sinusitis.

Dr. Liu prescribes oral appliance therapy (OAT) for TMJ pain caused by tensed muscles and joints. A custom-fitted device allows your TMJs and surrounding structures to relax and heal over time. A TMJ oral splint is worn at night when you are likely to grind your teeth. Since it’s customized, it fits snugly in your mouth to allow natural breathing as you sleep.

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for TMJ pain. Other treatment options include:

Orthodontics to correct bad bites and misaligned teeth
Medications to manage infections and inflammation
Stress management techniques
Lifestyle changes, such as reducing hard and chewy foods

Do you need TMJ pain treatment?

We understand the frustration and exhaustion that everyday pain can cause. Dr. Edward Liu Sedation and Implant Dentistry supports you in every step of your journey towards a pain-free lifestyle, offering empathy, expertise, and a clear path to relief. Regain control of your oral health today by calling (517) 777-8878.

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.