TMJ & Jaw Pain Treatment
Find Relief. Restore Comfort. Improve Your Quality of Life.
Do you wake up with a sore jaw? Experience frequent headaches, facial tension, or discomfort when chewing? Notice clicking or popping when you open your mouth?
These symptoms may be associated with a temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a condition affecting the jaw joints and surrounding muscles.
At Fly Creek Dental & Aesthetics, Dr. Ninel Wendover offers TMJ evaluations and treatment to help patients address jaw discomfort and improve everyday function.
Dr. Wendover has pursued additional continuing education focused on TMJ disorders and their treatment, allowing her to provide a more comprehensive approach to managing jaw pain.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. These joints work together with surrounding muscles to allow you to speak, chew, yawn, and move your jaw.
When the joints or surrounding muscles become painful or do not function properly, the condition is commonly referred to as a temporomandibular disorder, or TMD.
TMJ disorders can range from occasional discomfort to persistent symptoms that interfere with everyday activities.
Signs & Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Common symptoms may include:
Jaw Pain or Tenderness: Discomfort in the jaw joints, cheeks, or surrounding facial muscles.
Frequent Headaches: Headaches that may be associated with jaw muscle tension.
Clicking or Popping: Sounds when opening or closing the mouth, particularly when accompanied by pain.
Difficulty Chewing: Pain, fatigue, or discomfort while eating.
Jaw Stiffness or Locking: Difficulty opening or closing your mouth normally.
Ear-Related Discomfort: Pain or pressure near the ears without an obvious ear infection.
Facial Muscle Tension: Tightness or soreness around the jaw and temples.
Morning Jaw Soreness: Discomfort upon waking, sometimes associated with nighttime clenching or grinding.
Not everyone who experiences jaw clicking has a TMJ disorder requiring treatment. However, persistent pain or limited jaw movement should be evaluated.
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders can develop for several reasons, and sometimes there is no single identifiable cause.
Potential contributing factors include:
Clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism).
Excessive strain on the jaw muscles.
Injury or trauma to the jaw.
Arthritis affecting the jaw joints.
Problems involving the joint disc.
Stress-related muscle tension.
Habits that place repeated strain on the jaw.
Identifying potential contributing factors is an important part of developing an appropriate treatment plan.
Personalized TMJ Evaluation & Treatment
Understanding Your Symptoms Is the First Step
Dr. Wendover recognizes that TMJ disorders are complex and that effective care begins with understanding each patient's symptoms and individual needs.
Through her additional education and training in TMJ disorders, she has expanded her knowledge of jaw function, muscle-related pain, and treatment approaches designed to help patients manage these conditions.
During your evaluation, Dr. Wendover may assess:
Your history of jaw pain, headaches, or facial discomfort.
Jaw movement and range of motion.
Tenderness in the jaw joints and surrounding muscles.
Clicking, popping, or other joint sounds.
Signs of teeth grinding, clenching, or excessive tooth wear.
Other factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Based on her findings, she will discuss appropriate treatment options and help you understand the next steps.
TMJ Treatment Options
Individualized Care Focused on Comfort and Function
Not every patient with TMJ symptoms requires the same treatment. In many cases, conservative, nonsurgical approaches are recommended before considering more invasive options.
Depending on your diagnosis and individual needs, treatment may include:
Custom Oral Appliances
For certain patients, a professionally designed oral appliance may help manage nighttime clenching or grinding, protect teeth from excessive wear, or support more comfortable jaw function.
Jaw Muscle and Habit Management
Guidance on reducing jaw strain, modifying habits, and managing muscle tension may help improve symptoms.
Home Care Recommendations
Some patients benefit from temporary dietary modifications, warm or cold compresses, gentle jaw exercises, or other conservative strategies.
Additional Treatment or Specialist Referral
For patients with persistent or complex symptoms, additional evaluation, collaborative care, or referral to an appropriate specialist may be recommended.
Treatment recommendations are based on the nature and severity of your condition, and results vary between patients.
Why Choose Dr. Wendover for TMJ Care?
A Commitment to Continuing Education and Comprehensive Dentistry
Dr. Wendover believes that dentistry involves much more than caring for teeth. The health and function of the jaw joints, muscles, and surrounding structures are also important components of overall oral health.
Recognizing the impact that TMJ disorders can have on a patient's comfort and quality of life, she has invested time in continuing education to further develop her understanding of these conditions and their treatment.
Her approach emphasizes careful evaluation, individualized treatment planning, patient education, and conservative treatment options whenever appropriate.
Our goal is to help patients feel heard, informed, and supported throughout their care.
Don't Ignore Persistent Jaw Pain
Occasional jaw discomfort may resolve on its own, but ongoing pain, difficulty chewing, recurring headaches, or limited jaw movement can interfere with your daily life.
Seeking an evaluation can help identify potential causes and determine whether treatment may be beneficial.
You don't have to simply live with ongoing jaw discomfort.
Contact our office to schedule a TMJ evaluation with Dr. Wendover and learn more about the treatment options available to you.