Waking up with a sore jaw, temple headaches, or a bite that feels off is incredibly common. We help you identify the source of your pain and provide conservative therapy to get you comfortable again.
TMJ refers to the jaw joint itself, while TMD covers conditions affecting your jaw and chewing muscles. Finding the right solution requires a careful approach rather than just pointing to where it hurts. Consider scheduling an evaluation if you experience:
We assess your jaw movement and muscle tenderness to build a conservative pain relief plan.
We evaluate how your teeth contact to identify uneven wear patterns or interfering restorations.
We design a custom appliance to protect your teeth from grinding and relieve muscle strain.
We carefully modify a specific tooth surface to correct a documented interference in your bite.
1. Symptom Review We discuss when your symptoms began and any daily habits that make the pain worse.
2. Clinical Examination We evaluate your jaw joints, muscle tenderness, and overall range of motion.
3. Bite Evaluation We examine your teeth for wear, cracks, and how they contact when you bite down.
4. Imaging and Planning We use advanced 3D imaging to see your jaw structures and recommend conservative treatments first.
At 313 Dental, we do not automatically assume your bite is causing your pain, and we do not treat a clicking joint if it is not hurting you. Dr. Mohammad Hammoud uses advanced 3D imaging so we never have to guess. We prioritize conservative, reversible treatments like splint therapy before ever recommending permanent adjustments to your teeth.
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. TMD refers to a group of conditions affecting the jaw joints, chewing muscles, and related structures.
Not necessarily. Clicking or popping without pain is actually very common and may not require treatment at all. However, you should have it evaluated if the sound is painful, your jaw locks, or your movement is limited.
On its own, probably not. Current evidence does not support a strong relationship between an uneven bite and TMD. While a bite analysis helps us evaluate tooth wear and damaged restorations, we do not automatically treat an uneven bite as the primary cause of your jaw pain.
A splint is not guaranteed to permanently eliminate TMD symptoms, and we will not promise you that it is a magic cure. Depending on its design, it helps protect your teeth from grinding and relieves muscle strain, but it is usually just one part of a conservative management plan.
No. An occlusal adjustment permanently changes part of your tooth or dental restoration. We do not use it as a routine fix for jaw pain or headaches. We only consider it once a specific interfering contact has been clinically identified.
Seek prompt evaluation if you experience sudden or severe jaw pain, an injury to the face, new swelling, or a jaw that locks and will not release. If you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, or numbness or weakness in your face, seek immediate medical care rather than a dental appointment.
If jaw discomfort, painful clicking, clenching, or changes in your bite are affecting your daily life, contact our Dearborn team for a comprehensive evaluation.
Reviewed by Dr. Mohammad Hammoud, DMD – 313 Dental, Dearborn, MI
