Waking up with a sore jaw, a clicking sound when you eat, or a headache that won’t go away can really ruin your day.
These are common signs of TMJ, a condition that affects the joints that connect your jaw to your skull. If you are looking for TMJ treatment, the first thing to know is that you don’t have to “live with it.”
Because your jaw is a complex system of muscles and bone, getting help from an expert in prosthodontics in Riverview is a smart move. These specialists are experts at figuring out how your teeth and jaw should work together to stop the pain for good.
How Can You Find Out Why Your Jaw Hurts?
Before you can fix the pain, you need to know why it’s happening. Jaw pain doesn’t usually have just one cause; it’s often a mix of things.
When you visit a specialist for prosthodontics near you, they will check for a few common culprits:
- A “Bad” Bite: Your teeth might not be lining up correctly, which forces your jaw to work too hard.
- Grinding or Clenching: Many people clench their teeth when stressed or while sleeping.
- Injury: A past bump to the face or jaw can cause problems years later.
- Joint Wear: The tiny “cushion” inside your jaw joint might be worn down or out of place.
What Are The Easiest Ways To Treat TMJ?
The good news is that most people find relief without needing surgery. When searching for TMJ treatment near you, you’ll find several simple ways to get your jaw back on track:
- Custom Night Guards: A special tray made just for your teeth helps prevent grinding at night and gives your jaw a rest.
- Jaw Exercises: Just as physical therapy for a knee or shoulder can relax muscles, simple stretches can relax the jaw muscles.
- Warm Compresses: Using a warm cloth on your jaw can help loosen up tight, tired muscles.
- Soft Food Diet: Giving your jaw a “break” by eating softer foods for a week or two can stop a painful flare-up.
How Does Fixing Your Bite Help The Pain?
Sometimes, your jaw hurts because one or two teeth are hitting too hard when you close your mouth. A specialist can perform something called “bite equilibration.” This is a fancy way of saying they gently smooth out the high spots on your teeth.
When your teeth meet perfectly, the pressure is evenly distributed. This prevents your jaw from having to “shift” every time you chew, taking a massive amount of stress off the joint.
Can Fixing Old Dental Work Help Your Jaw?
If you have missing teeth or old crowns that have worn down, your jaw might be closing too far or at an awkward angle. This is like walking in shoes that are worn out on one side; eventually, your joints will pay the price.
By replacing missing teeth with implants or getting new crowns, you can “rebuild” your bite to the correct height. This naturally guides your jaw back into its most comfortable spot, which can make chronic pain disappear.
When Is It Time To See A Specialist?
You should consider seeing a professional if your jaw frequently “locks” open or closed, or if the pain is making it hard to eat your favourite foods. While minor jaw tension may resolve with rest, chronic clicking and popping usually indicate an alignment issue.
Most modern treatments aim to be as gentle as possible. The goal is always to find the simplest, most effective way to get you back to feeling normal without jumping straight to surgery.
Reclaiming Your Comfort and Function
Living with jaw pain is exhausting, but there are many simple paths to relief. By figuring out the cause of the stress on your joint, you can get back to eating, talking, and laughing without thinking about your jaw.
You deserve to live without chronic pain, and the proper treatment can make that a reality.
At Prosthodontics and Implant Therapy, we are experts at helping our neighbours find relief from jaw discomfort. Our team takes a gentle, personalized approach to ensure you feel comfortable every step of the way. We use the latest technology to check your bite and find the root cause of your pain.
If you’re tired of a sore jaw and want to find a real solution, we are here to help. Contact us today to book your consultation, and let’s get you back to feeling your best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my jaw make a popping sound?
The popping usually happens when the small disk inside your joint slips out of place; it’s a sign that your jaw isn’t moving as smoothly as it should.
Will a store-bought mouthguard work?
Store-bought guards are often “one size fits all” and can actually worsen TMJ by altering your bite; a custom-made guard is much safer and more effective.
How long until the pain goes away?
Most patients start feeling much better within a few weeks of wearing a custom night guard or starting jaw exercises.
Is stress a cause of TMJ?
Yes, stress often leads to “unconscious” clenching during the day or grinding at night, which is one of the biggest causes of jaw pain.