What is tmj issues?
TMJ disorders are a family of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and the muscles that move the jaw, producing pain, clicking, locking, or related headaches. Most patients respond to conservative care — custom occlusal splints, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and behavioral changes — with minimally-invasive joint procedures or surgery reserved for the small minority of cases that don’t.
What we evaluate
A focused exam of the joint, muscles of mastication, bite, and posture. 3D CBCT or MRI imaging when warranted. A careful history of when the symptoms started, what makes them worse, and what you’ve already tried.
TMJ disorders aren’t a single diagnosis — they’re a family of conditions that can stem from muscle dysfunction, joint disc displacement, arthritis, or dental occlusion issues. Pinning down the right diagnosis is the difference between care that helps and care that doesn’t.
Conservative treatment
For most patients, the first line is conservative: a custom occlusal splint to unload the joints during sleep, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, jaw exercises, Botox treatment for muscle-driven pain and clenching, and behavioral changes (avoiding gum, hard foods, and jaw-clenching habits).
We coordinate with your dentist, physical therapist, and primary care physician as needed. Most patients see meaningful improvement within 6–12 weeks.
Minimally-invasive joint procedures
For persistent cases that don’t respond to conservative care, we offer arthrocentesis (joint lavage) and image-guided injections. These are short outpatient procedures that can dramatically improve range of motion and pain in patients with disc displacement or inflammation.
Open joint surgery
A small minority of patients with structural joint problems benefit from open surgery (arthroscopy or arthroplasty). When that’s the case we discuss it carefully and make sure all conservative options have been exhausted first.
Common questions
My jaw clicks but doesn’t hurt — should I be worried?
A click on its own, without pain, locking, or limited opening, usually doesn’t require treatment. We’d still want to evaluate to rule out progression risk.
Will I need surgery?
Probably not. The vast majority of TMJ disorders respond to conservative care. Surgery is reserved for the small minority where it’s clearly indicated.
How long until I feel better?
With conservative therapy, most patients see meaningful improvement within 6–12 weeks. Some respond faster.