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Jaw/TMJ

I have been seeing Dr Amy for the past 7 years and could not be more happy with her and the team at Okun Dentistry. I just had a cleaning and the hygienist used a cavitron (ultrasonic). No more picking and scraping, highly recommend!

- Justin Fischer
5.0
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TMJ therapy in tempe
People who grind their teeth can sometimes develop a serious problem with their jaw, which left untreated, can adversely affect the teeth, gums and bone structures of the mouth.

One of the most common jaw disorders is related to a problem with the temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull, and allows your upper and lower jaw to open and close and facilitates chewing and speaking.

People with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) often have a clicking or popping sound when opening and closing their mouths. Such disorders are often accompanied by frequent headaches, neck aches, and in some cases, tooth sensitivity.
Some treatments for TMD include muscle relaxants, aspirin, biofeedback, or wearing a small plastic appliance in the mouth during sleep.

Minor cases of TMD involve discomfort or pain in the jaw muscles. More serious conditions involve improperly aligned joints or dislocated jaws. The most extreme form of TMD involves an arthritic condition of the jaw joint. Traumatic injuries also can cause jaw dislocation.

In these cases, jaw surgery may be required to correct the condition. Some jaw surgery can be performed arthroscopically.

Frequently Asked Questions

TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, involves dysfunction or pain in the jaw joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. It can cause clicking, popping, discomfort while chewing, and other symptoms that affect daily jaw movement. 

Symptoms at our Tempe office include jaw pain, frequent headaches, neck aches, tooth sensitivity, and clicking or popping noises when opening or closing the mouth — all signs that your TMJ may need evaluation. 

TMJ issues can stem from teeth grinding, misaligned jaw joints, traumatic injury, arthritis in the joint, or tension in the muscles. These factors can strain the joint and surrounding structures over time. 

In our Tempe office, we assess your jaw by examining your bite, listening for joint sounds, and evaluating your medical history. We may also use imaging and functional analysis to determine misalignment or joint degeneration. 

Treatments at our Tempe location can include wearing a small plastic appliance (splint), using muscle relaxants or aspirin, biofeedback, and in severe cases, surgical intervention if the joint is misaligned or arthritic. 

Not always. Most TMJ cases are managed without surgery using non-invasive therapies like muscle relaxants, oral appliances, or biofeedback. However, when the jaw joint is severely misaligned or arthritic, surgery such as arthroscopy may be considered. 

Yes. Muscle tension from stress or grinding can overwork the muscles that control the jaw. This overuse contributes to TMJ pain, as well as headaches and tenderness around the jaw, especially after long periods of tension. 

A TMJ splint (oral appliance) helps by keeping your jaw in a more relaxed, stable position during sleep. This reduces clenching or grinding, eases muscle stress, and helps protect your joint and teeth from further damage. 

Many patients experience improvement in discomfort or joint sounds within a few weeks of starting non-invasive therapies, such as splints or muscle relaxants. More persistent cases may take longer, depending on the joint condition and the consistency of treatment. 

To minimize TMJ flare-ups, avoid chewing on hard objects, practice stress-relief techniques, maintain proper posture, and wear a night guard if you grind your teeth. Regular follow-ups at our Tempe office help monitor your joint health.