Jaw pain is not normal.
If jaw pain is part of your everyday life, it may seem normal to you. The truth is, jaw pain is far from normal and may be a symptom of a condition called TMD from one or both of your TMJs. Those are the joints of your lower jaw, called TemporoMandibular Joints. When disease or misalignment occurs, the TMJ and surrounding area becomes inflamed — which is what causes pain and other symptoms.
- Headaches
- Earaches, tenderness around the ear
- Face or jaw pain and tenderness
- Muscle pain in your neck, shoulders and upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning or opening your mouth
What are the signs of TMJ disorder (TMD)?
How do we diagnose and treat TMJ disorder?
Diagnosis
Treatment of TMD begins with a comprehensive clinical examination, to check your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. During your appointment, we will check for pain and tenderness and listen for clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If the disorder is diagnosed, a bite splint or night guard is often recommended as the initial treatment.
Treatment and Relief
Our treatment application involves bite splints, which are custom-created plastic mouthpieces, designed to fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. These type of devices prevent the grinding and clenching that often causes or worsens TMD. The splint also realigns the jaw, removing stress on the surrounding area.
Alternative Treatment Options
If a misaligned bite or missing teeth are the cause of your symptoms, we may recommend orthodontics or restorative dental work. If your bite is placing undue pressure on the TMJ’s, we may suggest reshaping individual teeth to redistribute the bite force evenly.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. If this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed we refer to that as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMD for short.
Signs or symptoms of TMD include pain and tenderness in or around the ear, the jaw joint, or the muscles of the jaw, face or temples. Other symptoms are problems opening or closing your mouth, and a clicking, popping, crunching or grinding noise when you chew, yawn or open your mouth. TMDs may be linked with neck pain and headaches.
TMD is caused by a combination of factors like jaw injuries and joint disease, such as arthritis. It’s believed that bruxism (tooth clenching or grinding) and head or neck muscle tension may make TMD symptoms worse. Stress is also a possible factor. However, it is not clear if stress causes TMD or is a result. Other things that may lead to TMDs are partial or full dentures that are not the right fit and certain habits such as fingernail biting and pen or pencil biting. As you can see, there are an array of different causes which makes TMD hard to diagnose. The best way to understand your jaw pain symptoms are to book an appointment.
There are many possible causes of headaches. No doctor will be able to determine the cause of your headache without a physical examination.
Most often, TMJ pain can be treated effectively with non-invasive treatments and therapies. In very rare circumstances, TMD may require surgery. Your health and happiness are both important to us. We will always present you with all of your options, work through the safest and easiest options first, and give you the final decision on what happens next.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Roshni Sarath
1 week ago
I’ve been visiting Charm Dental for 2 years, and every experience has been exceptional. Dr. Ken and the team are incredibly friendly and compassionate, ensuring I’m always comfortable despite my nervousness. They take their time, never rush treatments, and check in often to ensure I’m doing well. Their advice and suggestions are always thoughtful and in my best interest.
The clinic is spotless, and the receptionists provide top-notch customer care, making every visit pleasant. I highly recommend Charm Dental for anyone looking for a caring and professional dental team!
NaNa winner
1 week ago
Conveniently located in Brentwood with free underground parking:) Very nice&modern office with pleasant atmosphere and welcoming staff. Dr Ken provides painless botox treatment, and he is very kind and gentle! Strongly recommend, double thumbs up!!
Jason Lee
2 months ago
We recently took our 6-year-old son to Charm Dental in Brentwood for a check-up, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience! Dr. Ken was incredibly friendly and made our son feel comfortable right from the start. He truly went the extra mile to ensure our son had a positive visit, which we appreciated so much as parents. The facilities are excellent—modern and clean—and all the staff were welcoming and professional. Truly the best dentist in Burnaby for families! Highly recommend!
Dacia Gabriela Higuera Barreras
3 months ago
I’ve been a patient for a year in Charm Dental Clinic, and I always have good experience. The clinic has a welcoming atmosphere, and the staff was both friendly and professional. The doctor Ken always takes the time to explain each procedure clearly, ensuring I felt comfortable and informed throughout the visit.
Overall, I highly recommend Charm Dental Clinic for anyone looking for a reliable and caring dental practice. Their commitment to patient satisfaction truly sets them apart.
Yeonwoo Shin
3 months ago
I had the opportunity to volunteer and shadow at Charm Dental Brentwood, and it was a fantastic experience! The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making me feel comfortable from day one. I got to observe a variety of dental procedures up close. I learned so much about patient care and the dental field overall. It was a valuable experience, and I’m grateful for how supportive and informative everyone was. Highly recommend this clinic for anyone interested in the dental field!
Roshni Sarath
1 week ago
I’ve been visiting Charm Dental for 2 years, and every experience has been exceptional. Dr. Ken and the team are incredibly friendly and compassionate, ensuring I’m always comfortable despite my nervousness. They take their time, never rush treatments, and check in often to ensure I’m doing well. Their advice and suggestions are always thoughtful and in my best interest.
The clinic is spotless, and the receptionists provide top-notch customer care, making every visit pleasant. I highly recommend Charm Dental for anyone looking for a caring and professional dental team!
NaNa winner
1 week ago
Conveniently located in Brentwood with free underground parking:) Very nice&modern office with pleasant atmosphere and welcoming staff. Dr Ken provides painless botox treatment, and he is very kind and gentle! Strongly recommend, double thumbs up!!
Jason Lee
2 months ago
We recently took our 6-year-old son to Charm Dental in Brentwood for a check-up, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience! Dr. Ken was incredibly friendly and made our son feel comfortable right from the start. He truly went the extra mile to ensure our son had a positive visit, which we appreciated so much as parents. The facilities are excellent—modern and clean—and all the staff were welcoming and professional. Truly the best dentist in Burnaby for families! Highly recommend!
Dacia Gabriela Higuera Barreras
3 months ago
I’ve been a patient for a year in Charm Dental Clinic, and I always have good experience. The clinic has a welcoming atmosphere, and the staff was both friendly and professional. The doctor Ken always takes the time to explain each procedure clearly, ensuring I felt comfortable and informed throughout the visit.
Overall, I highly recommend Charm Dental Clinic for anyone looking for a reliable and caring dental practice. Their commitment to patient satisfaction truly sets them apart.
Yeonwoo Shin
3 months ago
I had the opportunity to volunteer and shadow at Charm Dental Brentwood, and it was a fantastic experience! The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making me feel comfortable from day one. I got to observe a variety of dental procedures up close. I learned so much about patient care and the dental field overall. It was a valuable experience, and I’m grateful for how supportive and informative everyone was. Highly recommend this clinic for anyone interested in the dental field!
