Relieve Jaw Pain, Headaches, and Tension with Expert Care
Understanding TMJ Disorder
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) affects the joint connecting your jaw to your skull — the joint that allows you to talk, chew, and yawn. When this joint becomes strained or misaligned, it can cause persistent discomfort and pain that affects your ability to function comfortably.
Common TMJ symptoms include:
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Clicking or popping when opening the mouth
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Ear pain or ringing (tinnitus)
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
TMJ pain can be mild or severe, but even minor symptoms can worsen over time without proper care.
Why Treat TMJ?
TMJ disorder can interfere with eating, sleeping, and overall quality of life. Many patients experience worsening symptoms during times of stress, or as a result of misaligned teeth or chronic clenching.
If left untreated, TMJ can lead to:
• Chronic headaches and facial pain
• Worn or fractured teeth from grinding
• Jaw joint damage or arthritis
• Loose teeth and bone loss
• Dizziness or tension in the neck and shoulders
Treating TMJ early helps prevent long-term complications and restores comfort, balance, and proper jaw function.
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
While stress can worsen symptoms, TMJ is often linked to physical or structural issues such as:
• Misalignment of the teeth or “bad bite”
• Jaw injuries or trauma
• Nighttime teeth grinding or clenching
• Arthritis in the jaw joint
• Excessive chewing or jaw strain
Our team at Peak Dental Utah will identify the root cause of your TMJ and create a customized plan to relieve pain and restore normal movement.
How We Treat TMJ at Peak Dental Utah
After a detailed exam, including bite analysis, jaw movement evaluation, and X-rays, we develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.
Common treatments may include:
• Custom Night Guards (Bite Splints) – Prevent grinding and relieve stress on the jaw joint while you sleep.
• Bite Adjustment (Equilibration) – Fine-tuning how upper and lower teeth meet to eliminate strain and improve alignment.
• Stress & Relaxation Techniques – Guided strategies to reduce clenching related to tension or anxiety.
• Medication Therapy – Temporary use of anti-inflammatory or muscle-relaxing medication to ease pain.
• Occlusal Realignment – Adjusting tooth surfaces or restoring worn teeth to correct bite imbalance.
In most cases, these conservative treatments provide significant relief and prevent the need for invasive procedures.
Relieve Your Jaw Pain Today
If you’re experiencing frequent jaw pain, tension headaches, or teeth grinding, Peak Dental Utah can help. Our TMJ specialists use proven, gentle treatments to bring balance back to your bite and relief back to your life.
Call our Murray office today at (801) 278-3214 or schedule your TMJ consultation online. We proudly serve patients across Murray, Salt Lake City, and surrounding Utah areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pain is from TMJ?
TMJ pain often feels like tightness or soreness around the jaw, temples, or ears — especially when talking or chewing. Clicking or popping sounds are also common indicators.
Can TMJ go away on its own?
Mild cases may improve with rest and stress management, but persistent pain, popping, or grinding usually require dental evaluation and treatment.
Is TMJ treatment painful?
No. Most TMJ treatments are non-invasive and focus on reducing inflammation and muscle tension while restoring natural jaw alignment.
