Facial / TMJ Pain | Jaw Pain & Clicking Treatment

Jaw TMJ Pain Treatment

JAW-TMJ Pain

Facial Pain and TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders are common conditions that cause jaw pain, facial discomfort, headaches, ear pain, and difficulty in opening or closing the mouth. TMJ issues may occur due to stress, teeth grinding (bruxism), bite problems, arthritis, or injury to the jaw joint.

At our clinic, we offer advanced diagnosis and effective treatment options to relieve pain and restore normal jaw function.

Common Symptoms of Facial/TMJ Pain

  • Jaw pain or tightness
  • Clicking or popping sounds while opening the mouth
  • Headaches or migraine-like pain
  • Ear pain or ringing
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Pain radiating to neck or shoulders
  • Facial muscle soreness

Causes of TMJ & Facial Pain

  • Jaw joint inflammation
  • Teeth grinding/clenching (bruxism)
  • Bite or alignment issues
  • Stress-related muscle tension
  • Trauma or injury to the jaw
  • Arthritis in the TMJ
  • Habitual gum chewing or nail biting

Treatments Available at Our Clinic

We provide customized, science-based treatment options depending on the cause

TMJ Splints / Night Guards

Protect teeth and reduce muscle tension caused by grinding or clenching.

Muscle Relaxation Therapy

Includes physiotherapy, jaw exercises, warm compresses, and trigger point therapy.

Medications (If Required)

Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or pain relievers prescribed as needed.

Bite Correction / Occlusal Adjustment

Improves bite alignment to reduce stress on the jaw joint.

Stress-Reduction & Habit Counseling

Helps manage clenching habits and reduces TMJ strain.

Botox for TMJ Pain (If Indicated)

Helps relax overactive jaw muscles and provides long-term relief.

Management of Underlying Dental Issues

Treating cavities, missing teeth, malocclusion, or ill-fitting dentures causing strain.

When to Seek TMJ Treatment?

  • Persistent jaw pain
  • Difficulty opening or closing mouth
  • Pain affecting eating or speaking
  • Frequent headaches or ear pain
  • Clicking with discomfort

Early care prevents worsening of TMJ dysfunction.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is TMJ pain?

TMJ pain refers to discomfort in the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull. It may cause jaw pain, facial pain, headaches, ear discomfort, clicking sounds, or difficulty opening the mouth.

2. What causes TMJ disorders?

Common causes include teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), stress or anxiety, jaw injury, arthritis in the TMJ, bite alignment issues, and overuse habits like gum chewing.

3. What are the common symptoms of TMJ problems?

Patients often experience jaw pain or tightness, clicking/popping while chewing, headaches or migraines, ear pain or ringing, limited mouth opening, facial muscle soreness, and pain radiating to the neck or shoulders.

4. How is TMJ pain diagnosed?

Diagnosis includes a clinical examination, assessment of jaw movement, checking bite alignment, and sometimes X-rays, CBCT scans, or MRI to evaluate the joint and muscles.

5. Is TMJ pain permanent?

Usually not. With proper treatment—splints, exercises, physiotherapy, habit correction, or medications—most TMJ issues improve significantly over time.

6. How is TMJ pain treated?

Treatments include night guards / TMJ splints, jaw exercises & physiotherapy, warm compresses, medications for pain or muscle relaxation, bite correction, Botox for severe muscle tension, and stress reduction and habit counseling.

7. What can I do at home to reduce TMJ pain?

Apply warm compresses, avoid hard/chewy foods, limit wide mouth opening (yawning, loud singing), practice stress-relief techniques, and follow prescribed jaw exercises.

8. Why does my jaw click? Is it serious?

Jaw clicking is usually due to disc displacement inside the TMJ. If clicking is painless, it may not need treatment. If clicking is accompanied by pain, locking, or difficulty chewing, you should seek TMJ evaluation.

9. Can stress cause TMJ pain?

Yes. Stress often leads to teeth grinding or clenching, which overloads the TMJ and facial muscles, causing pain and stiffness.

10. Are night guards helpful for TMJ disorders?

Yes. Night guards reduce grinding pressure, relax jaw muscles, and protect teeth—making them an effective first-line treatment for many TMJ patients.

11. Do I need surgery for TMJ disorder?

Very rarely. Surgery is recommended only in severe cases that do not respond to conservative therapy. Most patients improve with non-surgical treatments.

12. When should I see a dentist for TMJ pain?

Seek help if you experience persistent jaw or facial pain, jaw locking, difficulty chewing, painful clicking/popping, or frequent headaches or ear pain. Early treatment prevents worsening of TMJ dysfunction.