TMJ Treatment
The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull and controls how you open, close, chew, and speak. When that joint or the muscles around it become inflamed or dysfunctional, the result is TMJ disorder. Dr. Lee takes a conservative approach, starting with the least invasive options and working from there.
Common Symptoms
TMJ disorder shows up in different ways. Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning. Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth. Difficulty opening your mouth all the way. Headaches or earaches that don't seem connected to anything else. Neck and shoulder tension. Teeth grinding or clenching during sleep.
If any of these have been going on for more than a week or two, it's worth getting evaluated. TMJ symptoms often overlap with other conditions, which is why a proper exam matters.
How We Treat It
Dr. Lee starts with a thorough evaluation of your jaw movement, bite alignment, symptoms, and medical history. For many patients, the first step is a custom-fitted night guard or mouth guard designed to reduce clenching and grinding while you sleep. That alone solves the problem for a significant number of people.
Beyond that, treatment may include jaw exercises to strengthen and relax the muscles around the joint, lifestyle adjustments like stress management and dietary changes, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication for flare-ups. In more complex cases, we'll explore additional options or refer you to a specialist.
The goal is always to start simple and avoid unnecessary procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about tmj treatment. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Give us a call.
It can come from teeth grinding, jaw injury, arthritis, stress, bite misalignment, or a combination of factors. In many cases there's no single clear cause, but effective treatment doesn't always require pinpointing one.
Very rarely. The vast majority of TMJ cases respond well to conservative treatment like night guards, exercises, and lifestyle changes. Dr. Lee always starts with the least invasive options first.
Yes. Custom-fitted night guards are one of the most effective treatments for TMJ symptoms caused by grinding and clenching. Unlike store-bought versions, a custom guard fits your teeth and bite precisely, which means better protection and more comfortable sleep.
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Related Services
Mouth Guards
A custom mouth guard fits your teeth exactly, stays in place, and does its job far better than anything off the shelf. We make both athletic guards for sports protection and night guards for patients who grind or clench in their sleep.
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Checkups
Regular checkups are the foundation of everything we do. They let Dr. Lee catch problems early, often before you notice any symptoms. That means simpler treatments, less discomfort, and lower costs over time. We recommend every six months for most patients.
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Schedule a consultation to learn more about tmj treatment. Our team will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.