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
Keiko Nakamoto
3 months ago
Just had my second visit to Dr. Upton. On my first visit, Dr. and his assistant, Jessica, did a thorough evaluation of my situation. He asked me questions about my dental history and actually listened carefully to my concerns. Then he left to review my x-rays and options for treatment. When he returned, he gave me some options, which I REALLY appreciated. He even took into consideration my dietary habits and the fact I don't like prescription medications. Not even my physicians gave me that kind of concern!!
Today I had my tooth pulled out and he took into consideration my financial situation and did it under local anesthesia, where my previous experience was done under general anesthesia. It was less expensive and totally tolerable. I'm glad that he considers the whole patient, the tolerance to pain, the budget and the treatment preferences. I also appreciate that he sat on a stool and spoke to me face to face. His office staff, Jessica, Megan and Priscilla are all equally attentive and considerate.
Thank you everyone 💓!
Yes, I would recommend their services to anyone in need of dental care.
Meg Coffey
6 months ago
Professional, courteous and thorough. Dr Baker and staff take time to explain what they’re doing, what options you have and check often in your comfort level during procedure. Very happy to recommend them to anyone in the market for dental services.
J C
1 year ago
I’m thankful that I found this dental practice. From the staff, upfront, to the dental assistant Kelly, and Dr. Baker, they have been absolutely wonderful. After having had previous experiences that were not ideal, I was reluctant to find a new dentist that I could trust. I read all the five star reviews for Upton & Baker and tried it out for myself, very happy that I did as they make you feel right at home. Dr. Baker is absolutely wonderful and fantastic and I can’t say enough good things about him. He’s Very professional and skilled, top to bottom. Cannot recommend him more highly. Dr. Baker is so thorough and informative, and lets you know every step of the way what’s going on so there are no surprises. Very calming, as well. Thank you!!
Jhevaunni Spruill
1 year ago
This was by far the best dental visit I have had in years. Priscilla was great assisting me with getting my appointment booked and offering me an earlier appointment when one came available. Bonnie was AMAZING!! She went very in depth in my cleaning and took the time to help me understand what she was doing and the benefits of each step, no dentist has ever taken the time to help me understand more about my gums and teeth like she did...very educational! Doctor Kevin Upton was great too, he is very friendly and personable. Will be booking all of my dentist appointments with them from now on. 10/10
Frances Given
10 months ago
I've been a patient of this practice for over forty years (even though we moved almost 17 years ago) and their consistent, thorough and friendly care can't be beat! Drs Upton and Baker, as well as, the entire staff have been and are always attentive, caring and never fail to provide the best dental care!
Keiko Nakamoto
3 months ago
Just had my second visit to Dr. Upton. On my first visit, Dr. and his assistant, Jessica, did a thorough evaluation of my situation. He asked me questions about my dental history and actually listened carefully to my concerns. Then he left to review my x-rays and options for treatment. When he returned, he gave me some options, which I REALLY appreciated. He even took into consideration my dietary habits and the fact I don't like prescription medications. Not even my physicians gave me that kind of concern!!
Today I had my tooth pulled out and he took into consideration my financial situation and did it under local anesthesia, where my previous experience was done under general anesthesia. It was less expensive and totally tolerable. I'm glad that he considers the whole patient, the tolerance to pain, the budget and the treatment preferences. I also appreciate that he sat on a stool and spoke to me face to face. His office staff, Jessica, Megan and Priscilla are all equally attentive and considerate.
Thank you everyone 💓!
Yes, I would recommend their services to anyone in need of dental care.
Meg Coffey
6 months ago
Professional, courteous and thorough. Dr Baker and staff take time to explain what they’re doing, what options you have and check often in your comfort level during procedure. Very happy to recommend them to anyone in the market for dental services.
J C
1 year ago
I’m thankful that I found this dental practice. From the staff, upfront, to the dental assistant Kelly, and Dr. Baker, they have been absolutely wonderful. After having had previous experiences that were not ideal, I was reluctant to find a new dentist that I could trust. I read all the five star reviews for Upton & Baker and tried it out for myself, very happy that I did as they make you feel right at home. Dr. Baker is absolutely wonderful and fantastic and I can’t say enough good things about him. He’s Very professional and skilled, top to bottom. Cannot recommend him more highly. Dr. Baker is so thorough and informative, and lets you know every step of the way what’s going on so there are no surprises. Very calming, as well. Thank you!!
Jhevaunni Spruill
1 year ago
This was by far the best dental visit I have had in years. Priscilla was great assisting me with getting my appointment booked and offering me an earlier appointment when one came available. Bonnie was AMAZING!! She went very in depth in my cleaning and took the time to help me understand what she was doing and the benefits of each step, no dentist has ever taken the time to help me understand more about my gums and teeth like she did...very educational! Doctor Kevin Upton was great too, he is very friendly and personable. Will be booking all of my dentist appointments with them from now on. 10/10
Frances Given
10 months ago
I've been a patient of this practice for over forty years (even though we moved almost 17 years ago) and their consistent, thorough and friendly care can't be beat! Drs Upton and Baker, as well as, the entire staff have been and are always attentive, caring and never fail to provide the best dental care!
