TMJ/TMD Treatment

Relief for Jaw Pain & Discomfort

If you suffer from jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing, you may have temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). At Sleep Dentistry, we offer TMJ/TMD treatment for patients in Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, offering personalized solutions to relieve pain and restore proper jaw function.

What Is TMJ/TMD?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull and allows you to speak, chew, and move your jaw. When this joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can cause chronic pain and dysfunction, a condition known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

Signs & Symptoms of TMJ/TMD

You may have TMJ/TMD if you experience:

✔ Jaw pain or tenderness

✔ Frequent headaches or migraines

✔ Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when moving your jaw

✔ Difficulty chewing or jaw locking

✔ Ear pain, ringing (tinnitus), or dizziness

✔ Neck, shoulder, or facial pain

✔ Teeth grinding (bruxism) and excessive tooth wear

If left untreated, TMD can lead to chronic discomfort, jaw dysfunction, and dental damage. Seeking early treatment can prevent further complications.

What Causes TMJ/TMD?

TMJ disorders can develop from various factors, including:

  • Teeth grinding & clenching (bruxism)
  • Jaw misalignment or bite problems
  • Stress & muscle tension
  • Injury or trauma to the jaw
  • Arthritis or joint inflammation

Identifying the underlying cause is key to developing an effective treatment plan.

Preventing TMJ/TMD Flare-Ups

✔ Avoid chewing gum and hard foods that strain the jaw.

✔ Practice stress management techniques like meditation or yoga.

✔ Use heat or ice packs to relieve jaw tension.

✔ Maintain good posture to reduce strain on the jaw and neck.

✔ Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night.

TMJ/TMD Treatment Options at Sleep Dentistry

At Sleep Dentistry, we offer non-invasive, customized treatments to alleviate TMJ/TMD symptoms and improve jaw function.

1. Custom Nightguards & Splints

✔ Protects teeth from grinding and clenching

✔ Reduces jaw tension and muscle strain

✔ Prevents further damage to teeth and joints

2. Bite Adjustment (Occlusal Equilibration)

✔ Corrects misaligned teeth to relieve pressure on the jaw

✔ Improves chewing function and jaw movement

✔ Reduces jaw pain caused by an uneven bite

3. TMJ Exercises & Physical Therapy

✔ Strengthens jaw muscles to improve function

✔ Relieves stiffness and tension in the jaw

✔ Reduces headaches and facial pain

4. Stress Management & Lifestyle Modifications

✔ Techniques to reduce clenching caused by stress

✔ Posture adjustments to relieve jaw strain

✔ Dietary modifications to prevent flare-ups

5. Medication for Pain & Inflammation

✔ NSAIDs or muscle relaxants for symptom relief

✔ Prescription treatments for severe cases

✔ Temporary relief while undergoing other treatments

6. Advanced Treatment Options (For Severe Cases)

✔ Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation

✔ Referral for TMJ surgery in extreme cases

Male Smiling

How Do I Know Which Treatment Is Right for Me?

Male Smiling

During your consultation at Sleep Dentistry, we will evaluate your symptoms, examine your bite and jaw movement, and take digital X-rays or imaging if needed. From there, we create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific condition.

Get Relief from TMJ/TMD Pain Today

You don’t have to live with chronic jaw pain, headaches, or discomfort. At Sleep Dentistry, we provide effective TMJ/TMD treatments to help you regain comfort and function.

Schedule a TMJ consultation today at our Portland, OR, or Vancouver, WA locations and take the first step toward lasting relief!