What Is TMJ and TMD?

The temporomandibular joints, commonly called the TMJs, connect your lower jaw to your skull and allow your jaw to move when you chew, speak, yawn, and open your mouth.

Temporomandibular disorders, or TMD, refer to problems involving the jaw joints, the muscles used for chewing, or the structures around them. People often use “TMJ” to describe the condition itself, although TMJ technically refers to the joint.

TMD can affect people in different ways. Some experience occasional clicking without pain, while others develop persistent jaw discomfort, headaches, muscle tension, or difficulty moving the jaw normally. The cause isn’t always obvious, which is why an assessment is important before deciding on treatment.

How TMJ Problems Are Diagnosed

There isn’t a single test that determines whether every patient has TMD. Your dentist will consider your symptoms and examine how your jaw and surrounding muscles function, including:

• Where you experience pain or discomfort
• How long you’ve had your symptoms
• Whether your jaw clicks, pops, or locks
• Whether symptoms occur while chewing or yawning
• Whether you grind or clench your teeth
• Whether you’ve experienced a jaw injury
• Whether you’ve noticed changes in your bite

What to Expect During a TMJ Appointment

Your appointment begins with a discussion about your symptoms and concerns. Your dentist will want to understand how your jaw problem affects your daily activities and whether the symptoms are getting better, staying the same, or becoming more frequent.

A clinical examination can then help identify signs of jaw joint or muscle problems. Your dentist may assess your jaw’s range of motion, listen or feel for joint sounds, examine the muscles around your jaw, and look at your teeth and bite.

Once the assessment is complete, your dentist can explain what may be contributing to your symptoms and discuss appropriate next steps.

Treatment isn’t necessarily invasive. Depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms, management may involve conservative approaches, monitoring, addressing contributing habits, protecting the teeth from grinding, or other treatment when appropriate.

TMJ Treatment Options

The right treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. For some patients, conservative care may be enough. This can include changes to habits that place strain on the jaw, temporary adjustments to certain activities, strategies for managing clenching, or addressing teeth grinding.

If bruxism is contributing to your symptoms, a custom night guard may be discussed as part of your overall care plan.

Other patients may require additional evaluation or treatment depending on the condition affecting the joint or surrounding structures.

Your treatment plan should be based on your individual symptoms and examination rather than applying the same approach to every person with jaw pain.

When Should You See a Dentist for TMJ Symptoms?

Occasional jaw clicking without pain may not require immediate treatment. However, it’s worth arranging an assessment if your symptoms are persistent, painful, worsening, or interfering with normal jaw movement.

You should also seek professional evaluation if your jaw locks, you have difficulty opening or closing your mouth, chewing becomes painful, or you develop persistent jaw or facial pain.

Sudden or severe symptoms following an injury should be evaluated promptly. Getting an assessment can also help distinguish jaw-related symptoms from other dental or facial problems that can sometimes feel similar.

TMJ and TMD Care for South Calgary Families

Heritage Pointe Dental is located at Unit 400, 412 Pine Creek Road in Heritage Pointe, serving patients throughout South Calgary and surrounding communities, including Walden, Legacy, Cranston, Seton, Auburn Bay, Mahogany, De Winton, and Okotoks.

If jaw pain, clicking, teeth grinding, or difficulty moving your jaw is affecting your everyday life, discussing your symptoms with a dentist can be a useful first step. Heritage Pointe Dental can assess your concerns and help determine whether TMJ/TMD-related care is appropriate for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint itself, while TMD refers to disorders affecting the jaw joints, chewing muscles, or related structures. People commonly use “TMJ” when talking about jaw problems, even though TMD is the more precise term for the disorder.

What are the most common symptoms of TMJ disorders?

Common symptoms can include jaw pain, tenderness, clicking or popping, stiffness, difficulty opening the mouth, pain while chewing, headaches, facial discomfort, and jaw locking. Symptoms vary, and clicking without pain does not necessarily indicate a disorder requiring treatment.

Can teeth grinding cause TMJ problems?

Teeth grinding and clenching can place additional stress on the jaw muscles and joints and may contribute to jaw soreness or other TMD symptoms. If bruxism is suspected, your dentist can assess whether it may be contributing to your symptoms.

Can a night guard help with TMJ pain?

A night guard may be appropriate for some patients when teeth grinding or clenching is contributing to their symptoms. It isn’t a universal treatment for every type of TMD, so your dentist should determine whether a night guard is appropriate for your individual situation.

Is jaw clicking always a sign of TMJ disorder?

No. Jaw clicking or popping can occur without pain or restricted movement and does not automatically mean that treatment is needed. Persistent pain, locking, restricted movement, or other symptoms are reasons to discuss the problem with a dentist.

How is TMJ disorder diagnosed?

Diagnosis generally involves discussing your symptoms and examining your jaw movement, jaw muscles, teeth, and bite. Depending on your symptoms and examination findings, your dentist may recommend additional investigation or imaging.

Can TMJ problems cause headaches?

Jaw muscle tension and some TMD conditions can be associated with headaches or pain around the temples and face. Because headaches can have many different causes, persistent headaches should not automatically be attributed to TMJ problems without an appropriate assessment.

When should I see a dentist for jaw pain?

Consider an assessment if jaw pain persists, becomes more frequent, affects chewing or speaking, or is accompanied by restricted movement or locking. Symptoms that develop after a significant injury should be evaluated promptly.

Is TMJ treatment always surgery?

No. Many jaw problems are initially managed with conservative approaches based on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Surgery is not automatically required simply because someone experiences TMJ symptoms.

How do I find a TMJ dentist in Calgary?

Look for a dental practice that can assess jaw pain, joint symptoms, muscle discomfort, teeth grinding, and related concerns. A proper assessment can help determine what’s contributing to your symptoms and whether TMJ/TMD treatment is appropriate.

Book a TMJ Consultation in Calgary

If jaw pain, clicking, stiffness, teeth grinding, or other symptoms are making everyday activities uncomfortable, talk with our team about your concerns. An assessment can help determine what’s contributing to your symptoms and what options may be appropriate.

Call 403-873-2289 or request an appointment online to get started.