If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain, headaches, or a strange clicking sound when you chew or yawn, there’s a good chance your temporomandibular joint—better known as the TMJ—could be the source. This small joint, located just in front of your ears, plays a big role in how your jaw moves and functions. When it’s out of balance, it can lead to a variety of frustrating symptoms that don’t always seem connected at first.
At Cary Family Dental, we see patients every week who have been living with jaw discomfort or tension without realizing there are real solutions. Let’s break down what TMJ dysfunction is, what can cause it, and how we approach treatment here in our office.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
Your TMJ is what allows your jaw to open, close, chew, and speak. When the joint or the surrounding muscles become inflamed, misaligned, or overworked, it can lead to a condition called TMJ dysfunction—or TMD. This can develop gradually or suddenly, depending on the cause, and it often impacts more than just the jaw.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
TMJ dysfunction can show up in a number of ways. You might experience one or several of the following:
Jaw pain or tightness: A frequent ache or sense of tension in the jaw muscles.
Clicking or popping sounds: Audible noises when opening your mouth, chewing, or yawning.
Cracked Teeth or Enamel Wear: Frequent grinding and clenching puts added stress on the teeth.
Headaches: Especially those that occur around the temples or radiate from the jaw.
Ear-related symptoms: Ringing, fullness, or discomfort not caused by ear infections.
Neck and shoulder tension: Muscle tightness that connects with jaw activity.
Limited jaw movement: Difficulty opening wide or chewing comfortably.
Because these symptoms can overlap with other issues—like migraines, sinus problems, or ear infections—TMD is often overlooked or misdiagnosed at first.
What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?
There isn’t a single cause of TMJ dysfunction. In fact, it’s usually the result of several contributing factors working together. Some of the most common include:
Chronic teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism): Often linked to stress, this habit puts constant pressure on the TMJ.
Bite misalignment: Uneven teeth can strain the jaw muscles and joints.
Stress and tension: Emotional stress frequently causes jaw clenching without us realizing it.
Joint injury or trauma: A past accident or injury to the face or jaw can lead to lasting dysfunction.
Arthritis: Inflammation or degeneration of the TMJ joint can contribute to chronic pain.
For some people, it’s a lifelong tendency to clench the jaw under stress. For others, it might be a recent injury or a bite that’s changed over time. Whatever the root cause, our goal is to identify it and reduce the strain on the joint.
How We Treat TMJ Dysfunction at Cary Family Dental
The good news is that TMJ symptoms are treatable—and in many cases, non-surgically. Our approach always starts with a thorough evaluation, including your bite, jaw movement, and muscle function. From there, we tailor treatment to your specific needs.
In most cases, we start with a custom oral appliance. This is a small, comfortable device—similar to a night guard—that you wear while sleeping. It helps realign the jaw, relieve pressure on the joint, and prevent grinding or clenching. Many patients find that their symptoms improve significantly within just a few weeks.
For patients with more persistent discomfort, we may also recommend therapeutic Botox® injections. These are not cosmetic—they’re used to relax the overactive muscles in the jaw that are contributing to tension and pain. It’s a safe and effective option for people who haven’t found relief through other methods.
In some cases, we may also recommend at-home jaw exercises, stress-reduction techniques, or coordination with physical therapy or other healthcare providers, depending on the nature of the issue.
TMJ Treatment at Cary Family Dental in Cary, IL
Living with TMJ dysfunction can be exhausting—especially when it affects your ability to eat comfortably, sleep well, or go through your day without pain. The important thing to know is that you don’t have to just put up with it. With the right diagnosis and a thoughtful treatment plan, it’s very possible to manage or even eliminate those symptoms.
If you’ve been noticing any of the signs we’ve mentioned—or you’re simply ready to stop guessing at what’s causing your discomfort—we’d be happy to help. Dr. Niraj Patel and the team at Cary Family Dental are experienced in diagnosing and treating TMJ issues with care, clarity, and a focus on long-term comfort.
Call us to schedule a consultation. We’ll take the time to understand what’s going on and walk you through your options—no pressure, just real support.