Jaw Pain Relief
TMJ Treatments in North Conway, NH
Reduce jaw tension, headaches, and painful clicking with a plan built around your bite.
Jaw soreness, morning headaches, and clenching can make eating and sleeping miserable. TMJ treatment focuses on calming strained jaw joints and muscles while protecting your teeth from wear. At White Mountain Dental in North Conway, NH, we start with a careful evaluation and recommend conservative options first.
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TMJ Treatments at White Mountain Dental
TMJ treatments help relieve discomfort related to the jaw joints and the muscles that control chewing. At White Mountain Dental in North Conway, NH, we look for the root cause—such as clenching, grinding, bite imbalance, or stress-related muscle overuse—then create a plan to reduce pain and protect your teeth.
Common Signs of TMJ Problems
TMJ issues can show up in surprising ways. Some patients notice clicking or popping, while others feel facial fatigue, tightness, or headaches. If symptoms come and go, it’s still worth evaluating—early care can prevent worsening strain and tooth damage.
- Jaw pain or stiffness Reduces muscle tension and joint irritation that can make chewing uncomfortable.
- Clicking, popping, or locking Evaluates joint function and helps improve comfort and range of motion.
- Headaches and facial tension Addresses clenching-related strain that can radiate to temples, cheeks, and neck.
- Tooth wear or sensitivity Protects enamel from grinding and reduces stress on teeth and restorations.
How TMJ Treatment Works
We begin with an exam of your bite, jaw movement, and muscle tenderness, and we may recommend imaging depending on symptoms. Treatment often includes reducing overload on the joints and muscles, improving bite stability, and protecting teeth from grinding. Many patients feel relief with conservative care and consistent follow-through.
- Bite and jaw-joint evaluation to identify triggers
- Nightguard or occlusal appliance options to reduce clenching and grinding
- Guidance on gentle stretches, posture, and habit changes
- Monitoring tooth wear and bite stability over time
What to Do Next
If jaw pain is affecting your sleep, eating, or daily comfort, you don’t have to push through it. The right plan can reduce flare-ups, protect your teeth, and help you feel more relaxed. Contact White Mountain Dental in North Conway, NH to schedule an evaluation and get clear answers about your TMJ symptoms.
TMJ Treatments FAQ
- What is TMJ, and why does it hurt?
- TMJ refers to the jaw joints and related muscles. Pain can come from clenching, grinding, muscle overuse, inflammation, or bite strain that overloads the joints.
- How do I know if I’m grinding or clenching my teeth?
- Common clues include morning jaw soreness, headaches, tooth sensitivity, flattened edges, or a partner hearing grinding at night. An exam can confirm wear patterns.
- Is jaw clicking always a problem?
- Not always. Clicking without pain may not require treatment, but clicking with pain, locking, or limited opening should be evaluated to prevent worsening symptoms.
- Can TMJ problems cause headaches?
- Yes. Overworked jaw muscles can refer pain to the temples and face, and clenching can contribute to tension headaches—especially in the morning.
- What is a nightguard, and how does it help?
- A nightguard (occlusal appliance) is worn during sleep to reduce tooth wear and help lessen muscle strain from grinding or clenching. It can also support a more stable bite position.
- Will a nightguard stop me from clenching?
- It may reduce intensity for some people, but its main benefit is protecting teeth and helping muscles and joints calm down by reducing harmful contact and overload.
- How long does it take to feel relief?
- Some patients notice improvement within weeks, while others need more time depending on severity and triggers. Consistent use of the recommended plan matters.
- What can I do at home for TMJ discomfort?
- Use a cold or warm compress as directed, avoid hard or chewy foods during flare-ups, keep teeth slightly apart when resting, and follow any gentle stretching guidance provided.
- When should I seek urgent care for jaw symptoms?
- If your jaw locks closed, swelling increases quickly, you have severe pain, or you can’t open normally, you should be evaluated promptly.
- How do I get started?
- Schedule a TMJ evaluation so we can assess your bite, jaw movement, and muscle tension. At White Mountain Dental in North Conway, NH, we’ll explain findings clearly and recommend conservative next steps.
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Mon–Thu: 8:00am–5:00pm
Fri–Sun: Closed
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