Jaw Pain and Clicking? Understanding TMJ | Mint Hill Smiles

If your jaw clicks, pops, or aches, you may be dealing with a TMJ issue, a problem with the joints and muscles that control your jaw. It is common, and there are real ways to help.

What it can feel like: Clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth, jaw pain or tenderness, difficulty or discomfort chewing, a jaw that catches or locks, and related headaches or ear discomfort. TMJ issues are often connected to grinding and clenching, stress, bite problems, or jaw injury.

How we help: We evaluate your jaw, bite, airway and muscle patterns when swallowing and at rest to understand what is driving the problem. For many patients, a custom nightguard or bite appliance relieves the strain on the joint, especially when grinding is involved. Other people benefit from a sleep study, orthodontic treatment, or referral to a myofunctional therapist to retrain dysfunctional muscle patterns. We also look at how your teeth come together, since bite issues can contribute. The right approach depends on the cause.

Call (704) 323-7577 to have your jaw evaluated.

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much does a single dental implant cost in Mint Hill, NC?

Clicking often comes from the disc within the jaw joint moving out of its normal position. It can be harmless or part of a larger TMJ issue, especially if accompanied by pain, locking, or difficulty chewing. An evaluation determines whether it needs treatment.

Can a nightguard help TMJ pain?

For many patients, yes, especially when grinding and clenching contribute to the problem. A custom nightguard reduces the strain on the jaw joint and muscles. We evaluate your specific situation to recommend the right approach.

Will TMJ go away on its own?

Mild TMJ discomfort sometimes settles, but persistent jaw pain, clicking with pain, or locking should be evaluated. Addressing contributing factors like grinding often brings significant relief.

Ready to Figure Out What Is Going On?

If you have been living with jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or unexplained ear pain and have not gotten a clear answer about what is causing it, we would like to take a look.

Call (704) 323-7577 or visit minthillsmiles.dentist to schedule. We are at 11300 Cresthill Drive, Suite 105, Mint Hill, NC 28227. We serve patients from Mint Hill, Matthews, Indian Trail, Stallings, Weddington, Midland, Albemarle, and southeast Charlotte, NC.

Your jaw pain has an explanation. We would like to help you find it.