Night Guards
A thin, custom guard you wear while you sleep to protect teeth from grinding and clenching.
About night guardsPreventive care
TMJ and TMD treatment in Herriman
Jaw pain, clicking or headaches can make it hard to eat, talk or sleep. We look for what is behind your symptoms and help you find a plan that eases them.
What is TMD?
TMJ is the joint in front of each ear that lets your jaw open, close and slide. TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, is the name for problems with that joint and the muscles around it. It can cause pain, stiffness and clicking.
- Often linked to clenching, grinding, bite problems, injury or arthritis
- Many people have more than one cause
- Care usually starts with simple, low-risk steps
Signs of a TMJ problem
TMD can show up in places you might not link to your teeth. Common signs include:
- Sore or tired jaw muscles, often in the morning
- Clicking, popping or grating when you open your mouth
- A jaw that catches, locks or will not open all the way
- Headaches, earaches or pain in the face or neck
- Pain when you chew, or a bite that feels off
Things like grinding at night, an uneven bite, an old injury, arthritis or repeat strain from sports can all play a part. If your symptoms are new and mild, they may settle on their own. If they last more than a couple of weeks or get in the way of eating or sleep, it is worth having your jaw checked.
How we check your jaw
- Talk. You tell us when the pain started, what makes it worse and how it affects your day.
- Exam. Your dentist watches your jaw open, close and move side to side. They listen for sounds, feel the muscles of your jaw, face and neck, and look at how your teeth meet.
- Imaging if needed. X-rays or other scans can show the joint and bone in more detail.
- Your plan. Your dentist explains what they found and the options that fit your case.
Care options
Most plans start with the simplest steps. Depending on the cause, your plan may include:
- A custom oral appliance or night guard to ease clenching
- Jaw exercises and physical therapy
- Advice on soft foods, posture and habits
- Bite correction, such as clear aligners or crowns
- Injections, or a referral to a specialist or surgeon for complex cases
Easing jaw pain at home
- Choose softer foods and cut food into small bites.
- Skip gum, ice and hard or chewy snacks.
- Try a warm or cold pack on the sore side for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Keep your teeth slightly apart and your jaw relaxed during the day.
- Watch your posture when you look at a phone or screen.
- Do the gentle jaw stretches your dentist shows you.
Cost and insurance
Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.
FAQ
Questions about tmj/tmd treatment
How long until TMD treatment helps?
Some people feel better in a few weeks. For others it takes a few months of steady care. Your dentist will check in on your progress and adjust your plan.
Is jaw clicking always a problem?
Not always. A click with no pain or locking is common and may not need treatment. Let us know if it starts to hurt or your jaw gets stuck.
What if I ignore TMD?
Some cases ease on their own. Others get worse. Ongoing clenching can wear and crack teeth and keep the muscles sore. Getting checked early gives you more simple options.
Will I need surgery?
Most people do not. Surgery is kept for a small number of cases that do not improve with other care. Your dentist would refer you to a specialist if it is ever needed.
Related care
You may also want to know about
Invisalign Treatment
Clear, removable aligners that straighten teeth without brackets or wires.
About invisalign treatmentDental Crowns
A custom cap that covers a weak or broken tooth so you can bite and chew normally.
About dental crownsQuestions?
Call to book your visit
Our Herriman team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.