61 Hilton Ave, Garden City, NY 11530
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) sit where your lower jaw meets the skull, one on each side of the face. These small but complex joints combine hinge movements with gliding motions to allow chewing, speaking, laughing and yawning. A soft disc, ligaments and a network of muscles surround each joint to absorb forces and coordinate motion. Because the TMJ must perform multiple types of movement in a very small space, even minor changes to the joint’s mechanics can produce noticeable symptoms.
TMJ disorders encompass a range of problems that affect the joint itself, the disc within the joint, or the muscles that control jaw movement. While many people experience occasional jaw stiffness or brief clicking, persistent pain or dysfunction can interfere with daily activities and sleep. Early recognition of symptoms and a careful clinical evaluation help distinguish temporary irritation from a disorder that may benefit from targeted treatment.
At Callahan Family Dentistry, our approach is to evaluate TMJ concerns with attention to both function and comfort. We emphasize conservative, evidence-informed care that preserves natural structures whenever possible and coordinates with other health professionals when broader medical issues are involved.
TMJ disorders rarely have a single clear cause. Many cases result from an interplay of factors: repetitive strain from habitual teeth grinding (bruxism), a history of facial or jaw injury, inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, or changes in dental bite that alter how forces are distributed across the joint. Psychological stress can contribute indirectly by increasing muscle tension around the jaw and neck.
Some people are more susceptible due to anatomy or prior joint changes. For example, a small displacement of the joint’s disc or wear from degenerative joint disease can make the joint more sensitive to everyday stresses. Hormonal, genetic and systemic health factors may also influence why one person develops symptoms while another with similar habits does not.
Understanding a patient’s personal risk profile — including sleep habits, daytime clenching, exercise, posture and medical history — is an important step toward creating a treatment plan that addresses the root contributors rather than only masking symptoms.
TMJ disorders can present in many ways. Local signs include jaw pain or tenderness, stiffness when opening the mouth, limited range of motion, or the sensation that the jaw is “stuck” in an open or closed position. Audible noises — such as clicking, popping or grinding — may occur when the jaw moves; these sounds can be harmless but sometimes indicate disc displacement or altered joint mechanics.
Because the jaw and the ear share nerve pathways and nearby anatomy, TMJ problems may also cause ear-related sensations like fullness, ringing (tinnitus), or vague ear discomfort without an ear infection. Headaches that originate near the temples, and neck or shoulder pain related to compensatory muscle tension, are common. Symptoms often fluctuate, becoming worse with chewing, stress or poor sleep.
Importantly, the pattern of symptoms helps guide care. Intermittent, mild discomfort often responds well to conservative measures, while persistent pain, progressive loss of jaw motion, or neurological signs warrant a more in-depth evaluation and possible referral to a specialist.
Evaluation begins with a focused clinical exam: observing jaw movement, measuring range of motion, listening for joint noises, and palpating muscles for trigger points or spasm. A detailed history — including onset, triggers, and any prior injuries or dental work — helps differentiate muscular pain from structural joint problems. Because TMJ complaints can overlap with dental, ENT, or neurologic conditions, the evaluation may include screening for those possibilities.
When needed, the dentist may recommend imaging to gain a clearer view of joint anatomy. Panoramic radiographs, cone-beam CT, or MRI each provide different information: plain X-rays show bone structure, CT highlights bony changes, and MRI can reveal disc position and soft-tissue condition. These tools are used selectively, guided by clinical findings and the likelihood that imaging will change management.
Coordination with other providers — such as physical therapists, pain specialists, or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon — may be appropriate when symptoms are complex or unresponsive to initial care. The goal of assessment is not only to make a diagnosis but to identify practical steps that reduce pain and restore function.
Most TMJ disorders respond well to a stepwise approach that begins with conservative measures. Self-care strategies are simple but effective: adopt a soft-food diet while symptoms are active, avoid wide yawning and hard or chewy foods, practice relaxation and stress-reduction techniques, and apply local heat or cold as needed. Gentle jaw stretches and posture correction can reduce muscle tension when performed as directed.
When additional help is needed, noninvasive dental therapies often provide relief. Custom oral appliances — such as stabilization splints or night guards — can reduce clenching and redistribute occlusal forces, protecting teeth and calming the joint environment. Physical therapy focused on the jaw, neck and upper back can break cycles of muscle spasm and improve coordinated movement. Short courses of anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants, prescribed as appropriate, may ease acute pain and allow rehabilitative exercises to be more effective.
For persistent or structural problems, targeted interventions may include corticosteroid injections into the joint, arthrocentesis (a minimally invasive flushing procedure), or, in rare cases where conservative care fails and function is significantly impaired, surgical consultation. Decisions about advanced treatments are made carefully, weighing potential benefits and risks, and often involve multidisciplinary input to ensure the most appropriate path forward.
If you suspect a TMJ disorder, start with simple, low-risk actions that reduce strain on the jaw: limit chewing to softer foods, avoid gum and hard candies, and be mindful of daytime clenching. Incorporate short relaxation exercises, practice gentle jaw range-of-motion movements if tolerated, and maintain good neck and head posture, particularly during screen time. These steps can lower pain and prevent symptom escalation while you pursue an evaluation.
Keep a brief symptom diary noting when pain or clicking occurs, what activities aggravate symptoms, and any associated events such as dental work or trauma. This record can be a valuable tool during the clinical visit and helps focus the examination and any imaging choices. If symptoms include progressive locking, significant loss of motion, or persistent severe pain, seek prompt assessment rather than waiting for spontaneous improvement.
When you come in for a consultation, expect a calm, methodical evaluation and clear explanations of options. Our goal is to restore comfortable, predictable jaw function with the least invasive, most evidence-based strategies available, coordinating care with other specialists as needed to support long-term well-being.
Summary and Next Steps
TMJ disorders range from temporary muscle irritation to more complex joint conditions that affect chewing, speech and quality of life. A careful history and clinical exam — supported by imaging when appropriate — guide a treatment plan that typically emphasizes conservative care first and progresses to more targeted therapies only when necessary. With timely evaluation and a tailored approach, most patients can achieve meaningful relief and improved function.
If you would like to learn more about TMJ disorders or schedule an evaluation, please contact us for additional information. Our team is ready to help you understand your options and develop a personalized plan to address your symptoms.
Our goal is to help every patient experience the benefits of good oral health and a beautiful smile. We value the trust you have placed in our office and strive to provide solutions that meet your dental needs and expectations of care.
