Jaw pain, headaches, or clicking when you chew can point to a TMJ disorder (often called TMD). At Strasburg Dental Group, we take a conservative, personalized approach to diagnosing and treating TMJ concerns so you can get back to comfortable chewing, speaking, and smiling.
Signs You May Have a TMJ Disorder
Common symptoms include jaw soreness, stiffness, or locking; pain that radiates to the temples, neck, or ears; clicking or popping with opening and closing; and tooth wear from clenching or grinding (bruxism). Some patients also experience morning headaches, limited mouth opening, or sensitivity when chewing tougher foods.
Our Diagnostic Approach
Your visit starts with a thorough conversation about your symptoms, habits, and medical history. We perform a comprehensive exam of the jaw joints and muscles, evaluate your bite, and look for tooth wear patterns. Imaging may be recommended if it will meaningfully guide treatment. From there, we discuss findings in clear, practical terms and outline a step-by-step plan.
Conservative Care Comes First
Most patients improve with reversible therapies: custom night guards or splints to reduce clenching forces, bite adjustments in specific cases, targeted stretching and self-massage techniques, and habit guidance to reduce daytime jaw tension. We may collaborate with physical therapy or recommend short-term anti-inflammatory strategies as appropriate. Surgery is rarely needed and reserved for select situations.
Relief You Can Feel
Our goal is to reduce pain, protect your teeth from wear, and improve jaw function with the least invasive approach possible. We’ll check in regularly, fine-tune your appliance if needed, and provide coaching for posture, sleep position, and stress reduction techniques that can make a big difference.
Common Inquiries
What causes TMJ problems?
Multiple factors can contribute: stress, clenching or grinding, bite imbalance, arthritis, joint injury, or muscle overuse.
Do I need imaging?
Sometimes. Your exam guides whether imaging will change or improve your treatment plan.
Are treatments reversible?
Yes. We begin with conservative, reversible options and progress only if necessary.
Can TMJ issues damage teeth?
Yes—clenching and grinding can wear, crack, or loosen teeth over time without protection.
Find relief from jaw pain. Call 717-687-6061 to see the TMJ team at Strasburg Dental Group in Strasburg, Pennsylvania.