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TMJ & TMD Treatment in Concord, NC
Your jaw shouldn’t dominate your day.
Pain around the jaw joint, clicking, stiffness and recurring facial discomfort can interfere with eating, speaking, sleeping and everyday life.
These symptoms may be associated with dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint and the muscles controlling your jaw.
Dr. Clifford Compton provides assessment and dental treatment for appropriate TMJ/TMD concerns in Concord.
Understanding the condition
TMJ or TMD — what’s the difference?
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint — the joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull.
TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder and refers to problems affecting the jaw joint, the muscles that control jaw movement and related structures.
Because “TMJ” is commonly used by patients to describe both the joint and problems affecting it, you will often hear both terms used.
The important point is not the terminology. It is understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Common symptoms
What can TMJ/TMD feel like?
Symptoms can vary from person to person. They may include:
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Clicking, popping or grating
- Difficulty opening the mouth comfortably
- Jaw stiffness
- A sensation that the jaw is catching or becoming stuck
- Facial discomfort
- Headaches
- Ear-related discomfort
- Neck or shoulder discomfort
- Symptoms associated with clenching or grinding
Please note
These symptoms can have multiple causes and should not automatically be assumed to be TMD. Proper assessment matters.
Why it happens
What can contribute to TMJ problems?
Jaw pain can be complex and there is not always one single cause. Possible contributing factors may include:
- Jaw muscle overuse
- Clenching
- Teeth grinding
- Trauma
- Joint problems
- Bite-related factors
- Arthritis
- Other musculoskeletal causes
That is why the first step is not choosing a treatment. It is understanding the problem.
Assessment first
How is a TMJ/TMD problem assessed?
An assessment begins by understanding your symptoms and how they affect everyday life.
Dr. Compton may consider factors such as:
- where discomfort occurs
- when symptoms are most noticeable
- jaw movement
- clicking or other joint sounds
- clenching or grinding habits
- bite-related factors
- previous dental treatment
- history of trauma where relevant
The aim is to build a clearer picture before discussing whether dental treatment may be appropriate.
Treatment options
How may TMJ/TMD be treated?
Treatment depends on what appears to be contributing to your symptoms. There is no single TMJ treatment that is appropriate for everyone.
Depending on the individual situation, management may involve:
- monitoring symptoms
- changes to jaw habits
- appropriate jaw exercises
- management of clenching or grinding
- acrylic splints or night guards
- bite-related treatment where clinically appropriate
- referral for additional assessment where required
Your treatment recommendation should be based on your individual findings — not simply on the fact that your jaw hurts.
Oral appliances
Can a night guard help with TMJ symptoms?
For some patients, an appropriately designed oral appliance worn at night may help manage symptoms associated with clenching, grinding or overworked jaw muscles.
These appliances are sometimes referred to as:
- night guards
- splints
- occlusal appliances
Dr. Compton can assess whether this type of treatment is appropriate for your situation.
A personal connection
Treatment we'd be willing to use ourselves
One of the most distinctive principles of the practice is WIDIOM: “Would I Do It On Me?”
That philosophy is especially relevant when considering appliances and longer-term treatment.
The practice’s existing TMJ information notes that members of the team themselves use nighttime appliances for TMJ-related symptoms.
In this case, the answer is not theoretical. The team understands what living with and wearing a nighttime appliance can actually feel like.
Would I Do It On Me?
Everyday jaw habits
Small habits can place a lot of load on the jaw
Some people tense their jaw or clench their teeth without realising it, particularly during periods of concentration or stress.
Useful awareness may include noticing whether you:
- keep your teeth together when not eating
- clench during the day
- grind at night
- chew gum excessively
- hold tension in your jaw muscles
- wake with jaw fatigue
Awareness alone does not diagnose TMD, but it can provide useful information during an assessment.
When to seek advice
When should I talk to a dentist about jaw pain?
Consider arranging an assessment if jaw symptoms are:
- persistent
- recurring
- painful
- affecting eating
- limiting jaw movement
- associated with frequent clicking and discomfort
- interfering with sleep or daily activities
If symptoms are sudden, severe or associated with trauma, seek appropriate medical or dental assessment promptly.
You do not need to wait until jaw discomfort becomes a constant problem before asking about it.
Related care
Other concerns that may overlap
Jaw symptoms can sometimes sit alongside other dental or sleep-related concerns.
Common questions
TMJ & TMD FAQs
01Is jaw clicking always a problem?
Not necessarily. Some people experience clicking without significant dysfunction, while persistent pain, locking or limited movement deserves assessment.
02Can teeth grinding cause jaw pain?
Clenching or grinding can place significant load on the jaw muscles and may contribute to symptoms in some patients.
03Can TMJ problems cause headaches?
Headaches are among the symptoms associated with TMD, although headaches have many potential causes and should not automatically be attributed to the jaw.
04Do I need a night guard?
Not everyone with jaw discomfort needs an appliance. Dr. Compton can assess whether a night guard or splint may be appropriate for your situation.
05Can TMJ problems go away on their own?
Some symptoms may fluctuate or improve, while others can persist or recur. If symptoms are ongoing or affecting everyday activities, arrange an assessment.
06What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint itself. TMD refers to disorders affecting that joint, the jaw muscles and related structures.
07Can stress contribute to jaw pain?
Stress may contribute to habits such as clenching or muscle tension in some people, although jaw pain can have many different causes.
08What happens at a TMJ consultation?
Dr. Compton will discuss your symptoms, assess jaw function and consider factors such as clenching, grinding, joint movement and bite-related concerns before discussing appropriate next steps.
Ready to talk?
Find out what may be behind your jaw discomfort.
If jaw pain, clicking, stiffness or clenching is affecting your day, the first step is understanding what may be contributing to it.
Dr. Compton can assess your symptoms and discuss whether dental treatment may be appropriate.