TMJ Treatment in Greenville & Landrum, SC

One of the main indications that a patient may be suffering from TMD is persistent pain in their face, ear, jaw, or mouth. Other signs include:

• Waking up with a sore or stiff jaw
• Jaw clicking and popping
• Frequent headaches
• Difficulty chewing or opening mouth

Some patients only experience TMJ-related issues when they are undergoing a stressful time in their lives, in which case their TMJ problems will ease after a while. However, there are many patients who experience TMJ symptoms often enough that it is worth seeking treatment. If a patient does not seek treatment for frequent jaw clenching, they may end up causing irreversible damage to their teeth. In serious cases, TMJ can cause painful jaw problems like lockjaw and jaw dislocation. If you experience TMJ symptoms on a semi-regular basis, we recommend seeking treatment.

If you know your TMJ is stress-related, we recommend practicing relaxation techniques and trying to manage your stress levels. There are also physical therapy exercises you can use to stretch your facial muscles. We can help you with these methods, and our team can also create a custom oral appliance that will help prevent pressure from being placed on your Temporomandibular Joint. These comfortable mouth guards prevent the jaw from clenching, which works to drastically reduce many TMJ symptoms. Schedule a consultation with our team today.

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint itself, while TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder, the condition that affects the joint and surrounding muscles. Many people use the terms interchangeably.

Common signs include jaw pain, clicking or popping, headaches, facial soreness, difficulty chewing, jaw locking, and teeth grinding. A dental examination is the best way to determine whether TMJ dysfunction is causing your symptoms.

Yes. Chronic grinding or clenching places excessive pressure on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, making it one of the most common causes of TMJ discomfort.

A custom oral appliance won't necessarily cure TMJ, but it can significantly reduce symptoms by minimizing clenching, protecting your teeth, and relieving stress on the jaw joints. Many patients experience lasting relief with consistent use.

No. Most TMJ treatments are conservative and non-invasive. Wearing a custom oral appliance is comfortable after a short adjustment period.

Yes. Many tension headaches and morning headaches are caused by nighttime clenching or grinding, which strains the jaw muscles.

Yes. Because the jaw joint sits close to the ear, inflammation or muscle tension can create ear pain, pressure, or ringing even when no ear infection is present.

Every case is different. Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks of wearing their appliance, while others require several months depending on the severity of their condition.

Store-bought guards may provide limited protection but are not designed specifically for TMJ therapy. A professionally made custom appliance provides a more precise fit and better long-term results.

Yes. Stress often leads to unconscious jaw clenching or teeth grinding, which can increase muscle tension and worsen TMJ symptoms.