If you suffer from chronic jaw pain, frequent headaches, clicking or popping in your jaw, or difficulty chewing, you may have TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder, also called TMD). At East Wind Dental Care, Dr. Merat Ostovar provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for TMJ disorders, helping patients find relief from pain and restore normal jaw function.
What is TMJ/TMD?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. You have two TMJ joints—one on each side of your face, just in front of your ears. These joints are among the most complex in the human body, allowing your jaw to move up and down, side to side, and forward and back for eating, speaking, and yawning.
TMJ disorder (TMD) refers to a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. TMD can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that significantly impacts quality of life.
Common Causes of TMJ Disorder
Jaw Injury or Trauma: Direct impact to the jaw from accidents, sports injuries, or physical altercations can damage the TMJ.
Teeth Grinding & Clenching (Bruxism): Chronic grinding or clenching—often during sleep—places excessive stress on the jaw joint and muscles.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ, causing inflammation, pain, and limited movement.
Misaligned Bite (Malocclusion): When teeth don’t fit together properly, it can force the jaw into an unnatural position, straining the TMJ.
Stress: Emotional stress often manifests as muscle tension in the jaw, face, and neck, contributing to TMD.
Disc Displacement: The TMJ contains a small disc that acts as a cushion. If this disc slips out of place, it can cause pain and clicking sounds.
Poor Posture: Forward head posture and slouching can strain neck and jaw muscles, contributing to TMD.
Signs & Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMD symptoms vary widely and can affect the jaw, face, head, neck, and even shoulders. Common symptoms include:
Jaw-Related Symptoms
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw joint
- Pain when chewing, talking, or yawning
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Jaw locking (stuck open or closed)
- Difficulty opening the mouth wide
- Jaw stiffness or limited range of motion
- Feeling like your jaw is “out of place”
Head & Face Symptoms
- Frequent headaches (often mistaken for tension or migraine headaches)
- Pain around the ears (often mistaken for ear infections)
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Facial pain or tenderness
- Pain behind the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
Neck & Shoulder Symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Shoulder pain and tension
- Upper back pain
Important: Many TMD symptoms overlap with other conditions. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get a proper evaluation from Dr. Ostovar to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Diagnosing TMJ Disorder
At East Wind Dental Care, Dr. Ostovar uses a thorough, multi-step approach to diagnose TMJ disorder:
1. Medical & Dental History
- Discussion of your symptoms and when they started
- Review of past injuries or dental work
- Assessment of lifestyle factors (stress, sleep habits, posture)
- Review of medications and medical conditions
2. Physical Examination
- Observation of jaw movement and range of motion
- Palpation of jaw muscles and joints for tenderness
- Listening for clicking, popping, or grinding sounds
- Assessment of bite alignment
- Evaluation of tooth wear patterns
- Examination of neck and shoulder muscles
3. Advanced Imaging
- Digital X-rays to assess bone structure
- 3D Cone Beam CT scan (if needed) for detailed visualization of the joint
- Panoramic X-rays to view the entire jaw
Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder
Treatment for TMD is highly individualized based on the severity of your condition and the underlying cause. Dr. Ostovar typically begins with conservative, non-invasive treatments and only recommends more aggressive approaches if necessary.
Custom Nightguards (Occlusal Splints)
A custom-fitted nightguard is one of the most effective treatments for TMD caused by teeth grinding or clenching. These devices are worn while sleeping to cushion and protect the jaw joint, prevent tooth grinding, relieve pressure on the TMJ, and reduce muscle tension.
Benefits: Non-invasive and reversible, can provide significant relief within weeks, custom-fitted for comfort and effectiveness, durable and long-lasting.
Bite Adjustment (Occlusal Equilibration)
If your TMD is caused by a misaligned bite, Dr. Ostovar may recommend subtle reshaping of tooth surfaces to improve the way your teeth fit together. This eliminates high spots and interference, distributes biting forces more evenly, reduces strain on the jaw joint, and improves jaw function.
Physical Therapy & Jaw Exercises
- Gentle jaw stretching and strengthening exercises
- Massage of jaw and facial muscles
- Heat or cold therapy
- Posture correction techniques
- Referral to a physical therapist specializing in TMD
Lifestyle Modifications
- Diet: Eat soft foods, avoid chewy or hard foods, cut food into small pieces
- Avoid excessive jaw movements: Minimize yawning, singing, or chewing gum
- Posture: Maintain good posture, especially at work
- Sleep position: Sleep on your back rather than on your side or stomach
- Avoid bad habits: Don’t chew on pens, pencils, or fingernails
The Role of Custom Nightguards
Custom nightguards are often the first line of defense against TMD, especially when caused by bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching).
Custom vs. Store-Bought Guards
Store-Bought Guards: One-size-fits-all or boil-and-bite design, poor fit and comfort, may not adequately protect the TMJ, often uncomfortable leading to non-compliance.
Custom Guards from East Wind Dental Care: Made from precise impressions of your teeth, perfect fit and comfort, superior protection for teeth and TMJ, durable high-quality materials, designed specifically for your bite and condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ/TMD
Is TMD permanent?
Not usually. Most cases of TMD can be successfully managed with conservative treatment. Even chronic TMD can often be controlled with ongoing management.
Will my insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Coverage varies. Some plans cover TMJ evaluation and treatment, while others don’t. We’ll verify your benefits and help you understand your coverage.
How long does it take for a nightguard to help?
Some patients experience relief within days, while others may need several weeks. Consistent use is key.
Can TMD go away on its own?
Sometimes. Mild TMD caused by temporary stress or jaw strain may resolve on its own. However, chronic or severe TMD usually requires treatment.
Will I need surgery?
Most patients with TMD don’t need surgery. Dr. Ostovar begins with conservative treatments, and the majority of patients find relief without surgery.
Can children have TMD?
Yes, though it’s less common. Children can develop TMD from jaw injuries, teeth grinding, or orthodontic issues.
How do I know if my headaches are from TMD?
TMD-related headaches are often accompanied by jaw pain, clicking sounds, or difficulty opening the mouth. Dr. Ostovar can evaluate whether your headaches are TMD-related.
Is there a cure for TMD?
While there’s no single “cure,” most TMD can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment, allowing you to live pain-free.
Can I still eat normally with TMD?
During flare-ups, stick to soft foods. Once symptoms improve, you can usually return to a normal diet—though you may need to avoid very hard or chewy foods long-term.
How much does TMJ treatment cost?
Cost varies depending on treatment. A custom nightguard typically costs $300-$600. We’ll provide a detailed estimate after your evaluation.
Find Relief from TMJ Pain
Don’t let jaw pain, headaches, or TMJ disorder control your life. Dr. Ostovar has helped countless patients find relief and regain normal jaw function through personalized, effective treatment.
Schedule Your TMJ Evaluation Today
Call: (503) 614-0198
Visit: 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Serving: Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha, and Surrounding Areas
During your evaluation, Dr. Ostovar will thoroughly examine your jaw joint and muscles, diagnose the cause of your symptoms, create a personalized treatment plan, provide relief options, and answer all your questions.
Take the first step toward a pain-free life—call us today!
Written by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery | 15+ Years Experience
Aloha Modern Dentistry | Beaverton, Oregon
Last updated: November 26, 2025