TMJ Treatment in Bellingham, WA

Jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing can sometimes be caused by TMJ disorder.

At Northside Dental Care in Bellingham, Washington, our dentists help patients diagnose and manage problems related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

This joint connects your jaw to your skull and allows you to talk, chew, and open your mouth.

When this joint or the surrounding muscles are not working properly, it can lead to pain and discomfort.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder refers to problems with the jaw joint and the muscles that control it.

These problems can affect how your jaw moves and may cause pain in your jaw, face, or head.

TMJ issues can develop from several factors, including:

• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Bite misalignment
• Jaw injury
• Stress on the jaw muscles

Our dentists can help identify the cause and recommend treatment.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

You may have TMJ disorder if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
• Jaw locking or difficulty opening the mouth
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Pain when chewing
• Sensitive or worn teeth
• Limited jaw movement
• Ear pain or ringing in the ears
• Headaches or migraines
• Dizziness or nausea

If you notice these symptoms, a dental evaluation can help determine the cause.

TMJ Treatment Options

TMJ treatment is different for every patient. The right solution depends on the cause of the problem.

Our dentists may recommend treatments such as:

– Bite Splints or Night Guards –

A custom splint may be worn to:

• Reduce teeth grinding
• Improve bite alignment
• Relieve pressure on the jaw joint

– Bite Adjustment –

In some cases, small adjustments to the bite can help improve how the teeth come together and reduce stress on the jaw.

– Restorative Dental Treatment –

If the bite has changed due to worn or damaged teeth, restorative treatments such as crowns may be used to restore proper bite alignment.

TMJ Evaluation

To determine the best treatment, our dentists will perform a comprehensive dental exam.

During this visit we may:

• Review your medical and dental history
• Examine your jaw movement and bite
• Take dental X-rays or 3D imaging

This helps us better understand the condition of your teeth, jaw, and joints.

Schedule Your TMJ Consultation

If you are experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or other TMJ symptoms, our team is here to help.

Call Northside Dental Care in Bellingham, WA at 360-676-1138 to schedule your consultation, or request an appointment online.

Our dentists will evaluate your symptoms and help you find the best treatment for long-term relief.