Dentistry goes beyond your teeth. Jaw and bite problems can quietly affect your daily life in ways you might not immediately connect to your mouth — and if you're dealing with a TMJ disorder, you deserve a clear path forward. What is TMJ? TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint — the point where your lower jaw meets your skull at the temple. When this joint isn't functioning the way it should, the condition is often called TMD. The causes vary: trauma, bite misalignment, arthritis, or chronic muscle tension can all play a role. Some people develop it from clenching and grinding at night; others with the same habits never experience any dysfunction at all. Because five muscles and a layer of cartilage are involved, the symptoms can show up in places that don't obviously point to your jaw. Common signs include: - Headaches - Earaches - Difficulty or soreness when opening and closing your mouth - Clicking or popping in the jaw - Pain in the jaw muscles - Tenderness that extends into the face What should you do? If you're noticing occasional popping without pain, that may be an early sign worth monitoring — and we're happy to talk through what you're experiencing. If pain is part of the picture, a thorough evaluation of the joint, surrounding musculature, and your bite is the right next step. There's no single solution that fits every case. Drs. Johnson and Schiller will work with you to build a treatment approach shaped around your specific situation and goals. Left untreated, severe TMJ dysfunction can eventually require surgical intervention. The earlier we address it, the more options we have. If something feels off, let's talk.
"A great and friendly staff.Who are very informative.Took care of a tooth that had broken off asap."
