At Park Hill Dental, we often see patients walk through our doors with pain they can’t quite explain. Sometimes, it’s a dull ache near the jaw. Other times, it’s clicking or popping when they chew, headaches they didn’t used to get, or even a feeling that their bite is just… off.
Understandably, many people immediately wonder if it could be a TMJ issue. While that’s often a good instinct, it’s not always the whole story.
How do you know if it’s truly a TMJ issue or something else entirely? That’s exactly what our TMJ Specialist in San Antonio is here to help you figure out (with compassion, experience, and a personalized approach you can trust).
First, What Is TMJ?
The term “TMJ” refers to the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to your skull. It’s one of the most complex joints in the body, enabling you to speak, chew, yawn, and even express emotions. When this joint becomes strained or inflamed, it can lead to a condition known as TMD (temporomandibular disorder), although many people simply refer to it as “TMJ.”
Common symptoms of TMD may include:
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or opening wide
- Facial pain
- Earaches or ringing in the ears
- Headaches or neck aches
If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s worth investigating with our North San Antonio TMJ specialist. However, it’s also important not to jump to conclusions. There may be other possible causes.
TMJ or Something Else?
At Park Hill Dental, we see a wide variety of dental and jaw-related concerns. What looks like TMJ on the surface might be related to something else, such as:
- Tooth Grinding (Bruxism): Many patients unknowingly grind or clench their teeth, especially at night. This habit places excessive pressure on the jaw joint and muscles, mimicking symptoms of TMJ. In fact, bruxism is one of the leading contributors to jaw discomfort, worn-down teeth, and facial pain.
- Sinus Issues: Believe it or not, a sinus infection or seasonal allergy flare-up can cause upper jaw and facial pain, sometimes even radiating near the TMJ area. In these cases, the source isn’t the jaw at all, but congestion and inflammation in the sinuses.
- Tooth or Gum Infection: Sometimes, what feels like jaw pain may be coming from a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or abscessed gum tissue. This type of pain can radiate, making it challenging to pinpoint without a professional exam.
- Arthritis: Certain types of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and lead to symptoms similar to those of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). If joint inflammation is systemic, your jaw joint may also be involved.
A Personalized, Whole-Health Approach
At Park Hill Dental, we take the time to understand your whole story. Dr. Joshua Mijares understands how pain and stress can erode your quality of life. Our care is rooted in that understanding. We don’t rush to label a problem or recommend treatment until we’ve truly listened.
Through a comprehensive exam, we’ll evaluate your bite, jaw function, dental health, and medical history. If it is TMJ-related, we’ll walk you through conservative and effective treatment options, which may include a custom night guard, bite adjustments, physical therapy referrals, or stress management techniques.
If it turns out to be something else? We’ll help you find the answers you need. Whether that’s treating an infected tooth, recommending an ENT, or collaborating with your primary care doctor.
Let’s Figure It Out, Together
Jaw pain is never something you should just live with. If you’re dealing with ongoing discomfort in your jaw, face, or head, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Park Hill Dental in Shavano Park. We’re here to help you get to the root of the issue, without assumptions, and with your whole well-being in mind. Contact us today to help you find the answers you need.
