Chronic jaw pain, persistent headaches, and difficulty chewing can dramatically diminish your quality of life, yet many people suffer for years without realizing these symptoms indicate a treatable condition. If you experience clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth, wake up with facial soreness, or notice that your jaw sometimes locks in place, you may be dealing with a temporomandibular joint disorder that requires professional evaluation and treatment.
At Drs. Chin and Pharar Dentistry, we specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders for patients throughout the Summerlin area. Dr. Robert Chin and Dr. Jessica Pharar understand the complex nature of these conditions and take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to relieving your symptoms and restoring comfortable jaw function. Our practice focuses on consequence-based care, helping you understand what could happen if these warning signs go unaddressed.
Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Your temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw to your skull and facilitate essential functions like speaking, chewing, and swallowing. When these joints become inflamed, misaligned, or damaged, the resulting condition is known as a TMJ disorder or TMD. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, TMJ disorders affect between 5 and 12 percent of the population, with women being at least twice as likely as men to develop these conditions.
Recent meta-analysis research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine indicates that approximately 34 percent of the global population experiences some form of temporomandibular disorder. These conditions represent a significant public health concern, with projections suggesting that by 2050, the global prevalence may approach 44 percent. The impact extends beyond physical discomfort, affecting work productivity, sleep quality, and overall well-being.
Common Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
TMJ disorders manifest through various symptoms that patients often dismiss or attribute to other causes. The most common indicators include persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw, particularly near the joint area in front of your ears. Many patients experience headaches that mimic tension or migraine headaches, making accurate diagnosis challenging without proper evaluation. Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth represent another hallmark sign, though not all joint sounds indicate a disorder requiring treatment.
Difficulty chewing or experiencing pain while eating suggests that your temporomandibular joint isn’t functioning properly. Some individuals notice that their jaw occasionally locks in an open or closed position, requiring manipulation to return to normal function. Facial pain, ear pain, and even neck and shoulder discomfort can stem from TMJ dysfunction, as the interconnected nature of muscles and nerves in this region means that problems in one area often radiate to others.
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Comprehensive Diagnostic Approach
Accurate diagnosis forms the foundation of effective TMJ treatment. During your evaluation at our Summerlin practice, we conduct a thorough examination of your jaw joints, muscles, and bite alignment. We listen carefully to your symptom description and medical history, as conditions like arthritis, previous jaw injuries, or chronic teeth grinding often contribute to TMJ disorders. Our assessment may include evaluating your jaw’s range of motion, checking for areas of tenderness or swelling, and analyzing how your teeth come together when you bite.
Advanced diagnostic imaging helps us visualize the structures involved in your jaw function. These images reveal bone abnormalities, joint damage, or disc displacement that may be contributing to your symptoms. Understanding the specific nature and severity of your condition allows us to develop targeted treatment strategies that address the root causes rather than merely masking symptoms.
Conservative Treatment Options
Most TMJ disorders respond well to conservative, non-surgical treatments. We typically begin with the least invasive approaches and progress to more intensive interventions only if necessary. Custom-made oral appliances, often called night guards or splints, help reduce pressure on your temporomandibular joints and prevent teeth grinding that exacerbates symptoms. These devices are worn during sleep or at specific times throughout the day, depending on your needs.
Physical therapy techniques, including jaw exercises and stretching, can improve joint mobility and strengthen the muscles supporting your jaw. We provide guidance on lifestyle modifications that reduce stress on your temporomandibular joints, such as avoiding hard or chewy foods, practicing good posture, and managing stress through relaxation techniques. For some patients, medications to reduce inflammation or muscle relaxants provide additional relief while other treatments take effect.
When Symptoms Require Immediate Attention
Certain symptoms require prompt evaluation to prevent serious complications. Severe, persistent jaw pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers may indicate significant joint damage or infection. If your jaw locks in an open or closed position and you cannot manipulate it back to normal, this constitutes a dental emergency requiring immediate professional intervention. Swelling in the jaw area, especially when accompanied by fever or difficulty swallowing, could signal an infection requiring urgent treatment.
Progressive difficulty opening your mouth fully can lead to nutritional deficiencies if you’re unable to eat properly, while chronic headaches and facial pain significantly impact your daily life and productivity. Don’t put off seeking care when these warning signs appear, as delayed treatment often results in more complex problems requiring more intensive interventions.
Why Choose Drs. Chin and Pharar Dentistry for TMJ Treatment
Our practice brings specialized expertise in managing complex dental conditions, including temporomandibular disorders. We understand that TMJ problems often coexist with other health concerns, and our experience treating medically complex patients ensures you receive comprehensive care tailored to your unique situation. Dr. Jessica Pharar’s background in research and community outreach, combined with Dr. Robert Chin’s clinical expertise, creates a team uniquely qualified to address even the most challenging cases.
We also specialize in caring for patients with high anxiety about dental treatment. If fear or anxiety has prevented you from seeking help for your jaw pain, we offer sedation dentistry options to make your treatment comfortable and stress-free. Our commitment extends beyond symptom relief to helping you understand your condition and maintain long-term jaw health.
Begin Your Journey to Pain-Free Living
Living with chronic jaw pain and headaches doesn’t have to be your reality. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life. Dr. Chin and Dr. Pharar have helped countless Summerlin patients find relief from TMJ disorders through personalized treatment approaches that address both immediate symptoms and underlying causes.
Our office welcomes patients with various insurance plans, making comprehensive TMJ care accessible to more families in the Summerlin community. We take the time to explain your diagnosis, treatment options, and expected outcomes, empowering you to make informed decisions about your care. If you’re tired of living with jaw pain, headaches, or other symptoms of TMJ disorders, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward lasting relief.