If you are experiencing chronic jaw pain, headaches, or discomfort while chewing, you may be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Many people struggle with TMJ dysfunction, which can impact daily life and lead to long-term complications if left untreated.

Our Wilmington, Delaware dental office treats TMJ disorders with non-invasive, highly effective treatment options. Surgery is rarely necessary, and most patients experience significant relief through oral appliances, TENS therapy, and other customized treatment plans.

If you have been suffering from chronic TMJ pain, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Our team will carefully assess your symptoms, perform diagnostic tests, and develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve TMJ pain, restore jaw function, and improve your overall quality of life.

Understanding TMJ/TMD: What Causes It?

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect the lower jaw to the skull and play a crucial role in speaking, chewing, and overall jaw movement. When these joints become misaligned or overworked, TMJ dysfunction can develop, leading to pain, inflammation, and limited jaw mobility.

Common Causes of TMD

  • Teeth grinding (bruxism) places excessive stress on the TMJs.
  • Jaw misalignment can create tension and strain in the jaw joints.
  • Arthritis, including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, may affect TMJ function.
  • Injury or trauma to the jaw can trigger TMJ dysfunction.
  • Chronic stress can lead to muscle tightness and jaw pain.

Regardless of the cause, early intervention is key to preventing symptoms from worsening and causing long-term damage.

Seven Common Symptoms of TMJ/TMD

Many patients do not realize they have TMJ disorder until their symptoms become severe. If you experience any of the following signs, a consultation with our dentist to help determine whether treatment is necessary.

1. Jaw Pain, Tenderness, and Inflammation

Jaw discomfort is one of the most frequent complaints among TMD patients. The TMJs endure significant pressure throughout the day, and when they become inflamed or misaligned, pain can radiate into the cheeks, temples, neck, shoulders, and even arms.

Many people report tightness or stiffness in the jaw, making everyday activities like talking, chewing, and yawning uncomfortable.

2. Ear Pain and Fullness

Because the TMJs are located near the ears, TMJ dysfunction can cause symptoms such as:

Many patients initially mistake these symptoms for an ear infection. However, if ear discomfort persists without signs of infection, TMJ disorder may be the underlying cause.

3. Difficulty or Discomfort While Chewing

If chewing becomes painful or feels unbalanced, TMJ issues may be to blame. The jaw joints control bite function, so when they are misaligned or inflamed, eating certain foods—especially chewy meats, crunchy snacks, or hard foods—can worsen symptoms.

Some patients also notice an uneven bite, where one side of the jaw feels more dominant or fatigued after meals.

4. Facial Pain and Muscle Tension

Chronic TMJ dysfunction often leads to muscle strain in the face, temples, and jaw. Many people experience:

  • Aching pain along the jawline
  • Tenderness in the cheeks and temples
  • Overall facial soreness or tension headaches

Since the jaw and facial muscles are interconnected, TMJ inflammation can create widespread discomfort beyond the jaw joints themselves.

5. Jaw Locking or Limited Movement

In severe cases, TMD can cause the jaw to temporarily lock in an open or closed position. Patients may feel:

  • A catching or sticking sensation when opening their mouth
  • Temporary inability to close the jaw completely
  • Difficulty moving the jaw from side to side

If your jaw locks or becomes restricted, contact our practice immediately for an urgent evaluation. Our TMJ dentist can provide treatments to relax the muscles and restore jaw mobility.

6. Chronic Headaches and Migraines

One of the most disruptive symptoms of TMD is frequent headaches. Many TMJ patients suffer from:

  • Tension headaches from jaw muscle overuse
  • Migraine-like headaches triggered by joint inflammation
  • Pain extending from the jaw into the temples and forehead

For some patients, TMJ-related headaches occur daily and worsen with stress, lack of sleep, or prolonged talking.

7. Clicking, Popping, or Grinding Noises in the Jaw

A clicking or popping sound when opening or closing the mouth is a clear indicator of TMJ dysfunction. These noises occur when the jaw joints shift out of alignment, often due to arthritis, muscle imbalances, or disc displacement.

Additionally, many TMD patients grind or clench their teeth, leading to excessive tooth wear and bite problems.

How Our Dentist Treats TMJ

At the office of Dr. Garrett Goodling, our team offers customized TMJ treatment plans designed to:

Personalized TMJ Treatment Options

  • Oral appliance therapy uses a custom TMJ splint to reposition the jaw and prevent teeth grinding.
  • TENS therapy (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) sends low-frequency pulses to relax tight jaw muscles and reduce discomfort.
  • Bite correction therapy includes adjustments to dental restorations or occlusal balancing to improve bite alignment.
  • Home care recommendations such as heat therapy, massage, and anti-inflammatory medications can complement in-office treatment.

Our goal is to relieve TMJ symptoms without surgery, allowing patients to regain comfort and normal jaw function.

Schedule a TMJ Consultation in Wilmington, Delaware

If you are struggling with chronic jaw pain, headaches, or bite discomfort, the TMJ experts at our office are here to help. With advanced TMD treatment techniques, we can diagnose your condition and create a personalized plan to eliminate pain and restore jaw stability.

Call our Wilmington, DE dental office at (302) 994-0979. Our team looks forward to helping you achieve lasting relief from TMJ pain and improve your quality of life.