Jaw pain is not normal.
If jaw pain is part of your everyday life, it may seem normal to you. The truth is, jaw pain is far from normal and may be a symptom of a condition called TMD from one or both of your TMJs. Those are the joints of your lower jaw, called TemporoMandibular Joints. When disease or misalignment occurs, the TMJ and surrounding area becomes inflamed — which is what causes pain and other symptoms.
- Headaches
- Earaches, tenderness around the ear
- Face or jaw pain and tenderness
- Muscle pain in your neck, shoulders and upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning or opening your mouth
What are the signs of TMJ disorder (TMD)?
How do we diagnose and treat TMJ disorder?
Diagnosis
Treatment of TMD begins with a comprehensive clinical examination, to check your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. During your appointment, we will check for pain and tenderness and listen for clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If the disorder is diagnosed, a bite splint or night guard is often recommended as the initial treatment.
Treatment and Relief
Our treatment application involves bite splints, which are custom-created plastic mouthpieces, designed to fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. These type of devices prevent the grinding and clenching that often causes or worsens TMD. The splint also realigns the jaw, removing stress on the surrounding area.
Alternative Treatment Options
If a misaligned bite or missing teeth are the cause of your symptoms, we may recommend orthodontics or restorative dental work. If your bite is placing undue pressure on the TMJ’s, we may suggest reshaping individual teeth to redistribute the bite force evenly.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. If this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed we refer to that as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMD for short.
Signs or symptoms of TMD include pain and tenderness in or around the ear, the jaw joint, or the muscles of the jaw, face or temples. Other symptoms are problems opening or closing your mouth, and a clicking, popping, crunching or grinding noise when you chew, yawn or open your mouth. TMDs may be linked with neck pain and headaches.
TMD is caused by a combination of factors like jaw injuries and joint disease, such as arthritis. It’s believed that bruxism (tooth clenching or grinding) and head or neck muscle tension may make TMD symptoms worse. Stress is also a possible factor. However, it is not clear if stress causes TMD or is a result. Other things that may lead to TMDs are partial or full dentures that are not the right fit and certain habits such as fingernail biting and pen or pencil biting. As you can see, there are an array of different causes which makes TMD hard to diagnose. The best way to understand your jaw pain symptoms are to book an appointment.
There are many possible causes of headaches. No doctor will be able to determine the cause of your headache without a physical examination.
Most often, TMJ pain can be treated effectively with non-invasive treatments and therapies. In very rare circumstances, TMD may require surgery. Your health and happiness are both important to us. We will always present you with all of your options, work through the safest and easiest options first, and give you the final decision on what happens next.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
1707532
1 week ago
I was at the Bayside Dentistry office for routine dental care. First time I have met Dr Mandal.
She is confident and positive and a pleasure to meet. I discussed a particular push back I have about one of their regular procedures about gum recession that I didn’t agree with. I liked the way she handled it and said it was my choice and gave a detailed explanation. I agreed with her in the end.
My wife said “that if that woman can when an argument with you I’d like to have coffee with her”.
Strong endorsement for sure. I like that Doc.
My hygienist (Jessica) was also top caliber. She was detailed and thorough and fun conversation.
Highly recommend Dr Mandal and the staff at Bayside Dentistry if you need first class care.
Jeff Burnett
2 weeks ago
Bayside Dentistry is definitely recommended by our family for all your dental needs and concerns. The staff and hygienists and dentists there are professional and so nice. The care they show and overall concerns for your oral health care are top notch.
Faith Skinner
1 month ago
I’ve been coming to this dentistry since I was a teenager and now I am still a patient and my children come here too, always friendly staff, very easy to get a hold of via phone, very easy to make appointments and to reschedule if needed. The staff has been ever so patient with my son, and doesn’t fail to give a little prize from the treasure box after every visit.
Since changing to Bayside dentistry I’ve noticed just as much positive caring staff as I did before
In my opinion, this is the best place to go to Orillia!!!
Lateashia Burnett
1 month ago
Switched our dentist to this one after a terrible experience elsewhere. Our first visit was wonderful. The receptionists were lovely and the Dentist was absolutely amazing with my 8 year old son. Dr. Mantal was also very understanding, supportive and kind to me as well. Safe to say we made a good choice switching, and can't wait to come back again!
Mary Sexton
3 months ago
I always enjoy visiting with my dental hygienist Samantha she’s so lovely. She always remembers our last conversations details of my life. She’s very thorough with her work making sure every last bit of plaque is removed from my teeth. Always offering helpful hints and suggestions relating to latest options or techniques. She’s very knowledgeable. The girls are also very friendly and helpful at the front desk. I highly recommend this place and always look forward to my visits.
1707532
1 week ago
I was at the Bayside Dentistry office for routine dental care. First time I have met Dr Mandal.
She is confident and positive and a pleasure to meet. I discussed a particular push back I have about one of their regular procedures about gum recession that I didn’t agree with. I liked the way she handled it and said it was my choice and gave a detailed explanation. I agreed with her in the end.
My wife said “that if that woman can when an argument with you I’d like to have coffee with her”.
Strong endorsement for sure. I like that Doc.
My hygienist (Jessica) was also top caliber. She was detailed and thorough and fun conversation.
Highly recommend Dr Mandal and the staff at Bayside Dentistry if you need first class care.
Jeff Burnett
2 weeks ago
Bayside Dentistry is definitely recommended by our family for all your dental needs and concerns. The staff and hygienists and dentists there are professional and so nice. The care they show and overall concerns for your oral health care are top notch.
Faith Skinner
1 month ago
I’ve been coming to this dentistry since I was a teenager and now I am still a patient and my children come here too, always friendly staff, very easy to get a hold of via phone, very easy to make appointments and to reschedule if needed. The staff has been ever so patient with my son, and doesn’t fail to give a little prize from the treasure box after every visit.
Since changing to Bayside dentistry I’ve noticed just as much positive caring staff as I did before
In my opinion, this is the best place to go to Orillia!!!
Lateashia Burnett
1 month ago
Switched our dentist to this one after a terrible experience elsewhere. Our first visit was wonderful. The receptionists were lovely and the Dentist was absolutely amazing with my 8 year old son. Dr. Mantal was also very understanding, supportive and kind to me as well. Safe to say we made a good choice switching, and can't wait to come back again!
Mary Sexton
3 months ago
I always enjoy visiting with my dental hygienist Samantha she’s so lovely. She always remembers our last conversations details of my life. She’s very thorough with her work making sure every last bit of plaque is removed from my teeth. Always offering helpful hints and suggestions relating to latest options or techniques. She’s very knowledgeable. The girls are also very friendly and helpful at the front desk. I highly recommend this place and always look forward to my visits.
