Personalized Care for TMJ Disorders at Cornerstone Dentistry
Jaw pain, clicking joints, facial tightness, and headaches can impact your sleep, concentration, and even your mood. Many of our TMJ patients tell us they spent months or years searching for answers before discovering the true source of their discomfort.
At Cornerstone Dentistry, we don’t treat TMJ disorders with a one-size-fits-all mindset. We listen, evaluate, and use modern diagnostic tools to understand how your jaw, muscles, and bite are working together. By uncovering the root cause of your pain, we can create a plan that actually helps, rather than simply masking symptoms.
What TMJ Dysfunction Really Feels Like
TMJ issues rarely look the same from one patient to another. Instead of a textbook definition, most people describe the condition in terms of how it affects their day-to-day life.
Many of our Anderson patients experience:
- Morning headaches or facial soreness that feel like they start in the jaw
- Jaw tightness, clicking, or popping when opening or chewing
- Ear pain or pressure, often mistaken for ear infections
- Difficulty chewing or yawning due to tightness or limited movement
- Tooth wear or sensitivity, especially in grinders and clenchers
- A tired, tense feeling in the jaw muscles by the end of the day
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s likely that your jaw joint—or the muscles supporting it—isn’t functioning the way it should.
What Causes TMJ Issues?
TMJ disorders can develop gradually or suddenly, and they often involve more than one contributing factor. In our Anderson practice, we commonly see TMJ symptoms caused by:
Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Stress-related clenching is one of the most common causes. Many adults grind at night without realizing it until they notice headaches or worn-down teeth.
Bite Misalignment
When teeth don’t meet evenly, your jaw joint absorbs excess stress. Over time, this imbalance can trigger muscle fatigue, pain, and restricted movement.
Previous Dental Work That Altered Bite
Restorations that slightly change how teeth fit together can shift the jaw position and cause discomfort.
Arthritis or Joint Inflammation
Like other joints in the body, the TMJ can develop arthritis, reducing mobility and increasing pain.
Sports or Jaw Injuries
A fall, hit, or accident can disrupt the joint’s natural movement pattern.
Understanding why your TMJ is inflamed is the key to choosing the treatment that will help you recover.
Our Diagnostic Process
Accurate diagnosis is essential for long-term relief. During your TMJ evaluation, we conduct a detailed assessment of how your jaw and bite function together.
Your visit may include:
- Jaw joint movement evaluation to detect popping, shifting, or locking
- Muscle sensitivity testing to identify overactive or strained areas
- Bite alignment analysis to pinpoint imbalances
- Review of wear patterns that signal clenching or grinding
- Range-of-motion checks to measure jaw mobility
- Digital imaging when needed to examine the joint structure
This process helps us paint a clear picture of how your jaw functions—what’s moving correctly, what isn’t, and what’s causing your discomfort.
Your Personalized TMJ Treatment Plan
Once we identify the cause of your symptoms, we build a treatment plan tailored to your specific jaw mechanics and pain triggers. TMJ therapy is not the same for everyone, and the right solution depends on how your bite, muscles, and joints interact.
Your plan may include:
Custom Nightguards
Protective nightguards help reduce clenching and grinding, relieving pressure from your jaw joint and preventing further enamel wear.
Bite Adjustments
Small refinements to the way your teeth meet can stabilize jaw motion and reduce joint stress.
Anti-Inflammatory Therapies
These can help calm irritated muscles and joints so the body can begin healing.
Habit Counseling
Many people clench during the day without noticing. Identifying and correcting these habits can dramatically improve comfort.
At-Home Jaw Exercises
Gentle stretches and strengthening movements can improve mobility and reduce tension.
Most patients begin noticing relief within a few weeks, and continued care can bring even greater improvements over time.
Why Patients Choose Cornerstone Dentistry for TMJ Relief
Our approach is built on experience, technology, and a deep understanding of how the jaw works.
Experience with Bite-Related Issues
Dr. Wilson has extensive training in TMJ disorders, bite dynamics, and restorative dentistry. This combination allows us to evaluate the entire system—not just the jaw joint.
Digital Technology for Accurate Diagnosis
Digital imaging gives us a clearer look at joint position, alignment, and muscle strain.
Personalized Care
We never rely on templated TMJ treatment plans. Everything we recommend is designed around your unique symptoms and jaw function.
Focus on Comfort and Long-Term Outcomes
Our goal isn’t temporary pain relief—it’s long-term jaw stability that helps you eat, speak, and live without discomfort.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
How do I know if my jaw pain is really TMJ?
If you experience clicking, popping, headaches, or jaw soreness, TMJ may be the cause. A proper evaluation can confirm it.
Can TMJ go away on its own?
Mild cases may improve, but most TMJ issues persist without targeted treatment.
Does grinding always mean TMJ?
Not always—but grinding can lead to TMJ dysfunction, so it’s important to evaluate it early.
How long does treatment take?
Many patients feel improvement within weeks, but long-term recovery depends on the cause.
Will insurance cover TMJ therapy?
Coverage varies. We’ll help you understand your benefits and any out-of-pocket costs.
Get Relief From Jaw Pain — Schedule Your TMJ Consultation Today
TMJ pain doesn’t have to control your daily life. If jaw discomfort, headaches, or clenching are affecting your comfort, we’re here to help. Call (864) 222-9001 or schedule an appointment online to start your path toward lasting TMJ relief.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with your Anderson dental team, give us a call at (864) 222-9001 or request an appointment online! We look forward to hearing from you!
