Should You See a Dentist or a Doctor for Jaw Pain?

Common Causes of Jaw Pain

Jaw pain can have a variety of causes, including:

    1.    Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD): One of the most common culprits, TMJ disorders occur when the jaw joint is misaligned or inflamed, causing pain, stiffness, or even clicking sounds when you open or close your mouth.

    2.    Bite Misalignment: An uneven bite can place excess stress on your jaw joint, leading to chronic discomfort.

    3.    Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Often linked to stress or sleep disorders, grinding your teeth can overwork your jaw muscles and wear down your teeth.

    4.    Infections: Infections like dental abscesses or sinus infections can mimic jaw pain.

    5.    Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the temporomandibular joint.

    6.    Injuries or Trauma: Accidents or overuse injuries can result in inflammation and strain on the jaw joint.

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Why Our Office Is the Perfect Place for Jaw Pain Treatment

Because our office combines medical and dental care under one roof, we take a holistic approach to diagnosing and treating jaw pain. With expertise from our lead practitioner Dr. Keramati, DO, DDS, is uniquely qualified to assess the underlying causes of your jaw discomfort and recommend effective, personalized treatments.

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How We Treat Jaw Pain‍

1.    TMJ Treatment:

•  For patients with TMJ disorders, we offer bite adjustments to align the jaw properly and reduce stress on the joint.
• Custom-fitted oral appliances can prevent teeth grinding and stabilize the jaw during sleep.
•  In some cases, we may recommend physical therapy exercises to improve jaw mobility and relieve tension.

2.    Bite Alignment:

•  An imbalanced bite can strain the jaw joint, leading to chronic pain. We perform bite adjustments to evenly distribute pressure and restore comfort.

3.    Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT):

•  Using the principles of osteopathic medicine, we can provide hands-on therapy to relieve muscle tension and improve blood flow, helping reduce inflammation in the jaw area.

4.    Comprehensive Diagnostics:

•  We take a full history, perform a thorough physical exam, and, if needed, use imaging studies (such as X-rays or CT scans) to identify the root cause of your jaw pain.

5.  Craniosacral Therapy for TMJ Disorders:

• We take a full history, perform a thorough physical exam, and, if needed, use imaging studies (such as X-rays or CT scans) to identify the root cause of your jaw pain.

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When to Seek Care for Jaw Pain

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If your jaw pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by symptoms like swelling, headaches, or difficulty chewing, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Early treatment can prevent further damage and significantly improve your quality of life.

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Take the First Step Toward Relief

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Living with jaw pain doesn’t have to become a part of your daily routine. At our office, we’re committed to helping you find relief by addressing the source of your discomfort. Whether your pain requires dental adjustments, medical intervention, or a combination of both, we have the tools and expertise to provide comprehensive care.

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Schedule your appointment today and let us help you get back to pain-free living!

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