Jaw pain, facial tension and difficulty chewing can interfere with everyday comfort. At Excellence in Dentistry, our dentists provide TMJ treatment in Idaho Falls, Idaho, for patients experiencing symptoms involving the jaw joints, bite or surrounding muscles.
Dr. Curtis Godfrey has advanced training in occlusion and comprehensive treatment planning through Spear Education. This background helps him evaluate how the teeth, bite and jaw function together when patients report TMJ-related discomfort.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
The temporomandibular joints, commonly called the TMJs, connect the lower jaw to the skull and allow the jaw to move when you speak, chew and yawn. Problems involving these joints or the surrounding muscles are often referred to as temporomandibular disorders, or TMD.
TMJ symptoms can have different causes and may vary considerably from one patient to another. For that reason, our dentists begin with an evaluation rather than assuming that every case of jaw discomfort requires the same treatment.
Common Signs of a TMJ Problem
TMJ-related concerns can affect the jaw itself as well as nearby muscles and structures. Symptoms that may warrant an evaluation include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Discomfort while chewing
- Clicking or popping in the jaw joints
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth comfortably
- Jaw stiffness or limited movement
- Facial muscle tension or soreness
- Changes in the way the teeth come together
- Tooth wear that may be associated with bite or jaw function
Clicking or popping alone does not necessarily mean treatment is needed. Our dentists consider your symptoms, jaw movement, bite and clinical findings before recommending care.
How Our Dentists Evaluate TMJ Concerns
A TMJ evaluation begins with a discussion of your symptoms, when they occur and how they affect activities such as chewing or opening your mouth. Our dentists may also evaluate jaw movement, tenderness, the way your teeth come together and visible signs of wear.
Because jaw discomfort can have more than one possible source, the goal is to understand the pattern of symptoms and how the joints, muscles and bite may be interacting. Additional diagnostic information may be considered when appropriate for the individual case.
The Relationship Between Your Bite and Jaw Function
The way the upper and lower teeth contact each other is called occlusion. Bite relationships can be an important consideration when evaluating jaw function, particularly when there are signs of uneven wear, muscle tension or changes in how the teeth meet.
Dr. Godfrey has advanced training in occlusion through Spear Education and considers bite function as part of comprehensive treatment planning. Rather than focusing only on the area that hurts, he evaluates how the teeth and jaw system work together.
Personalized TMJ Treatment in Idaho Falls, Idaho
There is no single TMJ treatment that is appropriate for every patient. Recommendations depend on your symptoms, examination findings, bite, dental health and the suspected source of the problem.
Our dentists will explain what they find and discuss the treatment options that are appropriate for your situation. The goal is to address the factors contributing to your discomfort while taking your overall dental health and jaw function into account.
When Tooth Wear and TMJ Concerns Occur Together
Some patients with jaw or bite concerns also show signs of worn teeth. Tooth wear can have multiple causes, so it is important to evaluate the pattern rather than assuming it is always related to a TMJ disorder.
Dr. Brock Russell has completed Spear Education’s Treating the Worn Dentition course, adding to his restorative training and experience evaluating teeth affected by wear. When appropriate, our dentists can consider tooth condition, bite relationships and jaw symptoms together when planning care.
Experience With Occlusion and Comprehensive Treatment Planning
Dr. Curtis Godfrey has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completes more than 100 hours of continuing education annually with Spear Education. His advanced studies include occlusion, restorative dentistry, aesthetics, comprehensive treatment planning and the management of complex dental cases.
This training is particularly relevant when jaw symptoms occur alongside worn teeth, existing restorations or changes in the bite. Our dentists can evaluate these concerns as part of a broader approach to general and family dentistry rather than treating the jaw in isolation.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
What does TMJ stand for?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. These joints connect the lower jaw to the skull and allow the jaw to move during speaking, chewing and other everyday functions.
What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?
TMJ refers to the jaw joint itself, while TMD refers to disorders involving the temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles or related structures. The term TMJ treatment is commonly used when discussing care for these concerns.
Does jaw clicking mean I have a TMJ disorder?
Not necessarily. Some people experience clicking or popping without pain or limited jaw function. Our dentists can evaluate the joint and your other symptoms to determine whether treatment should be considered.
Can my bite contribute to jaw discomfort?
Bite relationships may be one factor considered during a TMJ evaluation. Dr. Godfrey has advanced training in occlusion and can evaluate how your teeth come together along with your jaw movement and other clinical findings.
Can worn teeth be related to TMJ problems?
Tooth wear can occur for several reasons and does not automatically indicate a TMJ disorder. When wear and jaw symptoms occur together, our dentists can evaluate both as part of a comprehensive examination.
When should I schedule a TMJ evaluation?
Consider an evaluation if jaw pain, stiffness, limited movement, difficulty chewing or other persistent symptoms are affecting your comfort or function. Our dentists can examine the area and discuss appropriate next steps.
Where can I receive TMJ treatment in Idaho Falls, Idaho?
Excellence in Dentistry provides evaluation and treatment for TMJ-related concerns. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule a consultation with our dentists and discuss your symptoms.
Schedule a TMJ Evaluation
If jaw pain, stiffness or changes in your bite are affecting your daily comfort, ask about TMJ treatment in Idaho Falls, ID. Contact our team at 208-529-4321 to schedule an evaluation at Excellence in Dentistry with our dentists.