TMJ Treatment
Your jaw isn’t supposed to feel like a rusty hinge. It shouldn’t click when you chew, lock when you yawn, or ache when you speak. But when does it? You could be dealing with TMJ disorder in Ellensburg WA, Moses Lake WA, or Wenatchee WA —and no, it’s not just “stress” or a bad night’s sleep.
TMJ issues affect the temporomandibular joint (the one that connects your jaw to the side of your skull), and when things go wrong there, the entire lower half of your face can get pulled into the problem.
As oral and maxillofacial surgeons at our Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery locations, we approach TMJ treatment not as a quick fix, but as a full-spectrum solution to restore comfort, function, and everyday ease.
Is It Really TMJ?
TMJ disorder, or TMD, isn’t always obvious at first. It can masquerade as other problems—migraines, earaches, or even dental pain. That’s why it often goes untreated until the symptoms become unavoidable.
Watch for:
- A jaw that pops or grinds when you open wide
- Pain around your ears, temples, or neck
- Clicking when you chew or speak
- Jaws that feel tight, stiff, or fatigued
- Limited range of motion when opening your mouth
- Headaches that don’t seem dental, but flare up with chewing
- A bite that suddenly feels “off”
If any of these feel familiar, it’s time for a proper evaluation. The good news? You don’t have to live with it—and you definitely shouldn’t ignore it.
What’s Causing All This?
The TMJ is a small joint, but it’s doing a big job. It moves up, down, side to side, and forward and backward. That flexibility is great... until it’s not.
TMD can develop from:
- Overuse or repetitive strain (clenching, grinding)
- Trauma or injury to the jaw or face
- Joint degeneration (like arthritis)
- Disc displacement inside the joint
- Poor bite alignment
- Muscle imbalance or chronic tension
Sometimes it’s one cause. More often, it’s several overlapping issues. That’s why treating TMJ isn’t just about where the pain is—it’s about why it’s happening.
Getting Diagnosed: More Than a Quick Glance
We take diagnosis seriously. No two jaws function exactly the same, so your treatment starts with a thorough evaluation that may include:
- Clinical palpation (we check how your joint moves and feels)
- 3D imaging (to assess disc position, bone structure, and inflammation)
- Range-of-motion tests and bite analysis
- A discussion of symptoms and lifestyle factors (like nighttime grinding)
This isn’t guesswork—it’s precise, image-guided insight that informs how we fix the problem, not just patch it.
Conservative Therapies First
Surgery isn’t always the answer. In fact, most TMJ disorders can be managed without it. Our first goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore natural function using non-invasive methods.
We may recommend:
- Custom TMJ Splints or Orthotics
Worn overnight or part-time, these devices reposition the jaw and reduce strain on the joint and surrounding muscles. - Anti-Inflammatory or Muscle-Relaxing Medications
Short-term prescriptions can calm nerve activity and reduce flare-ups. - Bite Balancing or Occlusal Adjustments
Minor tweaks to your bite may be enough to reduce pressure and improve alignment. - Stress Reduction & Physical Therapy
We often partner with physical therapists to develop home stretches or exercises that improve jaw mobility and posture. - Botulinum Toxin Injections
Targeted Botox therapy can ease hyperactive jaw muscles and relieve tension, especially for people with chronic bruxism.
When Surgery Becomes the Right Move
If conservative treatments fall short or the joint is structurally damaged, we may consider surgical options. Every procedure is tailored, and nothing is done without a full discussion of risks, benefits, and outcomes.
Minimally Invasive Options Include:
- Arthrocentesis – Flushing the joint space with sterile fluid to reduce inflammation and improve motion
- Arthroscopy – Using a small camera and tools to explore, clean, or reposition joint components
- Disc Repositioning or Removal – Addressing internal derangement when the joint disc is displaced or damaged
Open-joint surgery may be recommended for more severe cases involving bone degeneration, tumors, or jaw deformity.
Our goal is always the same: to restore jaw mechanics in a way that feels natural and lasts.
Living Without TMJ Pain: What’s Possible?
TMJ disorders can creep into every part of your day, from talking to eating to sleeping. But when properly treated, patients often report:
- A noticeable drop in facial tension
- Headache relief without the need for constant medication
- Better sleep quality
- A more relaxed jaw and improved bite
- A boost in overall energy and quality of life
It's not just about your jaw—it’s about reclaiming comfort and confidence you didn’t even realize you’d lost.
You Deserve a Jaw That Works With You, Not Against You
TMJ pain isn’t something you need to “learn to live with.” Whether you're newly noticing symptoms or have been grinding through discomfort for years, there are proven ways to get back to normal—and we’re here to help you find them.
Let’s start with a consultation in Ellensburg WA, Moses Lake WA, or Wenatchee WA. We’ll walk through your symptoms, review imaging, and build a treatment plan tailored to your needs—no pressure, no shortcuts, just clear answers and experienced care at one of our Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery locations.
