What is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint is the hinge located on either side of the face near the ear. It works with surrounding muscles to open, close, and move your mouth from side to side. When the joints no longer align properly, they can become strained, leading to discomfort or pain—a condition known as a temporomandibular joint disorder. Nearly 15% of adults experience it, with women affected more often than men.

At SoBe Dentist, we provide comprehensive dental care in Miami Beach, including advanced diagnostic and treatment options for jaw joint concerns, to help restore comfort and function to your bite.

What Causes TMD?

The most common cause of TMD is clenching or grinding one’s teeth (bruxism). When someone clenches or grinds their teeth, it causes the joints and muscles to stay in a tense position for an extended period. As a result, the joints and muscles feel strained and cause jaw pain or headaches.

Some of the most common causes of TMD include:

  • The cartilage inside the joint moves out of place
  • Dislocated jaw
  • Jaw injury
  • Grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism)
  • Misaligned bite
  • Arthritis
  • Posture
  • Dental surgery
  • Autoimmune diseases

What Are The Symptoms?

Patients who suffer from TMJ usually experience one or several of these symptoms.

  • Jaw, neck or back pain
  • Frequent headaches/migraines
  • Ear pain
  • Clogged or muffled ears
  • Tinnitus (ringing ears)
  • Pain when chewing
  • Lockjaw
  • Popping or clicking noises when opening or closing mouth
  • Headaches directly after waking up

If you notice any of these symptoms, please visit our TMJ dentists in Miami Beach for an accurate diagnosis. Oftentimes these symptoms get misdiagnosed as something different which can leave patients in pain for years before finding the right treatment.

Diagnosing TMJ Disorders

The first step to relieving your jaw pain or frequent headaches in Miami Beach is an accurate diagnosis. Before we can determine the right treatment, we first need to understand the cause. During your preventive dental care visits, we’ll also examine your bite, jaw movement, and any signs of tension or wear that could indicate early jaw joint issues.

Dr. Escoto and Dr. Mantovani use advanced Myotronics dental technology to measure jaw function and mobility and assess your bite. We also take detailed dental X-rays and perform a physical examination to look for signs such as worn teeth from clenching or grinding, and listen for clicking or popping sounds in the jaw. In just one appointment, we can diagnose the problem and create a customized treatment plan to help you feel better.

TMJ Treatment in Miami Beach, FL

Since TMJ disorders vary per patient, we provide each patient with a custom treatment plan. At SoBe Dentist, we take a non-invasive approach. With extensive backgrounds in neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Escoto and Dr. Mantovani plan your treatment around bringing harmony to the jaw joints and muscles so they rest at their relaxed position at all times. Some patients might need to only wear a night guard at night while other patients might need orthodontic treatment to correct their bite.

If you’re ready to say goodbye to TMJ pain or frequent headaches, schedule a consultation with our Miami Beach dentists to receive a TMJ diagnosis and treatment plan. Please call our office at (305) 535-2225 to book an appointment today.