Living with jaw pain, headaches, or clicking sounds when you open your mouth can affect everything from eating to speaking comfortably. At JAX Dental Studio in Jacksonville, FL, we understand how debilitating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can be, and Dr. Charles Poblenz and his team provide comprehensive, compassionate TMJ treatment to help you find relief.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull and acts like a sliding hinge on each side of your jaw. When this joint becomes inflamed or doesn’t function properly, it can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms known as TMJ disorders or TMD (temporomandibular disorders).
TMJ disorders are surprisingly common, affecting millions of Americans each year. The condition can develop from various factors, including jaw injuries, arthritis, teeth grinding (bruxism), stress-related jaw clenching, or even poor bite alignment. Many patients don’t realize their chronic headaches or ear pain could be related to their jaw joint until they receive a proper evaluation.
TMJ disorders can present differently for each patient, but there are several hallmark symptoms that often indicate a problem with the temporomandibular joint:
Jaw Pain and Discomfort: The most common symptom is pain or tenderness in your jaw joint area, which may radiate to your face, neck, or shoulders. This discomfort can be constant or may come and go, often worsening when chewing or speaking.
Headaches and Ear Pain: Many patients experience frequent headaches that feel similar to tension headaches or migraines. Ear pain or a feeling of fullness in the ears is also common, even though there’s no actual ear infection.
Clicking or Popping Sounds: You might hear clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you open or close your mouth. While these sounds aren’t always painful, they can indicate joint dysfunction.
Limited Jaw Movement: Some people find it difficult to open their mouth wide or experience their jaw getting “stuck” or locked in an open or closed position.
Changes in Your Bite: TMJ disorders can cause your teeth to fit together differently, making it uncomfortable to bite down or chew.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they persist for more than a few days or interfere with your daily activities, it’s important to schedule an evaluation at our Jacksonville dental office.
Comprehensive dental care accessible to all families regardless of insurance type or coverage limitations.
At JAX Dental Studio, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. Dr. Poblenz begins with a thorough examination that includes evaluating your jaw movement, listening for clicking or popping sounds, and assessing any areas of tenderness or pain. We also review your medical history and discuss your symptoms in detail to understand how the condition is affecting your quality of life.
Our $199 New Patient Experience includes a complete oral health assessment and any necessary x-rays, including our advanced cone beam CT technology when needed. This three-dimensional imaging allows us to get a detailed view of your jaw joint structure and identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to your TMJ symptoms.
Many patients appreciate that we pre-collect the $199 fee when scheduling, so when you arrive for your appointment, you can focus entirely on your treatment rather than worrying about payment. This full hour with our team gives us the time we need to properly evaluate your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.
We believe in starting with the most conservative treatment approaches whenever possible. For many patients, TMJ symptoms can be successfully managed without invasive procedures:
Custom Oral Appliances: A custom-fitted night guard or splint can help reduce teeth grinding and clenching, particularly during sleep. These appliances help realign your jaw and reduce pressure on the temporomandibular joint.
Lifestyle Modifications: We’ll provide guidance on techniques to reduce jaw stress, including dietary adjustments (eating softer foods during flare-ups), stress management strategies, and exercises to strengthen jaw muscles and improve flexibility.
Physical Therapy Exercises: Specific jaw exercises can help restore normal jaw function and relieve muscle tension. We’ll teach you these techniques and provide instructions for performing them at home.
Medication Management: In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants may be recommended to manage pain and reduce inflammation during acute TMJ flare-ups.
For patients whose TMJ disorders don’t respond adequately to conservative treatments, we may recommend more advanced interventions. This could include orthodontic treatment to correct bite alignment issues, dental restorations to restore worn teeth and proper bite relationships, or referrals to specialists for additional treatment options like injections or surgical interventions when necessary.
Throughout your treatment journey, we maintain open communication about your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure you’re getting the best possible results.
Dr. Poblenz and his team are committed to providing personalized, patient-centered care that addresses not just your symptoms, but the underlying causes of your TMJ disorder. We understand that every patient’s situation is unique, and we take the time to truly listen to your concerns and develop treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
Many patients appreciate our comprehensive approach to new patient appointments. During your initial visit, we invest the full hour in understanding your condition, performing thorough evaluations, and creating relationships built on trust and mutual understanding. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable from the moment you walk through our doors.
We also recognize that dental anxiety is common, especially when dealing with chronic pain conditions. Our team is experienced in helping anxious patients feel at ease, and we offer sedation options when needed to ensure your comfort throughout treatment.
Jacksonville patients often notice that their TMJ symptoms worsen during times of increased stress, and this is no coincidence. Stress is one of the primary triggers for jaw clenching and teeth grinding, particularly during sleep when you’re not conscious of these habits.
During stressful periods—whether from work pressures, personal challenges, or even seasonal stressors like the holidays—many people unconsciously tighten their jaw muscles or grind their teeth. This constant tension can inflame the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles, leading to increased pain and other TMJ symptoms.
At JAX Dental Studio, we help you identify your specific TMJ triggers and develop strategies to manage them. This might include stress reduction techniques, awareness exercises to help you recognize when you’re clenching your jaw during the day, and protective appliances to prevent nighttime grinding.
While not all TMJ disorders can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk or prevent symptoms from worsening:
We understand that the cost of dental treatment is an important consideration. At JAX Dental Studio, we accept most major dental insurance plans and can help you understand your coverage for TMJ treatment. Many insurance plans cover at least a portion of TMJ therapy, particularly when it’s deemed medically necessary.
For patients without insurance or those whose plans don’t fully cover treatment, we offer flexible financing options through Cherry and CareCredit. These payment plans allow you to break down the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly payments, making it easier to get the care you need without financial stress.
Our $199 New Patient Experience is designed to be accessible while still providing comprehensive care. This fee includes your consultation, full oral health assessment, and all necessary diagnostic imaging—services that would typically cost significantly more if billed separately.
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, headaches, clicking sounds, or other symptoms of a TMJ disorder, don’t wait for the condition to worsen. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and can prevent more serious complications down the road.
At JAX Dental Studio, we’re here to help you find relief and restore your quality of life. Dr. Poblenz and our experienced team have helped countless Jacksonville patients successfully manage their TMJ symptoms and return to comfortable jaw function.
Call our Jacksonville office today to schedule your comprehensive TMJ evaluation. Our friendly team will answer your questions, discuss your symptoms, and find an appointment time that works with your schedule. We look forward to helping you achieve lasting relief from TMJ pain.
