More than fifteen percent of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain. Some common symptoms include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth, or even headaches and neck aches.

We can help identify the source of the pain with a thorough exam and appropriate x-rays. Often, it's a sinus, toothache or an early stage of periodontal disease. But for some pain, the cause is not so easily diagnosed.

The pain could be related to the facial muscles, the jaw or temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TM joint is one of the most complex joints in the body. Located on each side of the head, these joints work together and can make many different movements, such as the rotating and gliding action used when chewing and speaking.

There are several ways a TMJ disorder may be treated. Treatments for this pain may include stress reducing exercises, muscle relaxants, or wearing a mouth protector to prevent teeth grinding. We will recommend the treatment needed for your particular discomfort.