TMJ TREATMENT
Relief from jaw pain, headaches, and grinding.
Custom night guards and personalized care for TMJ disorders.
If your jaw pops when you chew, you wake up with headaches, or your jaw is sore and stiff, you may have a TMJ disorder. Dr. Kyger will identify the root cause and build a plan to relieve the pain and protect your teeth.
THE BASICS
What TMJ treatment actually is.
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) treatment addresses problems with the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint does a lot: talking, chewing, yawning. When it’s inflamed or misaligned, the pain can be constant and exhausting.
Our approach focuses on finding the root cause and building a personalized plan to relieve pain and restore comfortable jaw function. In most cases, that starts with a custom-made oral appliance (night guard) that protects your teeth from grinding and clenching while your jaw settles down.
SIGNS TO WATCH
You may be dealing with a TMJ disorder if...
These are the most common signs. If any of them sound familiar, come in for an evaluation.
Jaw pain and tenderness
Persistent or recurring pain in the jaw joint. Can feel like a dull ache or a sharp stab. Makes chewing, talking, or opening wide uncomfortable.
Headaches and migraines
Frequent headaches, especially in the morning. Tension in the jaw muscles radiates up into the head and neck.
Clicking or popping sounds
You hear a clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing your mouth. Sometimes the jaw feels stuck or locked.
Difficulty chewing
You avoid certain foods because chewing hurts, or you feel pain during meals. Eating becomes something to dread.
Facial pain or earaches
TMJ pain often shows up as face, neck, shoulder, or ear discomfort. Easily mistaken for an ear infection.
Worn or damaged teeth
Grinding or clenching (bruxism) wears teeth down, chips them, and damages crowns or fillings. If your teeth look shorter than they used to, this is likely why.
HOW WE HELP
Custom relief, built for your bite.
Thorough evaluation
Dr. Kyger examines your jaw's range of motion, listens for sounds, checks tender points, and reviews digital X-rays to pinpoint the source of the pain.
Custom night guard
For most patients, a custom-fitted night guard is the first step. It stops the grinding, protects your teeth, and gives the joint time to calm down.
Bite adjustment
If your bite is contributing to the problem, we can adjust high spots or use dental work to bring your bite into balance.
Ongoing support
We check in on your progress, adjust the appliance as needed, and coordinate with other providers (physical therapy, massage) when a broader plan helps.
THE WASH PARK DIFFERENCE
Comfort-first care.
We listen first
Jaw pain is exhausting. We take the time to hear what you're actually experiencing before we jump to solutions. You'll always feel heard here.
Digital precision
We use advanced digital scanning to design night guards that fit perfectly. No goopy impressions, and appliances that are comfortable enough to actually wear.
Advanced training
Dr. Kyger's background in restorative and cosmetic dentistry means he understands how your bite, jaw alignment, and existing dental work all affect each other.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions.
Several things can trigger a TMJ disorder: genetics, arthritis, an old jaw injury, or habitual clenching and grinding (bruxism). Stress is a big contributor because it tightens the muscles around the jaw. Most cases involve more than one factor.
Dr. Kyger does a thorough exam: checking your jaw’s range of motion, listening for popping or clicking, and pressing on the areas around your jaw to find sore spots. Digital X-rays or scans may be used to get a detailed picture of the joint and surrounding structures.
It depends on what’s causing the pain. A custom night guard is the most common starting point, and it’s often all that’s needed. Other options can include physical therapy, stress management, or bite adjustments if the bite itself is off.
The goal is to relieve pain, not add to it. Making a custom night guard is completely non-invasive: we take a digital scan and the appliance is ready in a few weeks. Any adjustment work is done with anesthesia and comfort in mind.
Some patients feel relief within a few weeks of wearing a custom appliance. Others take longer, especially if the problem has been building up for years. We’ll set realistic expectations at your consultation and check in as you go.
Coverage varies. Some medical and dental plans cover TMJ care, others don’t. Our team will help you understand your benefits and find the most cost-effective path. Cherry financing is available if you’d like to spread payments.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Let's get you out of pain.
Book a consultation and Dr. Kyger will do a careful evaluation to find the source of the jaw pain. You’ll leave with a clear plan and honest pricing.