TMJ Treatment

Jaw pain, tension, or clicking can make everyday activities uncomfortable.

If these symptoms keep coming back, you may be dealing with a TMJ (TMD) issue.

At Brighter Smiles Family Dentistry, we take a gentle, thorough look at what’s causing your discomfort and recommend treatment that fits your needs.

We commonly help relieve TMJ symptoms with:

  • Custom night guards to reduce clenching or grinding

  • Botox® therapy to relax overworked jaw muscles

  • Physical therapy recommendations to improve jaw movement

Cold packs and basic pain relievers may take the edge off for a little while, but a professional exam can point you toward real, long-term relief.

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Common Signs of TMJ/TMD

You may be experiencing a TMJ disorder if you notice:

  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing your mouth

  • Jaw stiffness or limited movement, especially when waking up

  • Headaches or facial tension that worsen throughout the day

  • Ear fullness or pressure without an ear infection

  • Jaw that “locks” open or closed on occasion

These symptoms often build gradually, so even minor discomfort is worth evaluating early.

How We Diagnose TMJ/TMD Issues

When you visit Brighter Smiles Family Dentistry for TMJ concerns, Dr. Fulton will perform a gentle, thorough evaluation to understand what’s causing your discomfort. This may include:

  • Checking your jaw movement and bite

  • Evaluating muscle tension around the face and jaw

  • Noting any clicking, popping, or restricted motion

TMJ problems can develop from muscle strain, inflammation, or wear of the cartilage that cushions the jaw joint.

Understanding the cause helps us recommend the most effective treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMD/TMJ Treatment

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that lets your jaw move for everyday actions like eating, speaking, and yawning.

When this joint or the muscles around it become overworked or irritated, it can lead to a jaw condition known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

You may have TMD if you notice symptoms such as jaw pain, stiffness, clicking or popping when opening your mouth, headaches, facial tension, or difficulty chewing.

A professional evaluation is the best way to confirm the cause, since many TMJ-like symptoms overlap with sinus, ear, and dental issues.

TMJ problems can arise for many different reasons working together. Common causes include:

  • Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
  • Jaw muscle overuse from chewing or talking
  • Arthritis affecting the jaw joint
  • Jaw misalignment or bite issues
  • Stress-related muscle tension
  • Injury or trauma to the jaw
  • Worn or inflamed cartilage inside the joint

Often, TMD results from a combination of these factors rather than a single cause. A proper exam helps identify which contributors apply to you.

TMD symptoms may start off mild but can progress into pain that impacts daily activities.The most common signs include:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding noises
  • Earaches or a feeling of ear fullness
  • Facial or temple headaches
  • Jaw stiffness or limited opening
  • Pain that worsens when chewing or talking
  • Morning soreness from clenching or grinding

If these symptoms persist for several days or interfere with normal activities, it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation.

Jaw clicking or popping usually occurs when the disc inside the TMJ shifts out of place or the joint movement becomes uneven.

In many cases, the sound is painless and not a major concern. But if the clicking is accompanied by pain, difficulty opening your mouth, or locking, it may indicate inflammation or early joint dysfunction.

A quick exam can determine whether the clicking is harmless or related to TMD.

Yes. The TMJ sits very close to the ear canal and several major facial muscles, so TMJ irritation often radiates into surrounding areas.

This can lead to:

  • Ear pain or pressure without an infection
  • Tension headaches, especially in the temples
  • Facial muscle fatigue or tightness

These symptoms are common in patients who grind or clench their teeth, especially during sleep.

Diagnosis typically begins with a comprehensive TMJ examination, which may include:

  • Reviewing your symptoms and health history
  • Evaluating jaw mobility and muscle tension
  • Checking for clicking, popping, or restricted opening
  • Assessing your bite for signs of grinding or misalignment
  • Inspecting teeth for wear patterns

If needed, your dentist may recommend imaging (such as X-rays or MRI) to check the joint structure. Identifying the root cause of your symptoms guides us in choosing the best treatment.

Your care plan will vary based on the underlying cause of your symptoms and their severity. Common options include:

  • Custom night guards to reduce clenching and grinding
  • Botox® injections to relax overworked jaw muscles
  • Physical therapy to support better function and reduce muscle tension
  • Lifestyle modifications, such as stress reduction and posture changes
  • Soft diet and heat/cold therapy during flare-ups

Most patients experience significant improvement with non-invasive treatments.

For many people, yes. A custom-fitted night guard cushions the teeth and reduces pressure on the TMJ caused by nighttime clenching or grinding.

This helps decrease inflammation, muscle tension, and morning jaw pain.

Store-bought guards rarely fit well enough to provide consistent relief, so a custom appliance is typically more effective.

Improvement varies from person to person. Mild cases may feel better within a few days to a few weeks, especially if grinding or muscle tension is the main cause.

More chronic cases may require several weeks or months of consistent treatment and follow-ups.

Absolutely. Stress often leads to subconscious clenching or grinding, especially at night.

These habits overwork the jaw muscles and increase pressure on the joint, which can worsen pain, stiffness, and headaches.

Addressing stress triggers and using a night guard can significantly reduce flare-ups.

Yes. Botox® is a widely used, nonsurgical treatment for TMJ-related muscle pain.

When injected into overworked jaw muscles, it helps them relax gradually, which reduces tension, headaches, and clenching.

Most patients begin noticing improvement within 1–2 weeks, with results lasting 3–4 months. Your dentist can explain whether this treatment is appropriate for your situation.

Some mild cases do improve with rest, stress management, and avoiding hard foods.

However, if symptoms persist for more than a few days or continue returning, professional evaluation is recommended.

Early treatment helps prevent chronic inflammation and long-term joint damage.

Many home strategies can help calm TMJ flare-ups, including:

  • Applying a warm compress to relax tight muscles
  • Using cold packs to reduce inflammation
  • Eating softer foods
  • Avoiding chewing gum or hard snacks
  • Practicing gentle jaw stretching exercises
  • Improving posture, especially while working

These are helpful for temporary relief, but they don’t replace a full diagnosis.

You should schedule an appointment if you experience:

  • Jaw pain that isn’t easing up after several days
  • Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
  • Jaw locking
  • Frequent headaches or ear pain
  • Grinding or clenching symptoms
  • Clicking that is painful or worsening

Early care prevents long-term complications and helps restore normal function.

Untreated TMJ issues can worsen over time and lead to:

  • Chronic jaw pain
  • Increased clenching or grinding
  • Worn or cracked teeth
  • Persistent headaches
  • Limited jaw movement
  • Inflammation or damage inside the joint

Timely treatment can prevent long-term discomfort and protect your teeth and jaw health.

Modern Dentistry, Gentle Care

Comfortable and Caring Dental Care for the Whole Family

Dr. Melani Fulton

Expertise You Can Trust for TMJ Care in West Des Moines

Dr. Melani Fulton, DDS, leads your TMJ treatment with the same gentle, patient-focused approach she brings to every aspect of dentistry at Brighter Smiles Family Dentistry. A graduate of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and a lifelong West Des Moines resident, Dr. Fulton blends advanced training with a deep commitment to her community.

She is an active member of the American Dental Association, Iowa Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and American Orthodontic Society—organizations that emphasize continuing education and high standards in patient care.

For nearly 40 years, the practice has provided care to the West Des Moines community, ensuring TMJ patients are treated by a familiar, trusted team.

Whether it’s creating a custom mouth guard, discussing Botox therapy for severe symptoms, or guiding you through treatment options, Dr. Fulton and her staff are committed to making sure every TMJ patient receives personalized, informed care.

Join the Many Smiles We’ve Brightened!

Lorron Moffatt

After moving from Mn to Iowa needing a Dentist Brighter Smiles was referred to us by our Son and his Fiancé. Made the Appointment and was very pleased with them .

Lorron Moffatt , via Facebook
Leah Wilson

We had our first family visit with Dr. Fulton today! Everyone was fantastic! So happy with the service and quality of care!

Leah Wilson , via Facebook
Sean Smith

Great place and great service. I have been using Brighter Smiles since they opened and have never once had an issue.

Sean Smith , via Facebook
Michelle Holtz

Dr Fulton and her staff are wonderful. They are so personable. They listen to any concerns you have, and go above to make sure you are comfortable and happy when you leave. I highly recommend her for your dental needs.

Michelle Holtz , via Facebook
Ken O'Brien

First appointment with Dr. Fulton today. Enjoyed meeting her and found the treatment to be top notch!

Ken O'Brien , via Facebook
Sara Tolbert

Very friendly atmosphere and they take the time to explain everything to you. Always a great experience.

Sara Tolbert , via Facebook
Susan Strader Ohnysty

Very friendly and knowledgeable.😊

Susan Strader Ohnysty , via Facebook