TLC for Your TMJ – Relief Starts Here

TMJ treatment in Asheboro is available at Williams Dentistry for patients struggling with jaw pain, stiffness, or headaches. If you’re experiencing a clicking sound when you chew or waking up with a tired jaw—TMJ could be the cause. Dr. Williams provides personalized evaluations and treatment options to relieve discomfort, restore function, and protect your long-term oral health. Don’t let jaw pain disrupt your life—effective, compassionate care is just a visit away.

TMJ symptoms include:

  • Unexplained loose teeth
  • Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth
  • Cracking, chippin,g or breaking dental restorations
  • Pain or soreness around the jaw joints
  • Pain inthe  teeth that seems to move around
  • Neck, shoulder, or back pain
  • Facial pain
  • Clicking or grating sounds in the jaw joints
  • Limited movement or locking jaw
  • Numbness in your fingers and arms
  • Congestion or stuffiness of the ears

What is TMJ Dysfunction?

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJ) is the name for symptoms often caused by a misalignment of the joints that connect your lower jaw to the rest of your skull. Each joint is covered with cartilage, separated by a small disc that acts as a shock absorber and helps keep the jaw movements smooth.

If this disc deteriorates or moves out of alignment, or the joint is damaged from some type of impact, this can be the cause of jaw joint disorder.

TMD can often be treated without invasive procedures, such as surgery. Dr. Brandon or Dr. Amy may recommend splint therapy to allow the muscles to relax and gently reposition the jaw joint. Splint therapy consists of a custom-designed bite splint, that typically fits over the lower teeth. Not only does the splint relax the muscles and realign the jaw, it also is designed to protect your teeth from grinding or clenching.

You will experience what a comfortable difference a stable, solid bite can make on your teeth, muscles and jaw. We can also learn how to most conservatively treat your mouth to get it functioning properly.

Once relief and stability are achieved with splint therapy, we may recommend to reshape or restore your teeth, so that they move smoothly against each other and fit together in the same solid manner you felt using the bite splint. This will enable your jaw joints, muscles and teeth to function in harmony and prevent further pain and breakdown.

Understanding TMJ and Innovative Treatment Options

What is TMJ in dentistry? TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. In dentistry, TMJ refers to disorders affecting this joint and the surrounding muscles. TMJ dysfunction can cause a range of symptoms, including jaw pain, popping or clicking sounds, headaches, neck tension, and difficulty chewing. At Williams Dentistry, we take a whole-health approach to diagnosing and treating TMJ concerns, helping you find relief that lasts.

One non-invasive option we sometimes recommend is kinesiology tape for TMJ. Also known as KT tape for TMJ, this flexible, skin-safe tape can be applied to the jaw and surrounding muscles to gently reduce tension, improve circulation, and support proper jaw movement. While it’s not a cure, KT tape can be a helpful part of a broader treatment plan, especially for patients seeking drug-free pain management options.

We customize every TMJ treatment in Asheboro based on your specific symptoms, bite alignment, and lifestyle. Whether you’re struggling with chronic tension or occasional flare-ups, our team is here to help you find the right solutions, so you can get back to eating, speaking, and living with comfort and ease. From at-home care to advanced therapies, we’ll walk with you every step of the way to ensure your treatment is effective, sustainable, and tailored to your needs.