If you wake up with jaw pain, struggle to chew without clicking or popping, or feel constant tension near your temples, you’re not alone. Many patients in Wilmington, NC live with TMJ disorder symptoms for years without knowing what’s really causing them.
At Atlantic Dental, we help patients uncover the source of their jaw pain and create treatment plans that actually work with no referrals or surgery required. If you're tired of the discomfort, here’s what you need to know about TMJ disorder and how we can help.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull and allows you to chew, speak, and yawn. It’s one of the most active joints in your body, but also one of the most sensitive to stress, alignment issues, or inflammation.
When this joint becomes irritated, overused, or misaligned, it can lead to TMJ disorder, also known as TMD. Although “TMD” is technically the correct abbreviation, many patients and providers still refer to the condition as simply “TMJ.”
Learn more about TMJ from Johns Hopkins Medicine.
TMJ symptoms can vary from person to person, but some of the most common include:
If these symptoms are affecting your daily routine, it’s time to get evaluated.
There’s no single cause of TMJ disorder—it can result from a combination of physical, behavioral, and even emotional factors. Common causes include:
Learn more from the American Dental Association about TMJ causes and treatments.
A TMJ diagnosis begins with a conversation. At Atlantic Dental, we take the time to listen to your symptoms and evaluate how they’re affecting your daily life. We may use:
Your treatment plan will depend on what we find—but it’s always tailored to your unique symptoms and lifestyle.
See how Atlantic Dental treats TMJ and learn more about it.
We use a range of non-invasive treatments to relieve TMJ pain and protect your jaw joint long-term. Some of the most effective options include:
If you grind or clench your teeth, a custom-fit nightguard reduces pressure on the joint and muscles while you sleep. These guards also protect your enamel from wear.
When bite alignment is a root cause of your TMJ symptoms, subtle bite adjustments or clear aligners may offer lasting relief.
Guided jaw exercises can help reduce muscle tension and improve joint mobility—especially when paired with stress-reducing techniques.
In some cases, short-term use of medication helps manage inflammation or muscle spasms. We can discuss what’s appropriate based on your overall health.
Most TMJ cases in Wilmington are resolved with conservative treatment. But if surgical consultation is needed, we can coordinate care with trusted specialists.
Get evaluated by our dental team in Wilmington and start your TMJ treatment journey today.
Occasionally, mild TMJ symptoms may improve with reduced stress, better sleep habits, or lifestyle changes. But in most cases, TMJ discomfort becomes chronic if left untreated.
That’s why it’s important to address symptoms early before joint damage progresses or surrounding muscles become more strained.
We believe TMJ treatment should be:
We’ve helped patients from all across Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and the Cape Fear area find relief from chronic jaw tension and headaches—often without the need for surgery.
Still curious about TMJ? Learn more on our TMJ page.
Clenching and grinding often happen while you sleep. If you wake up with jaw pain, tension headaches, or notice flattened teeth, bruxism may be to blame.
Coverage varies. Custom nightguards are often covered, while elective bite correction may not be. Our team can help review your options before treatment begins.
Yes. TMJ disorder can affect children, especially those with orthodontic issues or high stress. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term discomfort.
TMJ disorder doesn’t need to disrupt your daily life. With the right evaluation and a clear treatment plan, you can reduce pain, protect your jaw, and feel like yourself again.
If you’re tired of dealing with jaw pain, clicking, or tension, let’s get to the root of the issue. Contact Atlantic Dental to schedule your TMJ evaluation.