Salt Lake City TMJ Treatment

Jaw soreness, clicking, popping, and clenching or grinding at night are all signs that the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is under strain. It often comes with headaches and neck tension. Mouth guards and splints protect the teeth and can be a useful part of care. What I add is a look at how the jaw, upper neck and skull are working together.

Common TMJ symptoms

• Jaw pain when chewing, talking or yawning
• Clicking or popping in the jaw
• Clenching and grinding (bruxism), often worse at night
• Headaches and tension around the temples
• Ear discomfort near the jaw joint
• Neck and shoulder tension

How I approach TMJ

I use Open Source Technique (OST). The OS Test shows which structure is holding stress and in which direction: the jaw joint itself, its cartilage disc, the ligaments, the chewing muscles, the upper neck or the bones of the skull. Corrections are light and specific. There is no cracking or popping of the jaw or neck, and the assessment does not require X-rays.

If you already have a night guard from your dentist, keep using it. The two work well together.

What to expect

The first visit is a full assessment and your first adjustment. Many patients notice meaningful change within the first 1 to 3 visits, and care is not continued without benefit. More on the TMJ treatment page.