Do You Really “Have TMJ”?

ByLUMN

Understanding Your Jaw Joint and What It Means for You

Lately, I’ve had several patients come in saying, “I have TMJ,” while pointing to an area near their jaw joint. The truth is, everyone has TMJ — it stands for Temporomandibular Joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull.

What most people mean is that they’re experiencing pain, popping, tightness, or dysfunction in that area — what we actually call Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). Because this condition can be confusing and sometimes frustrating, I want to help you understand what’s really happening and how to find the right treatment for lasting relief. 

What Is the TMJ?

Your TMJ is one of the most complex joints in your body. It allows you to move your jaw smoothly when you talk, chew, laugh, or yawn. In a healthy state, you don’t notice it at all.

But when the joint or surrounding muscles aren’t functioning properly, even small movements can become uncomfortable — that’s when we use the term TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder).

Common Signs and Symptoms of TMD

TMD can show up differently for everyone. Here are some of the most common symptoms I see in patients:

  • Pain or tenderness when chewing, speaking, or opening your mouth
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw joint
  • Headaches or facial pain, especially around the temples or ears
  • Tightness in the jaw or neck muscles
  • Jaw locking or limited movement
  • Avoiding certain foods because it’s uncomfortable to chew

If these sound familiar, it’s a good idea to have your jaw evaluated — not just for comfort, but to protect the long-term health of your joint, muscles and teeth.

How We Diagnose and Treat TMD at Dr. Tex Mabalon Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

When it comes to TMJ and TMD care, a thorough diagnosis is the foundation for real, lasting results. At our practice, we combine advanced technology with a deep understanding of oral and muscular health to uncover the root cause of your symptoms.

Here’s what you can expect during your TMJ evaluation: 

  • 1. Comprehensive Review: We start by understanding your full medical, dental, and personal history — because TMJ issues are often connected to posture, stress, bite alignment, or past injuries.
  • 2. Detailed Clinical Exam: We evaluate your jaw joint, muscle function, and how your teeth come together (your bite).
  • 3. Advanced Imaging: Using digital X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and 3D digital models, we gain a complete picture of your joint health and movement.

Our goal is to connect what we find clinically with your personal experience and design a custom treatment plan that relieves pain, restores balance, and improves daily function. 

Why Patients Choose Dr. Tex for TMJ Care

  • Specialized training in TMJ and bite-related disorders
  • Technology-driven diagnostics for accuracy and clarity
  • Personalized care that focuses on your unique symptoms and lifestyle
  • A relationship-based approach — we take the time to listen, educate, and guide you toward sustainable relief

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If jaw pain, popping, or headaches have been holding you back, you don’t have to keep guessing or living with discomfort. Schedule a consultation to get clarity on what’s happening and what can be done to help.

At Dr. Tex Mabalon Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we’re here to help you find relief and restore comfort — so you can talk, chew, and smile with confidence again. 

Learn More about TMJ

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