What Is TMJ Therapy?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge where your lower jaw connects to your skull, allowing you to smoothly open and close your mouth. When this joint is injured or damaged, you may experience pain or clicking sounds as you use your jaw, a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). You may also notice frequent headaches or dental damage from grinding your teeth while you sleep — a common symptom of TMD. At Joe Pausa, DMD in Alpharetta, GA, we use the latest tools and techniques to relieve painful TMD symptoms, allowing patients to once again eat and speak in comfort. We'll evaluate your condition and help you decide the best way forward, whether that includes night guards, dental restorations, or oral surgery. If TMJ pain is disrupting your life, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sergio Pausa and our experienced dental team to learn how we can help.
How Does TMJ Therapy Work?
During your first visit, Dr. Pausa will examine your mouth and jaw, watching and listening for signs of TMJ disorder. Some of the most common symptoms of TMJ problems to watch for include pain, stiffness in the jaw, popping or clicking, teeth grinding, or changes in your bite. Dr. Pausa may also order digital dental x-rays to get a clear image of your jawbone and joints. After we've identified the problem, we can talk about your treatment. Common TMJ pain relief options include a mouthguard or dental splints (to align your jaw and stop your teeth from grinding at night) or injections to relax the jaw muscles. For more extreme cases, he may recommend oral surgery to repair, remove, or replace the temporomandibular joint.
What Are the Benefits of TMJ Therapy?
TMD can have a significant impact on your ability to sleep comfortably or even enjoy a meal without pain. Even worse, it can cause long-term damage if it's not treated properly. TMJ therapy at Joe Pausa, DMD is about restoring your comfort and quality of life, with benefits that include:
- Alleviating earaches, headaches, neck pain, and facial discomfort
- Reducing severe pain and soreness caused by TMJ disorders
- Diminishing the sound of jaw clicking or popping
- Enhancing jaw mobility and overall function
- Improving sleep quality
- Lowering the likelihood of future dental issues
- Relieving stress and anxiety associated with jaw pain
S. Joseph Pausa, D.M.D. Reviews
I’m always pleased to go to Dr Pausa. They are always professional and helpful to their patients. Another great experience. Thanks for being so kind.
Dr is the ultimate knowledgeable professional in his specialized field. Office staff and tech assistants are great, treat you with kindness and sensitivity to your concern about experiencing such major oral issues
Care provided by Dr Pausa and his assigned medical student from the UGA was outstanding.
Wonderful staff! Dr. Pausa is a personable, caring and effective professional. He spends time to make sure you understand the dental procedure.
Dr. Pausa is an outstanding physician. My 94‑year‑old mother needed complex oral surgery that required coordination between her cardiologist and oncologist, and Dr. Pausa handled every detail with skill and compassion.She has a rare bedside manner—she explains everything clearly, takes time to listen, and makes sure you feel heard and understood. So many doctors rush patients through like numbers, but Dr. Pausa truly cares. We are incredibly grateful for her expertise and her heart.
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Am I A Candidate For TMJ Therapy?
Anyone experiencing the symptoms of TMD may be a good candidate for treatment. If you suffer from jaw pain, frequent headaches, popping or clicking sounds in your jaw, or notice that you grind your teeth, seeking a professional evaluation is the first step toward relief. Ideal candidates are individuals looking for non-invasive or minimally invasive solutions to improve their quality of life. Dr. Pausa and our team are dedicated to helping patients who are motivated to find a lasting solution to their discomfort and restore normal function to their jaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TMJ resolve on its own?
In some cases, TMJ discomfort can improve or resolve on its own, especially if it’s caused by temporary stress, mild inflammation, or jaw overuse. Resting the jaw, eating soft foods, and managing stress often help ease symptoms. However, persistent or worsening pain may indicate a more complex issue with the joint, muscles, or bite alignment. If symptoms don’t subside within a few weeks, our team can evaluate your TMJ function and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What else besides TMJ can cause clicking in your jaw?
Jaw clicking isn’t always caused by TMJ disorder. It can also stem from muscle tension, joint hypermobility, misaligned teeth, or nighttime grinding and clenching. In some cases, clicking occurs when the cartilage disc inside the joint slips slightly out of place during movement. While occasional clicking without pain is usually harmless, persistent popping or discomfort may point to an underlying issue. Our team can help determine the true cause through a careful exam and imaging if needed.
Does TMJ wake you up at night?
It can. Many people with TMJ disorder grind or clench their teeth unconsciously while sleeping, which can lead to jaw tightness, headaches, or even waking during the night from discomfort. This repetitive strain on the jaw joint can also cause morning soreness or fatigue in the facial muscles. If nighttime symptoms are disrupting your rest, our team can help by creating a custom night guard or recommending strategies to reduce jaw tension and protect your TMJ while you sleep.
TMJ Pain Management Solutions
Don't let jaw pain dictate your life. Schedule a consultation at Joe Pausa, DMD in Alpharetta, GA to discover how TMJ therapy can provide relief and save you from more extensive dental problems in the future. Dr. Pausa and our team will be happy to discuss your TMD treatment options and help you decide which one is right for you.