San Francisco and Marin CA
If you’re dealing with persistent facial pain and discomfort, pinpointing the cause can be tricky. Sometimes, what feels like sinus problems or dental issues might actually be TMJ — temporomandibular joint disorder — which is responsible for up to 70% of all facial pain cases. At Glen Park Dental, our experienced team has helped many patients find relief from TMJ symptoms and regain their quality of life.
Please remember: TMJ affects each person differently, and there’s no universal cure. At Glen Park Dental, we’re committed to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs, aiming to reduce or eliminate TMJ-related facial pain.
If your facial pain persists and disrupts your daily routine, here are five key signs that TMJ could be the cause—and what you should do next.
1. Pain on One Side of Your Face
Facial pain limited to one side often stems from muscle imbalances related to the jaw’s closing muscles. This can lead to inflammation, tenderness, or swelling. However, other factors such as injury, infection, sinus problems, or stress can also contribute to this discomfort.
Alongside one-sided facial pain, you might experience tension headaches or even hearing issues. If these symptoms are affecting your daily life, it’s important to get a professional evaluation from a TMJ specialist like the team at Glen Park Dental.
2. Weakness in Jaw Muscles
Jaw muscle weakness can be a sign of TMJ disorder. When the jaw isn’t aligned properly, it places extra strain on the muscles supporting it, which can cause them to weaken over time.
During your comprehensive TMJ evaluation at Glen Park Dental, we perform muscle testing and thorough assessments to determine whether TMJ is the cause and develop an effective treatment plan to relieve your symptoms.
3. Frequent Headaches or Pain Behind the Eyes
Many people with TMJ experience tension headaches or muscle strain-related pain, often felt behind the eyes. Because these symptoms can have multiple causes, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider to identify the root problem.
If typical treatments aren’t helping, visiting a TMJ specialist at Glen Park Dental can provide clarity and targeted care to manage your facial pain.
4. Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding
Jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism) are common habits but can be indicators of TMJ when they cause pain or discomfort. Signs include frequent jaw popping, clicking, or a sensation that your jaw is tightly locked.
At Glen Park Dental, we use advanced diagnostics and years of experience to address these issues and provide treatments that prevent further damage and relieve your discomfort.
TMJ and Impacted Teeth
Facial pain can also be linked to impacted teeth or infections like abscesses, often causing swelling and difficulty with chewing or speaking. Sometimes, a misaligned bite puts extra stress on the jaw muscles and ligaments, contributing to TMJ and severe facial pain.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek care promptly. Early intervention can prevent worsening symptoms and improve your overall oral health.
Chronic TMJ Facial Pain? We’re Here to Help
If chronic TMJ-related facial pain is disrupting your life, Glen Park Dental’s dedicated team specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders using non-surgical, natural approaches whenever possible. Our goal is to help you heal comfortably while minimizing reliance on medications.
Don’t wait for your symptoms to escalate. If you live in San Francisco or nearby and suffer from persistent facial pain, reach out to Glen Park Dental today.
Contact us at (415) 799-3900 or visit us at:
4 Joost Ave, San Francisco, CA 94131
Take the first step towards a pain-free life—because living with facial pain isn’t truly living.
