When Your Jaw Won’t Stop Aching: Understanding TMJ Disorders and Finding Relief

That clicking sound when you chew. The dull ache radiating from your jaw to your temple. The frustrating inability to open your mouth wide enough to bite into a sandwich. If these symptoms sound familiar, you may be among the millions of Americans affected by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders—and you’re far from alone.

At Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Benjamin Yagoubian brings specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating complex TMJ conditions. His dual training in dentistry and medicine, completed at Columbia University and New York Presbyterian Hospital, provides the comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy and function that TMJ treatment demands.

The Temporomandibular Joint: A Marvel of Engineering

Your temporomandibular joints are among the most complex joints in your body. Located on each side of your head just in front of your ears, these joints act as sliding hinges connecting your jawbone to your skull. They work in concert with surrounding muscles, ligaments, and a small disc of cartilage to enable the movements you use thousands of times daily—talking, chewing, yawning, even expressing emotion through facial movement.

When everything functions properly, you likely never think about these joints. But when problems develop, the impact on daily life can be significant. TMJ disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting the joint itself, the surrounding muscles, or both.

Recognizing TMJ Disorder Symptoms

TMJ disorders manifest differently in different people, and symptoms can range from mildly annoying to severely debilitating. Understanding what to watch for helps patients seek appropriate care before conditions worsen.

• Jaw Pain or Tenderness: Discomfort in the jaw joint area, particularly when chewing, speaking, or opening the mouth wide. Pain may be constant or intermittent.
• Clicking, Popping, or Grating Sounds: Noises when opening or closing the mouth, sometimes accompanied by a catching sensation. While occasional clicking without pain isn’t necessarily concerning, persistent sounds warrant evaluation.
• Limited Jaw Movement: Difficulty opening the mouth fully, or the jaw locking in an open or closed position. Some patients describe feeling like their jaw gets “stuck.”
• Facial Pain: Aching pain around the ear, cheek, or temple that may be mistaken for ear infections, sinus problems, or tension headaches.
• Headaches: Chronic headaches, particularly upon waking, often result from nighttime teeth clenching or grinding associated with TMJ dysfunction.
• Neck and Shoulder Pain: Because facial muscles connect to the neck and shoulders, TMJ problems frequently cause referred pain in these areas.
• Changes in Bite: Teeth that suddenly don’t fit together properly, or a sense that the bite has shifted.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

TMJ disorders rarely have a single cause. Instead, multiple factors typically contribute to their development, making accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment.

Bruxism—the medical term for teeth grinding and clenching—ranks among the most common contributing factors. Many people grind their teeth during sleep without realizing it, placing enormous stress on the temporomandibular joints night after night. Stress and anxiety often trigger or worsen bruxism, which explains why TMJ symptoms frequently intensify during demanding periods of life.

Arthritis can affect the temporomandibular joints just as it affects other joints in the body. Both osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) and rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint deterioration, inflammation, and pain.

Trauma to the jaw or face—from accidents, sports injuries, or even prolonged dental procedures—may damage the joint structure or the disc that cushions jaw movements.

Structural abnormalities present from birth, or developing over time due to uneven jaw growth, can create mechanical problems that stress the joint.

Poor posture, particularly forward head posture common among people who work at computers, places additional strain on jaw muscles and can contribute to TMJ dysfunction.

Why Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Excel at TMJ Treatment

The temporomandibular joint sits at the intersection of dental and medical concerns, making oral and maxillofacial surgeons uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders. Dr. Yagoubian’s training encompasses both disciplines—he holds both a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and a Medical Degree from Columbia University, followed by specialized surgical training at Columbia University/New York Presbyterian Hospital.

This dual perspective proves invaluable when evaluating TMJ problems. The joint involves dental structures (how teeth come together affects joint function), medical conditions (arthritis, connective tissue disorders), and surgical considerations (joint structure and function). An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can assess all these factors comprehensively.

Additionally, Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center offers advanced diagnostic technology, including 3D cone beam CT scanning, that provides detailed visualization of joint structures impossible to see with traditional X-rays. This imaging capability allows Dr. Yagoubian to identify precisely what’s causing symptoms and develop targeted treatment plans.

Treatment Approaches: From Conservative to Surgical

TMJ treatment follows a graduated approach, beginning with the most conservative options and progressing to more involved interventions only when necessary.

For many patients, conservative treatments provide significant relief. These may include custom-fitted oral appliances (splints or night guards) that reduce clenching pressure and optimize jaw positioning during sleep. Physical therapy exercises strengthen supporting muscles and improve joint mobility. Lifestyle modifications—stress management techniques, dietary changes to softer foods during flare-ups, and posture improvement—address contributing factors.

When conservative measures prove insufficient, additional interventions become appropriate. Medications including anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or in some cases low-dose antidepressants that help with pain processing may be recommended. Injectable treatments can calm overactive muscles contributing to clenching and grinding.

For patients with structural problems—damaged discs, severe arthritis, or anatomical abnormalities—surgical intervention may offer the best path to lasting relief. Dr. Yagoubian’s surgical training includes procedures ranging from minimally invasive arthroscopy to more comprehensive joint surgery when warranted. His passion for jaw surgery, developed during his years at Columbia, translates to exceptional expertise for patients requiring surgical treatment.

The Connection Between Stress and TMJ

February often brings its own stressors—work deadlines, relationship pressures around Valentine’s Day, and the general fatigue of late winter. For patients prone to TMJ problems, stress manifests physically through increased muscle tension and bruxism.

Understanding this connection empowers patients to take proactive steps. Recognizing when stress levels rise and implementing coping strategies—exercise, adequate sleep, relaxation techniques—can prevent TMJ flare-ups before they start. Some patients benefit from keeping a symptom diary to identify patterns between life stressors and jaw pain episodes.

If you notice increased jaw tension, morning headaches, or a sore jaw upon waking during stressful periods, these signs suggest your body is responding to stress through clenching or grinding. Early intervention during these times can prevent acute symptoms from becoming chronic conditions.

What to Expect During Your TMJ Evaluation

Patients visiting Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center for TMJ concerns receive thorough evaluation beginning with detailed discussion of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors. Dr. Yagoubian takes time to understand each patient’s experience—when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect daily life.

Physical examination assesses jaw movement, joint sounds, muscle tenderness, and bite alignment. Depending on findings, imaging studies may be recommended to visualize internal joint structures.

Following evaluation, Dr. Yagoubian discusses findings and treatment recommendations in terms patients can understand. His approach emphasizes education—helping patients understand what’s causing their symptoms empowers them to participate actively in treatment decisions. Whether the appropriate path involves conservative management, splint therapy, or surgical intervention, patients leave with a clear understanding of their condition and their options.

The practice’s dedicated team, including patient liaison Laila and experienced surgical assistants, ensures patients feel supported throughout their care journey. Patient testimonials consistently mention the welcoming atmosphere and thorough communication that characterize the Torrance Oral Surgery experience.

Don’t Let Jaw Pain Control Your Life

Living with chronic jaw pain, headaches, and limited function isn’t something you simply have to accept. TMJ disorders are treatable conditions, and with proper diagnosis and care, most patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.

If clicking, popping, pain, or limited movement affects your jaw, or if you wake with headaches and jaw soreness suggesting nighttime clenching, evaluation by a specialist can identify the cause and chart a path toward relief.

Schedule Your TMJ Consultation at Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center

Dr. Benjamin Yagoubian and the team at Torrance Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center welcome patients from throughout the South Bay area, including Torrance, Palos Verdes, and surrounding communities. With advanced diagnostic technology, comprehensive training, and genuine commitment to patient care, our practice offers the specialized expertise TMJ disorders demand.

Call (310) 373-0667 to schedule your consultation today. Your jaw works hard for you every single day—it deserves expert care when problems arise.