Jaw pain is not normal.
If jaw pain is part of your everyday life, it may seem normal to you. The truth is, jaw pain is far from normal and may be a symptom of a condition called TMD from one or both of your TMJs. Those are the joints of your lower jaw, called TemporoMandibular Joints. When disease or misalignment occurs, the TMJ and surrounding area becomes inflamed — which is what causes pain and other symptoms.
- Headaches
- Earaches, tenderness around the ear
- Face or jaw pain and tenderness
- Muscle pain in your neck, shoulders and upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning or opening your mouth
What are the signs of TMJ disorder (TMD)?
How do we diagnose and treat TMJ disorder?
Diagnosis
Treatment of TMD begins with a comprehensive clinical examination, to check your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. During your appointment, we will check for pain and tenderness and listen for clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If the disorder is diagnosed, a bite splint or night guard is often recommended as the initial treatment.
Treatment and Relief
Our treatment application involves bite splints, which are custom-created plastic mouthpieces, designed to fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. These type of devices prevent the grinding and clenching that often causes or worsens TMD. The splint also realigns the jaw, removing stress on the surrounding area.
Alternative Treatment Options
If a misaligned bite or missing teeth are the cause of your symptoms, we may recommend orthodontics or restorative dental work. If your bite is placing undue pressure on the TMJ’s, we may suggest reshaping individual teeth to redistribute the bite force evenly.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Winner Of The Three Best Rated Award
Dr. Bukhari is the winner of the 3 Best Dentists in Norfolk.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. If this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed we refer to that as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMD for short.
Signs or symptoms of TMD include pain and tenderness in or around the ear, the jaw joint, or the muscles of the jaw, face or temples. Other symptoms are problems opening or closing your mouth, and a clicking, popping, crunching or grinding noise when you chew, yawn or open your mouth. TMDs may be linked with neck pain and headaches.
TMD is caused by a combination of factors like jaw injuries and joint disease, such as arthritis. It’s believed that bruxism (tooth clenching or grinding) and head or neck muscle tension may make TMD symptoms worse. Stress is also a possible factor. However, it is not clear if stress causes TMD or is a result. Other things that may lead to TMDs are partial or full dentures that are not the right fit and certain habits such as fingernail biting and pen or pencil biting. As you can see, there are an array of different causes which makes TMD hard to diagnose. The best way to understand your jaw pain symptoms are to book an appointment.
There are many possible causes of headaches. No doctor will be able to determine the cause of your headache without a physical examination.
Most often, TMJ pain can be treated effectively with non-invasive treatments and therapies. In very rare circumstances, TMD may require surgery. Your health and happiness are both important to us. We will always present you with all of your options, work through the safest and easiest options first, and give you the final decision on what happens next.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Healthful Choices
2 weeks ago
New in town and so happy to come across the team at Port Dover Family Dentistry. I'm super nervous about dental work and was relieved at how great Dr. Bukhari and team were through everything.
Irene O'Callaghan
2 months ago
This was my first visit and I had such a great experience! The staff were friendly and welcoming, making sure to communicate the cost of the services upfront to ensure I was comfortable moving ahead, which I truly appreciated! I felt very looked after and they took care that I was never in any discomfort throughout my time there. Would definitely recommend Port Dover Family Dentistry!!
Geevan Lal Soman
2 months ago
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Port Dover Family Dentistry for my dental check-up, and I must say, it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and a welcoming atmosphere that immediately put me at ease. Dr. Bukhari, the lead dentist at Port Dover Family Dentistry, embodies professionalism with a touch of warmth. His friendly and jovial demeanor instantly made me feel comfortable, and I appreciated how he took the time to thoroughly explain every aspect of my dental health. Dr. Bukhari not only identified any issues but also discussed treatment options with me in a way that was easy to understand, empowering me to make informed decisions about my dental care. The dental hygienist, Erin, who cleaned my teeth was equally exceptional. Not only was she highly skilled and thorough in her work, but her friendly and gentle approach made the experience surprisingly pleasant. She took the time to ensure I was comfortable throughout the cleaning process, and her attention to detail left my teeth feeling incredibly clean and refreshed. Beyond the dental professionals, the front desk staff, Meggin and Christina, at Port Dover Family Dentistry deserves commendation as well. Their warm and friendly demeanor made scheduling appointments and handling paperwork a breeze. They were always willing to go the extra mile to accommodate my needs and preferences, making me feel like a valued member of their dental family. What truly sets Port Dover Family Dentistry apart is their genuine sense of community and family. From the moment you step through the door, you're not just another patient – you're treated like a member of their extended family. This warm and inviting atmosphere creates a sense of comfort and trust that is truly unmatched. In conclusion, I can't recommend Port Dover Family Dentistry highly enough. Dr. Bukhari and his staff provide top-notch dental care with a personal touch that sets them apart from the rest. If you're looking for a dental clinic where you'll be treated like family, look no further than Port Dover Family Dentistry. Your smile will thank you!
Jackie Walton
3 months ago
Friendly staff, felt very welcome from the moment I walked in . Office was very clean and professional looking, this was my third Visit really pleased with the work that has been done. Will definitely be back in the fall for my next cleaning, thank you also very much for making me feel so welcome. Take care talk soon Jackie Walton
Chantelle Seguin
3 months ago
I cannot express enough how grateful I am to Dr. Bukhari, Meghan, Shannon and the entire team at PD dentistry. Each and every one of the team goes above and beyond in every interaction. They are so friendly, make you feel calm, confident and taken care of. I recently had a huge procedure done (4 front crowns!) and they took the time to explain the procedure in great detail and even set me up to meet with Pow Laboratories to do custom shading (they did a great job). Dr Bukhari did AMAZING work and I have had nothing but compliments on my new smile 😄! … I wish I did this years ago! Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, thank you! I feel much more confident and I am so appreciative of this great experience!
Healthful Choices
2 weeks ago
New in town and so happy to come across the team at Port Dover Family Dentistry. I'm super nervous about dental work and was relieved at how great Dr. Bukhari and team were through everything.
Irene O'Callaghan
2 months ago
This was my first visit and I had such a great experience! The staff were friendly and welcoming, making sure to communicate the cost of the services upfront to ensure I was comfortable moving ahead, which I truly appreciated! I felt very looked after and they took care that I was never in any discomfort throughout my time there. Would definitely recommend Port Dover Family Dentistry!!
Geevan Lal Soman
2 months ago
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Port Dover Family Dentistry for my dental check-up, and I must say, it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and a welcoming atmosphere that immediately put me at ease. Dr. Bukhari, the lead dentist at Port Dover Family Dentistry, embodies professionalism with a touch of warmth. His friendly and jovial demeanor instantly made me feel comfortable, and I appreciated how he took the time to thoroughly explain every aspect of my dental health. Dr. Bukhari not only identified any issues but also discussed treatment options with me in a way that was easy to understand, empowering me to make informed decisions about my dental care. The dental hygienist, Erin, who cleaned my teeth was equally exceptional. Not only was she highly skilled and thorough in her work, but her friendly and gentle approach made the experience surprisingly pleasant. She took the time to ensure I was comfortable throughout the cleaning process, and her attention to detail left my teeth feeling incredibly clean and refreshed. Beyond the dental professionals, the front desk staff, Meggin and Christina, at Port Dover Family Dentistry deserves commendation as well. Their warm and friendly demeanor made scheduling appointments and handling paperwork a breeze. They were always willing to go the extra mile to accommodate my needs and preferences, making me feel like a valued member of their dental family. What truly sets Port Dover Family Dentistry apart is their genuine sense of community and family. From the moment you step through the door, you're not just another patient – you're treated like a member of their extended family. This warm and inviting atmosphere creates a sense of comfort and trust that is truly unmatched. In conclusion, I can't recommend Port Dover Family Dentistry highly enough. Dr. Bukhari and his staff provide top-notch dental care with a personal touch that sets them apart from the rest. If you're looking for a dental clinic where you'll be treated like family, look no further than Port Dover Family Dentistry. Your smile will thank you!
Jackie Walton
3 months ago
Friendly staff, felt very welcome from the moment I walked in . Office was very clean and professional looking, this was my third Visit really pleased with the work that has been done. Will definitely be back in the fall for my next cleaning, thank you also very much for making me feel so welcome. Take care talk soon Jackie Walton
Chantelle Seguin
3 months ago
I cannot express enough how grateful I am to Dr. Bukhari, Meghan, Shannon and the entire team at PD dentistry. Each and every one of the team goes above and beyond in every interaction. They are so friendly, make you feel calm, confident and taken care of. I recently had a huge procedure done (4 front crowns!) and they took the time to explain the procedure in great detail and even set me up to meet with Pow Laboratories to do custom shading (they did a great job). Dr Bukhari did AMAZING work and I have had nothing but compliments on my new smile 😄! … I wish I did this years ago! Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, thank you! I feel much more confident and I am so appreciative of this great experience!
