Have you experienced jaw pain, popping or clicking of your jaw, severe headaches and/or neck aches, limited opening, lock jaw or muscle soreness on the side of your face? These are all symptoms that may indicate that you have TMJ. This temporomandibular joint (TMJ) consists of muscles, disks, blood vessels and a joint located in front of the ear canal. Causes such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, internal derangement, neoplasm, muscular disorders and infection affect the health of the TMJ. Patients may suffer pain or discomfort in their TMJ that interferes with their daily activities. Patients may also suffer from involuntary grinding and clenching of the teeth (bruxism). This excessive force on the teeth can cause a tooth to chip, break, crack and the gum to recede exposing the root. Treatment for TMJ and Bruxism is different and Dr. Allen can evaluate the proper treatment to bring relief and preserve the health of your TMJ and teeth.