TMJ (Jaw Joint) Disorders & Treatment at Jaw Joint Science Institute

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are the two hinge-pivot joints, one on each side of your jaw, located just in front of your ears. The TMJs link your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull, enabling you to chew, talk, yawn, and move your jaw in every direction. When functioning optimally, the TMJs work smoothly. But when the joint or surrounding muscles are injured or inflamed, everyday activities can become painful. About 5–12% of adults experience some form of TMJ disorder.

At the Jaw Joint Science Institute in Philadelphia, we help relieve your jaw pain and restore function using specialized, state-of-the-art care.

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Common TMJ Symptoms

• Jaw or facial pain: Tenderness or aching around your temple or in front of the ear.
• Ear symptoms: Earaches, tinnitus (ringing), or sensation of pressure in the ear.
• Clicking, popping, or grinding: Sounds or feelings when opening/closing the jaw.
• Limited movement: Trouble fully opening your mouth, or your jaw "catching" when opening or closing.
• Headaches or neck pain: Recurring migraines, sinus-type headaches, or neck/shoulder tension.

These symptoms tend to come and go, or worsen with chewing, stress, or clenching of the teeth. If you find yourself bothered by any of these problems, a TMJ disorder is likely to be responsible.

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Why a Comprehensive TMJ Evaluation Matters

Since TMJ disorders have numerous causes, there is a high need for a proper assessment. Our experts take a methodical approach, so nothing is overlooked:

1: Thorough Exam & Consultation

• We begin by taking a comprehensive medical and dental history, as well as inquiring about your specific symptoms. The dentist will check the alignment of your jaw, bite, and muscle function. We watch during this exam as your jaw opens, closes, and moves from side to side, and look for any clicking or catching. We also palpate the jaw joints and muscles to find areas of spasm or tenderness.

2: Functional Jaw Exam

• We then gently examine your range of motion and bite. We'll ask you to open as wide as possible, move your jaw forward and sideways, and perhaps we'll even examine how your teeth come together. We observe for any deviation, asymmetry, or restriction. Since posture and tension are involved, we may even examine your neck and shoulders.

3: Advanced Imaging

• To visualize exactly what's happening within your joints, we often use high-tech imaging. This typically consists of 3D cone-beam CT scans, which produce detailed three-dimensional images of your jawbones, joint spaces, and skull base. We could also employ other imaging techniques, such as MRI (to visualize cartilage and soft tissues), or even diagnostic TMJ arthroscopy. These images can identify minute fractures or displacements that an exam alone could miss.

4: Personalized Diagnosis & Plan

• Once we've done the evaluation and imaging, we review the results and discuss them with you. You'll know precisely what's causing your pain—whether it's a muscle problem, a bite issue, or an injury to the jaw joint. Then, we create a clear, personalized treatment plan. You'll know what therapies or appliances are needed and why, and what the outcomes will be.

This comprehensive diagnosis ensures that your treatment addresses the actual issue. Unlike the cursory screening test, this method leaves no stone unturned.

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Advanced 3D Imaging for TMJ Disorders

At the Jaw Joint Science Institute, we utilize advanced imaging techniques to identify TMJ issues that other clinics may overlook.

Our 3D cone-beam CT scanner plays the key role in doing so. In contrast to a regular X-ray, the 3D CT allows a volumetric image of your whole jaw and skull. It can disclose minute cracks or abnormalities in the temporal bones at the base of the skull, the very same bones that house the temporal lobe of the brain. By this advanced imaging, we frequently identify fractures and bone trauma coupled with concussions and TMJ disorders. These occult injuries may be the cause of chronic headaches or neurological complaints that other physicians have been unable to relieve.

We scrutinize each 3D image in detail. For instance, scans often reveal minute fractures in the jawbone joint (the glenoid fossa or condyle) that are associated with a patient's pain. The detection of these fractures represents a significant advancement in understanding TMJ-related symptoms.

In addition to CT scans, we can also utilize MRI scans for soft tissue assessment and TMJ arthroscopy in some instances. MRI helps us visualize the jaw's cushioning disc and muscles, while arthroscopy (a tiny camera inserted in the joint) can be diagnostic or even therapeutic in complex cases.

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Non-Surgical TMJ Treatments

Our treatment approach is conservative and tailored to your specific needs. We always start with the least invasive options and only move to more involved therapies if necessary. Because each patient's needs are unique, no two treatment plans are identical.

A key part of our approach is the Jaw-Restorer (J-RES) device.

• Dr. Williams designed this patented, mouthguard-like appliance.
• It gently shifts the lower jaw forward and down, keeping it away from the delicate TMJ anatomy.
• The J-RES protects your jaw joint against impact and can even expand your airway, making breathing easier.
• Functionally, this means the J-RES can help guard against TMJ fractures in accidents or sports and alleviate chronic jaw pain and pressure.
• It allows you to breathe, drink, and speak normally while wearing it.
• For most patients, we fabricate a personalized J-RES appliance in our dental laboratory.

We also offer custom TMJ orthotics (splints or night guards) made from durable acrylic.

• These devices are fitted to your bite to relax jaw muscles and stabilize the joint.
• Correctly fitted orthotics can reduce clenching and grinding by allowing teeth to be slightly apart, unloading the TMJ.
• Over time, this helps inflamed tissues heal and can correct minor bite misalignments.
• Many of our patients report that wearing a nighttime splint significantly reduces morning jaw pain and headaches associated with tooth grinding (bruxism).

In addition to devices, our programs include physical therapy and rehabilitation.

• We collaborate with experienced therapists who teach specific jaw exercises to lengthen tight muscles and strengthen weak ones.
• Examples include resisted jaw opening, gentle resistance maneuvers, and posture training, all of which can significantly improve function.
• Therapists also use modalities such as ultrasound, soft-tissue massage, or TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to further decrease pain and muscle spasms.

Behavioral and lifestyle modifications are equally important.

• Because certain habits can worsen TMJ disorders, we teach relaxation techniques for the jaw and stress reduction strategies.
• You'll learn to avoid habits like gum chewing, nail biting, or using your teeth as tools, which are common stress habits.
• Adjusting your posture, especially when using a computer or phone, can relieve tension in the neck and jaw muscles.
• For sleeping problems, simple adjustments like sleeping on your back with a soft pillow can be effective.
• For some, mastering meditation or biofeedback can interrupt the cycle of clenching triggered by fear.

Whenever possible, we emphasize a non-surgical, non-opioid solution. While we may suggest the temporary use of NSAIDs or muscle relaxants for pain relief, our primary focus is always on addressing the underlying issue.

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TMJ Injury and Neurological Symptoms

One of the things that sets the Jaw Joint Science Institute apart is our ability to link TMJ issues to neurological symptoms. The jaw joint is located directly beneath the temporal lobe of the brain, the most vulnerable part of the skull's protective cover. Dr. Williams has long argued that when the jaw is hit, it can "traumatize the brain through the TMJ."

For example, he explains that a helmeted impact in football or lacrosse can still cause the lower jawbone to crash against the skull base, leading to tiny fractures and brain damage. Alarmingly, these jaw fractures often go undetected, so brain injuries are usually blamed solely on a concussion. Using our 3D imaging, we often find evidence supporting this theory. Many patients with chronic migraines, dizziness, PTSD-like symptoms, or unexplained cognitive fog have undiagnosed TMJ fractures.

When we identify these, we treat the jaw injury as the root cause. The results are life-changing: relief from severe migraines or cluster headaches, significant improvements in mood, and enhanced concentration. According to Dr. Williams, our protocol "provides a clearly defined treatment plan to diminish or eliminate the symptoms of concussions, TBIs, and TMDs." That is, by healing the jaw, many of these neurological symptoms often resolve as well. Patients typically experience significant relief from symptoms after just four months of treatment. We are proud that our approach can restore quality of life without major surgery or opioid medication.

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Meet Our Concussion Specialist

Dr. Edward D. Williams, DDS

Dr. Williams is the founder and senior clinician at the Jaw Joint Science Institute. A Temple University School of Dentistry alumnus, he has practiced dentistry and conducted TMJ research for over 30 years. He has dedicated his professional life to studying jaw joint pathology, facial pain, and concussion science. Indeed, he developed and patented the first protective jaw appliance (the WIPSS mouthguard) and has presented worldwide on avoiding jaw injury and concussions for athletes. Under his guidance, the institute has set new standards in the use of 3D imaging and customized devices for TMJ treatment.

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Insurance Acceptance & Payment Plans

We cover most major dental and medical insurance carriers, such as Cigna, Delta Dental, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Guardian, Aetna, and Anthem. Our friendly office staff will review your benefits with you and help you maximize your coverage.

For uninsured patients or those with high deductibles, we offer flexible payment terms and financing programs. (For instance, financing through CareCredit is available for medical and dental procedures.) In every case, we'll work with you to arrange a payment plan that suits your budget, so you can receive the care you require without delay.

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Schedule Your TMJ Consultation Today

Don't let jaw pain or associated symptoms dominate your life any longer. If you suffer from chronic jaw discomfort or related symptoms (headaches, neck pain, ear pressure), schedule your appointment today. You can contact us by phone or visit us in the office to schedule your appointment.