TMJ & Neuromuscular Treatment
Located within your jaw is a joint that, when damaged, produces a variety of symptoms not often associated with dental treatment: migraines and headaches, numbness of extremities, a clicking of the jaw, and more.
Chronic jaw pain can radiate throughout the face, neck, and shoulders — disrupting sleep, making it difficult to eat, and diminishing your quality of life. If you've been living with persistent jaw pain, soreness, or locking, our neuromuscular approach targets the root cause rather than just managing symptoms.
“The medical provider with solutions to improve your discomfort may actually be your dentist.”
If you find yourself suffering from inexplicable symptoms, even after seeking treatment – we specialize in the diagnosis and neuromuscular correction of TMD.
What is TMJ/TMD?
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the hinge-like joint on each side of your head that connects your jawbone to your skull. It is one of the most complex joints in the body, responsible for the movements required to speak, chew, yawn, and swallow.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) refers to a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement. When the TMJ is damaged, misaligned, or under chronic stress, it produces a wide variety of symptoms that are often misdiagnosed because they appear unrelated to the jaw.
TMD affects an estimated 10 million Americans, yet many suffer for years without a proper diagnosis. The condition can result from trauma, teeth grinding (bruxism), an improper bite (malocclusion), arthritis, or chronic stress that causes habitual jaw clenching.
The TMJ Connection
Your TMJ is intimately connected to the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders through a complex network of nerves and muscles. When the joint is misaligned, it creates a chain reaction:
- Jaw muscles overcompensate, leading to chronic tension
- Nerve pathways become compressed, causing referred pain
- Bite forces distribute unevenly, accelerating tooth wear
- Postural imbalances develop in the neck and shoulders
Common TMD Symptoms
Are you experiencing any of the following? TMD symptoms can manifest far beyond the jaw itself.
Chronic Headaches & Migraines
Frequent migraines or tension headaches often rooted in jaw misalignment and muscle tension radiating from the TMJ.
Jaw Pain & Clicking
Persistent soreness, audible clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening your mouth or chewing.
Facial & Neck Pain
Tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck, and shoulders — especially upon waking or after prolonged stress.
Ear Pain & Ringing
Earaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or a feeling of fullness in the ears without an infection.
Difficulty Chewing
Pain or discomfort when biting down, a sudden uncomfortable bite, or a feeling that teeth don't fit together properly.
Jaw Locking
The jaw getting stuck or locked in an open or closed position, making it difficult to open or close your mouth.
Tooth Sensitivity & Wear
Unexplained tooth sensitivity, cracked teeth, or excessive wear from chronic grinding and clenching (bruxism).
Extremity Numbness
Tingling or numbness in the fingers, hands, or arms caused by nerve compression related to jaw misalignment.
How to Relieve TMD Symptoms
While professional treatment is essential for lasting relief, these strategies can help manage discomfort.
Apply Warm Compresses
Moist heat applied to the jaw area relaxes tight muscles and increases blood flow, reducing pain and stiffness.
Soft Food Diet
Temporarily switching to softer foods reduces stress on the jaw joint, allowing inflamed tissues time to heal.
Avoid Extreme Jaw Movements
Limit wide yawning, loud singing, and excessive gum chewing. Keep jaw movement within a comfortable range.
Stress Management
Stress is a major trigger for jaw clenching. Meditation, deep breathing, and mindful relaxation can significantly reduce symptoms.
Jaw Exercises & Stretching
Gentle range-of-motion exercises prescribed by your provider can improve mobility and reduce muscle tension.
Professional Neuromuscular Treatment
For lasting relief, consult a neuromuscular specialist like Dr. Soboh who can diagnose and correct the underlying cause.
Our Neuromuscular Treatment Approach
Unlike traditional approaches that focus on the joint itself, Dr. Soboh’s neuromuscular protocol addresses the relationship between the teeth, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joints as an integrated system.
Comprehensive Neuromuscular Evaluation
Using the K7 Evaluation System — an advanced computerized jaw tracking device — we precisely measure your jaw's movements, muscle activity (EMG), and joint sounds to identify the exact source of dysfunction. This data-driven approach eliminates guesswork.
TENS & Muscle Deprogramming
We use Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (TENS) to gently relax the jaw muscles and allow the mandible to settle into its true, physiologic resting position — free from years of compensatory muscle memory.
Custom Orthotic Fabrication
Based on precise K7 data, we craft a custom removable orthotic appliance that guides your jaw into its ideal neuromuscular position. Most patients experience significant pain relief within the first weeks of wear.
Stabilization & Long-Term Correction
Once symptoms resolve and the jaw is stabilized, we discuss long-term options — which may include orthodontics, restorative dentistry, or continued orthotic wear — to maintain your new, pain-free bite.
Why Choose Dr. Soboh for TMD?
- LVI Fellow — one of the rare dentists to master the complete LVI CORE (I–VII) Series
- Over 20 years of neuromuscular dentistry experience
- Advanced K7 diagnostic technology for data-driven treatment
- Non-invasive protocols — no surgery required
- Life-changing results for patients who have tried everything else
Ready for Relief?
Don’t spend another day living with chronic jaw pain, migraines, or bite dysfunction. Schedule a neuromuscular consultation with Dr. Soboh.
Request TMD Consultation