What Is TMJ?

Your temporomandibular joints are located just in front of your ears, connecting your jawbone to your skull. These joints work like hinges, allowing you to open and close your mouth, chew, speak, and yawn. When the joints and surrounding muscles are balanced, you don’t even think about them. But when something throws the joint off—whether it’s an injury, teeth grinding, or misalignment—problems begin to appear.

At our TMJ dental office in Lee’s Summit, we see how closely the jaw joints are tied to overall health. Because the TMJ is connected to muscles and nerves in the face, head, and neck, issues with the joint don’t always stay localized. Instead, they can create pain and discomfort throughout your entire upper body.

TMJ vs. TMD: What’s the Difference?

Many people use the terms TMJ and TMD interchangeably, but they aren’t exactly the same thing.

  • TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint—the actual hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Everyone has TMJs, one on each side of the face.
  • TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder—the condition that develops when those joints don’t work properly, leading to pain, clicking, limited movement, and other symptoms.

In other words, TMJ is the joint itself, while TMD is the disorder affecting the joint. Most patients simply say they “have TMJ,” but what they really mean is that they’re suffering from TMD. At our Lee’s Summit TMJ dental office, we help patients understand the difference and find the right solutions.

Why TMJ Is Often Misdiagnosed

One of the most frustrating aspects of TMJ is that its symptoms mimic other health problems. Ear pain may be blamed on infections, while headaches may be treated as migraines. Some patients are prescribed treatments that don’t help, simply because the root cause—TMJ—hasn’t been identified. That’s why visiting a TMJ dentist in Lee’s Summit is so important for an accurate evaluation and the right care.

Common Causes of TMJ

TMJ disorders don’t have a single cause. In many cases, it’s a combination of factors such as:

  • Grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism), often at night, which puts constant stress on the joint
  • Bite imbalances, where the teeth don’t fit together properly and strain the jaw
  • Jaw injuries, such as a fall, accident, or sports impact
  • Arthritis, which can damage the cartilage within the joint
  • Stress, which often worsens clenching, muscle tightness, and jaw tension

Our TMJ treatment approach focuses on identifying these root causes so we can create a plan that addresses both the pain and the underlying issue.

Common TMJ Symptoms

TMJ issues don’t always show up the same way. Because the joint is tied to nearby nerves and muscles, symptoms can feel widespread and confusing.

  • Jaw pain or soreness that spreads to the face, temples, neck, or shoulders
  • Clicking or popping sounds when chewing, yawning, or talking
  • Headaches or migraines, often first thing in the morning
  • Earaches, ringing in the ears, or a clogged sensation
  • Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth fully
  • Teeth that feel like they don’t fit together properly
  • Swelling on one or both sides of the face
  • Other issues like dizziness, tooth wear, or tingling in the fingers

If you’re experiencing these signs, our TMJ care in Lee’s Summit can help you get relief.

Signs It’s Time to Get Help

It may be time to see a TMJ dentist if you notice:

  • Frequent headaches or migraines that don’t go away
  • Clicking or popping sounds in your jaw
  • Worn, cracked, or broken teeth from grinding or clenching
  • Ear pain, ringing, or pressure that isn’t caused by infection
  • Jaw, neck, or shoulder pain that keeps coming back

When these symptoms disrupt your daily life, visiting a trusted TMJ dental office in Lee’s Summit is the first step toward long-term relief.

How TMJ Is Treated

The good news is that TMJ disorders are highly treatable. Once the cause is identified, treatment is focused on restoring harmony between your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles. Dr. Pribyl may recommend:

  • Custom oral appliances (similar to night guards) to reduce clenching and balance the bite
  • Bite adjustments to bring the teeth into better alignment
  • Muscle relaxation therapies to relieve tension and restore comfortable movement
  • Lifestyle guidance to reduce stress, avoid triggers, and protect your teeth

With personalized TMJ treatment in Lee’s Summit, patients often experience improvements not only in jaw comfort but also in related symptoms like headaches, ear pain, and sleep quality.

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

Living with TMJ symptoms can take a toll on your comfort, energy, and quality of life—but you don’t have to keep suffering. At the Center for TMJ and Sleep Apnea, our TMJ dentist in Lee’s Summit is here to help you find answers and lasting solutions.

Not sure if your symptoms could be TMJ?

Take our TMD Scale Evaluation Quiz to see if you may be living with TMJ.