TMJ Treatment in Pennsauken, NJ
Jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and trouble chewing usually trace back to the temporomandibular joint. AZ Dental Spa treats TMJ disorder with night guards, physical therapy referrals, and on-site Botox for jaw tension, all from the same team you already trust.
The joint that lets you talk and chew, until it doesn't
TMJ, short for the temporomandibular joint, is the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull, one on each side of your face just in front of your ears. TMJ disorder is what happens when that joint, or the muscles that move it, stop working the way they should.
You use this joint every time you talk, chew, or yawn, which is exactly why a problem with it shows up so often and so noticeably. Pain, stiffness, clicking, and trouble opening your mouth fully are the usual first signs something's off.
Not the same as a toothache. TMJ pain comes from the joint and the muscles around it, not from a specific tooth, which is part of why it can be tricky to pin down without an exam.
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?
The most common signs are jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. A few other symptoms are worth watching for too, since TMJ disorder doesn't always show up the same way for everyone.
What causes TMJ disorder?
There's rarely one single cause. TMJ disorder usually comes from some mix of teeth grinding or clenching, often at night without you realizing it, a jaw injury, arthritis in the joint, chronic stress, or a bite that's out of alignment. Some people develop it gradually from years of clenching; others notice it start suddenly after an injury or a stressful stretch of life. An exam helps narrow down what's actually driving your case, which matters because the right treatment depends on the cause.
How TMJ pain tends to show up
TMJ pain rarely stays in one place. Because the jaw muscles connect up toward the temples and down toward the ear, discomfort often spreads well beyond the joint itself.
Jaw pain & clicking
Soreness, tightness, or an audible click or pop when you open and close your mouth.
Headaches & ear pain
Tension near the temples or a dull ache around the ear that isn't actually an ear infection.
Chewing & locking
Pain or fatigue partway through a meal, or a jaw that briefly catches when opening wide.
What happens at your TMJ evaluation
Here's what actually happens once you're in the chair.
Exam and symptom review — we ask about your pain, clicking, and headaches, and when they started.
Jaw movement and bite evaluation — we check how your jaw opens, closes, and shifts, and how your teeth come together.
Imaging if needed — an X-ray can rule out other causes and show the joint in more detail.
Personalized treatment plan — depending on what we find, that might mean a night guard, Botox, a physical therapy referral, or a bite adjustment.
Follow-up and adjustments — we check back in a few weeks to see how you're responding and fine-tune the plan.
Most TMJ evaluations run about 45 minutes, and most patients start conservative treatment the same visit.
How do you fix TMJ?
Most cases improve with conservative care built around what's causing your symptoms. Here's what that toolbox usually includes.
Botox for TMJ: an option most dental offices can't offer
Yes, Botox can treat TMJ. Botox injections relax the overactive jaw muscles behind clenching and joint strain, and that's often enough to ease pain and cut down on headache frequency. It's a real, clinically recognized treatment option, not a cosmetic add-on we're tacking on.
Because AZ Dental Spa is a dental practice and a med spa under one roof, we can administer Botox for TMJ on-site, on the same visit as your evaluation, instead of sending you somewhere else and hoping the two providers coordinate.
Is TMJ surgery ever necessary?
Rarely. Surgery is a last resort, considered only after conservative treatment hasn't given enough relief.
Conservative Care
- Night guards, Botox, physical therapy, or a combination
- No incisions, minimal downtime
- Resolves most TMJ cases on its own
- Can be adjusted as symptoms change
TMJ Surgery
- Reserved for cases that don't respond to conservative care
- More involved recovery
- Handled with a specialist referral when needed
Most people never need surgery. A night guard, Botox, physical therapy, or some combination of those resolves the large majority of TMJ cases we see.
Living with TMJ: what helps and what doesn't
Gentle jaw stretches, a warm compress, and avoiding hard or chewy foods can ease day-to-day discomfort alongside treatment. They're a helpful supplement, not a replacement for finding out what's actually causing the pain.
Do
- Apply a warm compress to ease muscle tension
- Try gentle jaw stretches a few times a day
- Stick to softer foods when your jaw is sore
- Wear your night guard consistently if one's prescribed
Don't
- Chew gum or bite your nails
- Eat hard, crunchy, or chewy foods during a flare-up
- Rest your chin on your hand for long periods
- Ignore pain that keeps getting worse
What TMJ treatment costs
Cost depends on which path fits your case: a night guard, Botox injections, physical therapy, or some combination of those. We accept most major dental insurance and offer payment plans through CareCredit and Lending Club. Ask us for a real number after your exam.
Payment plans also available through CareCredit & Lending Club.
Dr. Aurangzaib Khan, DMD
Founder & Lead Dentist, AZ Dental SpaDr. Khan has been treating patients in Pennsauken Township since 2005. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University and completed his General Practice Residency at Kings County Hospital, one of the region's busiest trauma centers. TMJ evaluations, night guards, and Botox for jaw tension are all part of his regular practice, not a referred-out specialty.
TMJ care in Pennsauken Township
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What our patients say
“Dr. Khan takes away any anxiety of a dental visit and takes the time to explain everything. His dedication and knowledge are exceptional and his friendly personality puts you at ease. I would highly recommend him.”
“I've always had a strong fear of the dentist, but Dr. AZ Khan completely changed that for me. His gentle approach and genuine care have transformed my entire perception of dental visits. Truly a 5-star experience!”
“I recently cracked a tooth and Dr. AZ took care of me right away! The procedure was pain-free and I felt like I was priority #1. Never felt as comfortable in any other dentist office.”
“Dr. Khan and his staff went out of their way taking care of my emergency root canal! His caring way of including me in every aspect of my care goes a long way, and one of the best parts, NO pain.”
“I've been going to AZ Dental since 2011. Dr. Khan meticulously explains the treatment options and every staff member is courteous, knowledgeable and attentive. I wholeheartedly recommend AZ Dental Spa.”
“This is the best place to go for dental work. I'm treated like family when I walk in the door. I got my front four replaced recently and would recommend this place to anyone and everyone.”
Questions about TMJ treatment
What is TMJ?
TMJ, short for temporomandibular joint, is the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull on each side of your face, just in front of your ears. TMJ disorder is what people usually mean when they say "TMJ," and it's what happens when that joint or the muscles around it stop working the way they should.
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?
The most common signs are jaw pain, clicking or popping when you open your mouth, headaches near the temples, and trouble chewing. Some people also get earaches, facial tenderness, or a jaw that briefly locks or feels stuck.
What causes TMJ disorder?
There's rarely one single cause. It's usually some mix of teeth grinding or clenching, jaw injury, arthritis in the joint, chronic stress, or a bite that's out of alignment. An exam helps narrow down what's driving your specific case.
Can Botox treat TMJ?
Yes. Botox injections relax the overactive jaw muscles that cause clenching and joint strain, which often eases pain and reduces headache frequency. It's a genuine treatment option, not just a cosmetic add-on, and we offer it on-site.
How does Botox help with jaw tension?
Botox temporarily relaxes the chewing muscles that tend to overwork in TMJ disorder, which reduces the force behind clenching and grinding. Less muscle tension usually means less pressure on the joint and less pain.
Do I need a mouth guard for TMJ?
Often, yes. A custom night guard cushions the joint and stops your teeth from grinding against each other while you sleep, which is when a lot of TMJ strain happens. We'll tell you during your exam if one makes sense for you.
How do you fix TMJ?
Most cases improve with conservative care: a night guard, Botox injections, physical therapy, stress management, or some combination of those. Treatment is built around what's actually causing your symptoms, so it starts with an exam.
Is TMJ surgery ever necessary?
Rarely. Surgery is a last resort, considered only after conservative treatments like guards, Botox, and physical therapy haven't given enough relief. Most people never need it.
Can exercises help TMJ pain?
Gentle jaw stretches, a warm compress, and avoiding hard or chewy foods can ease day-to-day discomfort alongside treatment. They're a helpful supplement, though, not a replacement for finding out what's actually causing the pain.
Why does TMJ cause headaches?
The muscles that move your jaw connect up into your temples, so tension or overuse in those muscles often radiates as a headache near the sides of your head. Treating the jaw tension frequently reduces the headaches too.
Does TMJ disorder go away on its own?
Sometimes mild cases settle down on their own, but ongoing pain, clicking, or locking usually needs treatment to actually resolve. Waiting it out risks the symptoms becoming a long-term habit that's harder to unwind.
How do I find a TMJ specialist near me?
Look for a dental practice that treats TMJ regularly and offers more than one type of treatment, since not every case responds to the same approach. AZ Dental Spa is in Pennsauken Township and offers night guards, physical therapy referrals, and on-site Botox for TMJ.
Tired of Jaw Pain? Let's Fix That.
TMJ treatment shouldn't wait, especially when relief options like Botox are just down the hall. Book your visit and we'll build a plan that works for you.