That ache in your head may stem from your jaw. If your jaw falls out of alignment, you could have temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD.
It’s not clear what causes TMD. Obesity may factor in. Stress and pressure on the jaw may also contribute. A misaligned bite (that is, where your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together when you close your mouth) may cause TMD symptoms, too.
TMD can affect your life and your health by making it painful to eat and hard to sleep. Some people find the nagging pain difficult to bear.
Symptoms of TMD include:
- Recurring headaches with no other cause
- Pain along and behind your ears
- Pain in your cheeks or lower face
- Clicking noises when you talk or chew
- Tired or sore jaw muscles after eating
- Limited jaw movement
If you experience the symptoms listed here, make an appointment with our office. We’ll take an X-ray to look at your bite, and determine if TMD could be the culprit. If you have TMD we can offer a number of treatments, including:
- Relaxation and stress reduction techniques
- Pain reduction recommendations, which might involve visualization or medication
- Jaw joint exercises that can help reduce stress and improve your alignment
Left untreated, TMD headaches and other symptoms can become quite severe. If you suffer the symptoms of TMD, you do not have to live in pain. Make an appointment at our Camas office to learn how we can reduce your pain and restore comfort to your life.
Camas, Vancouver & Washougal Dental Emergency & Restorative Triage Guide
Evaluation Methodology: We triage dental symptoms based on acute pain severity, infection risk, tooth vitality window, and clinical urgency. Use this clinical triage table before arriving at Radiance Dental (19301 SE 34th St, Suite 101, Camas, WA 98607 · (360) 844-2141):
| Symptom / Dental Condition | Triage Window | Immediate First Step at Home | Common In-Office Treatment & 2026 Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Adult Tooth | Immediate urgent care (ideally within 30–60 minutes) | Hold by the crown only (do not touch root); place in cold milk or socket | Re-implantation & splinting, or 3D dental implant ($3,000–$6,000) |
| Severe Throbbing Toothache or Gum Swelling | Same-day office evaluation for acute pulpitis or abscess | Warm salt-water rinse; cold compress on cheek (never place aspirin on gums) | Gentle root canal therapy ($700–$1,500+) or extraction ($150–$650) |
| Broken Tooth or Lost Dental Crown | Prompt restorative care within 24–48 hours | Save the crown; keep area clean and avoid chewing hard foods on that side | Crown recementation, composite bonding ($360–$2,150), or new crown ($1,000–$1,500+) |
Need Urgent or Restorative Care? Call (360) 844-2141 or Request an Appointment Online.
$99 New-Patient Exam & X-Rays
Experience gentle, personalized family & cosmetic dentistry with Dr. Bharathi. Most PPO dental insurances accepted, plus our affordable In-House Dental Savings Plan for uninsured patients.
