Relieving Jaw Pain with Expert Care in Scottsdale and North Scottsdale

Jaw pain, headaches, and clicking or popping sounds when you chew aren’t just minor annoyances—they could be signs of TMJ disorder.

At Elevation Dental Group in North Scottsdale, Dr. Bruce Lachot and Dr. Jordan Wachter help patients find lasting relief through thorough evaluations and personalized TMJ treatment plans.

If you’re dealing with daily discomfort, here’s what you should know about TMJ disorder, its causes, and how a TMJ dentist in Scottsdale can help.

Understanding TMJ Disorder

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the hinges that connect your jaw to your skull on each side of your face. When these joints or the surrounding muscles stop working properly, it’s called TMJ disorder or TMD.

TMJ problems can be frustrating, painful, and interfere with everyday life—from chewing and talking to sleeping comfortably.

Common symptoms include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth
• Difficulty chewing or opening wide
• Headaches, neck, or shoulder pain
• Jaw locking or limited movement

If left untreated, TMJ disorder can lead to chronic pain and even contribute to long-term dental damage.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder can develop from many different factors, including:

• Teeth grinding or clenching (often at night, called bruxism)
• Stress that leads to muscle tension in the jaw and neck
• Bite problems or misaligned teeth
• Injury or trauma to the jaw area
• Arthritis affecting the joint itself

Because TMJ disorder can have multiple causes, proper diagnosis is key. The right treatment depends on understanding what’s really contributing to your pain.

How We Treat TMJ Disorder at Elevation Dental Group

At our North Scottsdale dental office, Dr. Lachot and Dr. Wachter use a conservative, personalized approach to relieve TMJ discomfort and improve jaw function.

Our TMJ treatment options include:

• Comprehensive Evaluation – We assess your bite, jaw movement, muscle tension, and overall oral health to identify contributing factors.
• Custom Oral Appliances/Nightguards – Designed to reduce grinding and relieve strain on the joints. These devices help muscles relax while you sleep, preventing further damage.
• Bite Adjustments – Minor reshaping of teeth, or comprehensive options like traditional orthodontics and clear aligners, can help correct an uneven bite that strains the joint.
• Muscle Relaxation Techniques – We’ll teach you gentle self-massage, stretching, and relaxation strategies to ease muscle tension and reduce pain.
• Personalized Treatment Plans – We focus on the least invasive solutions first, tailored to your symptoms and goals, with a priority on avoiding surgery whenever possible.

Our mission is to restore your comfort and jaw function so you can eat, talk, and sleep without pain.

Why Early TMJ Treatment Matters

Ignoring TMJ symptoms often allows the problem to get worse. Chronic clenching or grinding can lead to worn, cracked, or damaged teeth, worsening pain, and even changes in your bite over time.

Seeking early TMJ treatment in Scottsdale can help you:

• Prevent chronic discomfort
• Protect your teeth and dental work
• Improve your sleep quality
• Reduce headaches and neck tension
• Avoid more invasive treatments down the road

When to See a TMJ Dentist

If you’re experiencing jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty chewing, or frequent headaches, don’t wait to get evaluated.

Severe grinding or misalignment can also damage teeth over time, sometimes requiring restorative solutions like dental implants or cosmetic dentistry to restore function and aesthetics.

Our team at Elevation Dental Group has years of experience diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder for patients in Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, and the surrounding communities.

We’re here to listen, evaluate your symptoms thoroughly, and design a plan that helps you feel better—without unnecessary surgery.

Ready to Find Relief?

Don’t let jaw pain control your life. Schedule your TMJ consultation with Elevation Dental Group in North Scottsdale today.

📞 Call us at 480-515-1000 to get started and discover how personalized, conservative TMJ treatment can help you live more comfortably.