Jaw Pain, TMJ & Grinding
Jaw Pain That Gets Taken Seriously
Waking with a sore jaw, headaches or worn teeth? These often trace back to clenching and grinding, and they are worth assessing properly rather than living with.
About The Treatment
Where The Pain Comes From
Jaw pain, clicking, headaches and worn teeth often share a cause: clenching and grinding, much of it happening while you sleep without you knowing.
Not Sure It Is Even Dental?
Many people see several professionals before anyone examines the jaw and the bite.
Book A Jaw AssessmentDr Tajel Patel treats jaw pain, including TMJ and bruxism. The assessment looks at your teeth, your bite and the wear patterns on them, because the marks left behind often explain what is happening at night.
The Wear Tells The Story
Flattened edges, chips and sensitivity are physical evidence of grinding you cannot see happening.
Your Bite Is Examined
How your teeth meet affects the muscles and joint that move your jaw all day.
Options Explained Honestly
What may help, what may not, and what falls outside dentistry altogether.
Meet Dr Tajel
Care That Starts By Listening
Dr Tajel Patel is a restorative and cosmetic dentist who treats jaw pain, TMJ and bruxism. One patient wrote that she "worked miracles on my jaw and grinding habits" - the kind of problem that often goes unexamined for years.
BDS BEng MJDF (Eng) · GDC No. 264285
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01
Describe What You Are Feeling
Morning soreness, clicking, headaches, disturbed sleep - the pattern matters as much as the pain.
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02
Examine The Teeth And Bite
Wear patterns, how your teeth meet, and the muscles around the joint are all assessed.
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03
Understand What Can Be Done
You will be told what is likely causing it and which options are worth considering.
Symptoms Worth Mentioning
Does Any Of This Sound Familiar?
People often put these down to stress or bad sleep and never mention them to a dentist. They are worth raising, because the jaw and the bite may be involved.
You do not need a diagnosis before you book. Describing the symptoms is enough to start.
Book A Jaw AssessmentWaking With A Sore Jaw
Stiffness or aching in the morning often points to clenching overnight.
Clicking Or Locking
Noises when you open wide, or a jaw that catches, are worth examining.
Headaches And Worn Teeth
Regular temple headaches alongside flattened or chipped teeth is a common pairing.
Before You Decide
Start With What Matters To You
The questions people ask before booking about jaw pain.
Most Asked Is My Jaw Pain Actually Dental?
Sometimes, and sometimes not. Clenching, grinding and how your teeth meet can all contribute, which is why the teeth, bite and surrounding muscles are examined. If the cause looks to be outside dentistry, you will be told that plainly.
Plan A Personal AssessmentGrinding How Would I Know If I Grind My Teeth?
Most grinding happens during sleep, so many people have no idea. The evidence shows on the teeth: flattened biting edges, small chips, increased sensitivity. A partner hearing it, or waking with a tight jaw, are the other common clues.
Treatment Choice What Is TMJ, In Plain Terms?
The temporomandibular joint is the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. When it or the muscles around it are under strain, the result can be pain, clicking, or difficulty opening comfortably.
Stress Is It Just Stress? Will It Pass?
Stress is often part of it, but the damage to teeth does not undo itself when a stressful period ends. Worn enamel does not grow back, which is why it is worth assessing rather than waiting to see.
Your First Visit What Happens At A Jaw Assessment?
You describe the symptoms and when they occur. Your teeth, bite and jaw are examined for wear and strain. Then you discuss what appears to be causing it and what, if anything, is worth doing about it.
Not Sure Which Question Applies?
Begin With A Conversation
You do not need to know what is wrong. Describe what you are feeling and when, and the assessment starts from there.
Book A Jaw AssessmentWorth Getting Checked
Stop Putting Up With It
Book an assessment with Dr Tajel to find out what is behind the pain and what can reasonably be done about it.
Dr Tajel Patel · BDS BEng MJDF (Eng) · GDC No. 264285