TMJ & Jaw Pain Treatment in Norwalk, CT
Relief for jaw pain, clicking, and teeth grinding. From a simple night guard to more involved joint therapy, matched to what's actually causing your symptoms.
Jaw pain isn't something to just live with
Grinding puts far more force on your teeth than normal chewing ever does, and a strained jaw joint (TMJ) can affect far more than just your bite. Common signs worth getting evaluated: morning jaw soreness, frequent headaches, tooth sensitivity or visible wear, clicking or popping when you open your mouth, or a partner noticing grinding noises at night. We'll figure out what's actually driving your symptoms before recommending treatment. Not every case needs the same approach.
Treatment matched to your symptoms
Occlusal Guard / Night Guard
A custom appliance worn at night that absorbs the force of grinding or clenching, protecting your teeth from wear and cracking.
TMJ Splints
A more precisely-fitted appliance that holds your jaw in a more relaxed position, relieving pressure on a strained joint.
Arthrocentesis
A minimally invasive procedure that flushes the jaw joint to clear inflammation and improve mobility, for cases that need more than an appliance.
Treatment, by option
Occlusal guards (night guards)
A custom, tight-fitting appliance worn over your teeth (usually at night), that acts as a shock absorber between your upper and lower teeth. Guards range from soft (mild grinding) to dual-laminate (moderate-severe) to hard acrylic (most durable, for severe grinding). Getting one takes two visits: an impression at the first, then your custom guard fit and adjusted at the second, typically 10–14 days later. See our full guide to occlusal guards → for the adjustment period.
TMJ splints
A more involved cousin of the night guard, built to a very specific bite position to actually treat jaw joint pain and dysfunction, keeping your teeth from touching at rest so the joint can settle into a more relaxed position. Stabilization splints target bruxism and muscle tension; repositioning splints are used when disc displacement is a factor. We'll check the fit at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months to adjust as needed. See our TMJ splints guide → for the adjustment period.
Arthrocentesis
A minimally invasive procedure for the jaw joint itself. Small needles flush the joint space with sterile fluid, washing out inflammatory buildup and improving mobility, similar to flushing out a stiff, inflamed knee joint. Local anesthetic numbs the area, sometimes with light sedation. See our arthrocentesis guide → for recovery detail.
Or browse our full treatment guide → for every procedure we offer.
Dealing with jaw pain, clicking, or morning headaches?
We'll help figure out what's actually going on before recommending treatment.
Ask About TMJ Treatment →TMJ & Occlusal Therapy FAQ
Occasional mild soreness after a stressful day is common and usually not a concern. Recurring morning jaw pain, frequent headaches, clicking or popping, or a partner noticing grinding at night are worth having evaluated. We'll assess your bite, jaw movement, and symptoms during an exam.
For many patients, yes. A properly fitted guard absorbs the force of grinding and relieves a lot of associated jaw strain. For more significant joint dysfunction, a TMJ splint or further treatment may be a better fit, which we'll discuss based on your specific symptoms.
No. It's a minimally invasive, needle-based procedure done with local anesthetic (sometimes light sedation), not open joint surgery. Most patients are back to normal activity within a few days, following a soft diet and some gentle stretching exercises.
Yes. This includes prescribed medications, but also any recreational or non-prescribed drug use. Certain substances can seriously affect how your body responds to local anesthesia. We will never judge you for disclosing this. This practice was built around patient safety first, and what you tell us stays confidential.
Ready to stop living with jaw pain?
Join our patient list for a free consultation once we open.