Orofacial Pain and TMJ Pain

Don’t Let Jaw Pain Or Facial Discomfort Control Your Life

Do you wake up with jaw stiffness, facial soreness, or constant headaches that never seem to go away? Does your jaw make a clicking or popping sound when you chew, talk, yawn, or even lock up entirely? You may have been told it’s “just stress” or that it will resolve on its own, but persistent jaw or facial pain often signals a deeper issue.

Many patients don’t realize that jaw problems can also trigger discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and even cause ear pain or dizziness. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it could be TMJ disorder (TMD) or another form of orofacial pain. Left untreated, these conditions can worsen over time, making daily activities like eating, speaking, and sleeping increasingly difficult.

At Rockville Family Dental, we specialize in non-surgical TMJ treatment in Rockville, MD. Dr. Chetan H. Parikh has helped patients throughout King Farm, Twinbrook, and surrounding Maryland communities find long-term relief from pain and tension without relying on surgery or guesswork. Our goal is to help you feel better, restore normal jaw function, and improve your quality of life.

What Is Orofacial Pain?

Orofacial pain is a general term for pain that occurs in the face, jaw, mouth, or related areas. This discomfort can be constant or intermittent, dull or sharp, and may even radiate to the ears, head, or neck. Many patients describe a deep ache, muscle tightness, or sharp, stabbing sensations that interfere with eating, speaking, or sleeping.

The tricky part is that orofacial pain can often be overlooked or misdiagnosed. Some patients go years without answers, being told it’s sinus trouble, migraines, or anxiety, when in fact, the underlying cause is linked to the jaw joints, bite alignment, or chronic muscle tension.

By identifying the root cause of your discomfort, Dr. Parikh provides orofacial pain treatment in Rockville, MD that is tailored to your unique needs. His personalized treatment plans aim to restore comfort, improve jaw function, and help prevent recurring issues. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, you don’t have to live with constant pain.

The Trouble with TMJ

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are small but powerful hinges that connect your jawbone to your skull, located just in front of your ears. These joints allow you to open and close your mouth, speak, chew, and yawn. Because they’re in near-constant use, even small problems can lead to major discomfort.

When the TMJ or surrounding muscles become strained, inflamed, or misaligned, it’s known as TMJ disorder (TMD). This condition can affect one or both joints and often causes symptoms beyond just jaw pain, including headaches, neck stiffness, ear pressure, and shoulder tension.

The discomfort can range from mild irritation to debilitating pain, making daily tasks like eating or speaking difficult. Without treatment, TMJ disorders can worsen, leading to worn-down teeth, chronic headaches, and jaw dysfunction.

Common Signs You Might Have TMJ or Orofacial Pain

If you’re wondering whether your discomfort is connected to your jaw, here are some signs to look for:

• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw when opening or closing your mouth
• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, cheeks, temples, or around the ears
• Frequent headaches, especially first thing in the morning
• Earaches, ringing in the ears, or a sensation of fullness
• Discomfort or difficulty when chewing, biting, or opening your mouth wide
• Jaw locking in the open or closed position
• Teeth that appear worn, chipped, or cracked due to clenching or grinding (bruxism)
• Chronic tension in the neck, shoulders, or upper back that does not improve with rest

If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation. We provide comprehensive TMJ therapy assessments to identify the root cause and create a personalized treatment plan for lasting relief.

What Causes TMJ and Orofacial Pain?

TMJ disorders and orofacial pain can have multiple causes, and often, more than one factor is involved. Common causes include:

• Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching) is often linked to stress, sleep disorders, or bite misalignment
• Jaw misalignment, Uneven bite patterns that put excess strain on the TMJ
• Arthritis is an Inflammatory conditions that affect the jaw joints
• Previous injuries, Trauma to the jaw, head, or neck, can cause long-term joint instability
• Chronic stress can cause constant jaw muscle tension and worsening symptoms.
• Poor posture can contribute to muscle imbalance and jaw strain

Because every patient’s situation is different, Dr. Parikh takes a detailed history, examines your jaw movement, and uses diagnostic tools to find the exact source of discomfort. This ensures your treatment is targeted, effective, and long-lasting.

Relief That Works—Without Surgery

Surgery is rarely the first choice for TMJ disorders, and most patients can find relief with conservative, non-invasive treatments. We focus on therapies that are safe, reversible, and tailored to your specific needs, such as:

• Custom nightguards and bite splints: protect teeth from grinding and reduce jaw muscle strain
• Jaw relaxation and stabilization therapy: Targeted exercises to relieve muscle tension and improve jaw function
• Oral appliance therapy: Devices designed to reposition the jaw for better alignment and reduced joint stress
• Bite balancing treatments: Adjusting your bite to eliminate uneven pressure points and restore comfort

These treatments not only relieve pain but also help prevent further tooth damage and joint wear. Our ultimate goal is to help you return to normal eating, sleeping, and speaking, without pain or discomfort.

What Our Patients Say

“I didn’t realize how much pain I was living with every day until it stopped. My headaches are gone, and I can finally eat without flinching.”, Maya, King Farm.

“Dr. Parikh understood what I was going through when no one else did. He took my pain seriously and fixed it.” Steven, Twinbrook.

Our patients often tell us the relief they feel after treatment is life-changing. We’re proud to help restore comfort and confidence to people who have struggled for years without answers.

Why Trust Dr. Chetan H. Parikh?

Dr. Chetan H. Parikh, DMD, PA, has extensive experience diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders and orofacial pain in patients of all ages. His approach is rooted in listening, thorough evaluation, and creating individualized treatment plans.

Patients appreciate his attention to detail, advanced training, and genuine commitment to helping them feel better. You’ll never be told to “just live with the pain”, because we believe that everyone deserves a pain-free, functional smile.

Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Life

Jaw pain and orofacial discomfort can affect everything from your sleep quality to your ability to enjoy meals with friends and family. If you’ve been struggling with symptoms and haven’t found lasting relief, we’re here to help.

Call Rockville Family Dental today at (301) 231-0173 to schedule your TMJ and/or orofacial pain consultation with Dr. Parikh, or email us at rockfamdent@gmail.com with your questions.

Location: Rockville Family Dental – Chetan H. Parikh, DMD, PA

5808 Hubbard Dr, Rockville, MD 20852

Visit our website: rockvillefamilydental.com

Pain may be common, but it’s not normal. You deserve to live without it.