Jaw pain can have many causes. An abscess, a tumor or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can cause pain in your jaw. Dr. McGrath can take a panoramic radiograph that can give us an image of the bony structures from ear to ear and from the sinuses to the lower jaw. This x-ray can help determine whether there is a tumor, an abscess or another problem.
Symptoms of TMJ disorder can be ear pain, tender jaw muscles, clicking or popping of the TMJ, pain when chewing, facial pain and headaches. Some causes of TMJ disorder include jaw or head injury, arthritis of the joint, tooth grinding or clenching and stress.
Most TMJ pain can be managed by avoidance of certain habits and/or a mouth guard.