TMJ Disorder Symptoms

The Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ is a dental clinic dedicated to helping you with sleep apnea, snoring, and TMJ pain. It’s time to smile again as you finally get a good night’s rest!

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Are my symptoms a sign of TMJ?

Craniofacial pain can include:


  • Popping/clicking jaw
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Muscular/facial pain
  • Nerve disorders
  • Referred ear pain, fullness, or ringing
  • Neck pain
  • Headaches


Many times, headaches and even migraines have a craniofacial pain component, or are completely craniofacial pain related. We have treated numerous patients who thought they had migraine type headaches, who actually had a muscular (or tension type) headache, usually due to clenching of their teeth.

Here are some clues that your migraine may not be a true migraine at all:

  • Often have daily headaches
  • Often wake with a headache
  • Migraine medications like Zomig and Imitrex don’t “abort” the headache
  • Advil or Excedrin help your headaches
  • You are aware of clenching your teeth or have been told that you do
  • Your headaches are usually in your temples, behind your eyes or in the back of your head


A dental appliance called the NTI-TSS is approved by the FDA for use in the prophylactic treatment of medically diagnosed migraine pain as well as migraine associated tension type headaches. Our doctor has personally treated many patients with this appliance to successfully reduce or eliminate their headaches, even when other medical treatments had failed.

Sleep Apnea is a serious medical concern. Find out how we can help.

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Treatment for TMJ

TMJ Mouthguard vs

Night Guard vs Splint vs Othotic

TMJ Grinding vs Clenching

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the long-term effects of untreated TMJ?

    Untreated TMJ can result in persistent tinnitus, or ear ringing, which can interfere with sleep and make it difficult to concentrate. Because our body senses balance in the inner ears, TMJ disorder's inflammation can affect balance as well, causing vertigo, shakiness, and dizziness.

  • Will treatment require surgery?

    Here at The Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ, we first focus on finding a non-surgical solution. We specialize in non-surgical treatments. Surgery is only considered a last resort when all other avenues of treatment have been explored.

  • Will I have to take medication?

    Most of the treatments do not require the use of medications. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help alleviate some of the pain caused by TMJ.

  • Are TMJ and ear pain related?

    One of the typical symptoms of TMJ dysfunction is ear pain. Due to the TMJ's proximity to the auditory canal, discomfort and inflammation in this joint might impact the ear, causing tinnitus or ringing in the ears, which is a common symptom of TMJ.


  • TMJ, headaches, and sleep disorders. Are they related?

    According to research, 85% of TMJ patients also have painful disorders in other body parts. Research has shown that untreated obstructive sleep apnea can be a cause of headaches and TMJ type pain. To determine what is causing your pain, reach out to The Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ today.

  • Can using a CPAP cause a TMJ problem?

    While uncommon, there are times when patients report TMJ-like symptoms while using CPAP therapy.