TMJ, Jaw Pain & Facial Pain Treatment
Jaw pain, headaches or clenching that keeps coming back?
Jaw pain, headaches or clenching that keeps coming back?Jaw pain, headaches, clenching, clicking and facial tension are often connected.
At Bridgetown Dental in St. Johns, Dr. Ziad Kaady is a general dentist with advanced training in TMJ and orofacial pain. He looks at your jaw joints, muscles, bite and airway to find what's driving your symptoms, then starts with the most conservative treatment that fits.
First visit: Dr. Kaady checks your jaw joints, bite and airway, then walks you through what he found and your options.
Jaw & Muscle Evaluation
Advanced TMJ Training
Conservative Care First
2-Minute Self-Assessment
Answer a few questions and see whether a closer TMJ evaluation may be worthwhile.
How TMJ Care Works Here
Good treatment starts with understanding what's actually contributing to the problem. Here's how TMJ care works at Bridgetown Dental.
01
We begin with your history: where it hurts, when symptoms show up, what makes them better or worse, and how clenching, headaches, jaw noises or limited movement affect your day.
02
Dr. Kaady checks your jaw joints and the muscles around them, how your jaw moves, how your teeth meet, and signs of wear from clenching or grinding. He also asks about past injuries and dental work. When it adds useful information, 3D imaging shows the joints and surrounding structures in detail.
03
TMJ symptoms don't always come from one source. If your history points to it, we look at sleep and airway problems, nighttime clenching and muscle tension too. Disrupted breathing at night can drive clenching, so we check for sleep apnea and snoring when the signs are there.
04
There's no one-size-fits-all protocol. Your plan depends on what the exam shows, and we start with the most conservative option that fits. The treatment options are below.
05
We track how your pain, jaw movement, muscle tenderness, headaches and clenching respond, and adjust the plan based on what's actually improving. The first approach isn't assumed to be the last one.
Advanced TMJ Training
Dr. Ziad Kaady, [DDS/DMD], is a general dentist with advanced training in TMJ disorders, orofacial pain and dental sleep medicine. He completed Dr. Steven Olmos' Mini-Residency in sleep-related breathing disorders and craniofacial pain, 48 hours of continuing education covering how the jaw joints, muscles, bite, sleep and airway affect one another. He is also a Diplomate of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy.
Our office is on North Lombard Street in St. Johns, and patients come from across Portland and Vancouver, WA, for TMJ care.
Planning Beyond Symptom Relief
For some patients, reducing pain and improving jaw function is only the first phase of care.
Reduce pain, improve comfortable jaw movement, and allow the initial treatment response to become clearer.
Evaluate how the teeth, bite, muscles, and jaw joints are working together after symptoms and movement have stabilized.
When appropriate, this may include orthodontic tooth movement, restorative care, continued appliance therapy, collaborative care, or no additional treatment.
Phase 2 is never automatic. It is considered only after the initial response to treatment has been evaluated and the long-term options have been discussed with the patient.
Patient Story · TMJ & Sleep
Patient Experiences
Every patient arrives with a different story. Here are a few experiences related to this area of care.
Google review
“My son is getting his balance and equilibrium restored starting with realigning his jaw, in addition to having healthy teeth and gums. We are so impressed with Dr. Kaady and the wealth of knowledge he brings to the table.”
TMJ & Jaw Pain Questions
Questions about jaw pain, headaches, clenching, or treatment? Here are a few answers patients commonly find helpful.
Often more than one thing. Muscle tension, clenching, an unstable bite, stress on the joint, poor sleep, airway problems and inflammation can each play a part. That's why we evaluate before we treat.
Sometimes. Headaches can be related to TMD, but they have many possible causes, so we don't automatically assume the jaw is to blame.
Not always. Stress is common, but sleep, certain medications, caffeine, alcohol and other factors may also play a role. We look beyond any one cause.
No. Most TMJ cases are treated conservatively first, through diagnosis, bite evaluation, airway assessment, muscle therapy, orthotics and supportive care.
Clinical Review & Further Reading
Reviewed by Ziad Kaady, DMD
Diplomate, American Sleep and Breathing Academy · Advanced training in TMJ, orofacial pain & dental sleep medicine
Last reviewed: August 2026
Evidence & Education
Authoritative patient and research resources about temporomandibular disorders, jaw pain, and the complexity of TMD diagnosis.
NIDCR: Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research overview of TMD symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment considerations.
NIDCR: Temporomandibular Disorders & Jaw Pain
Additional NIDCR information about jaw pain, recurring symptoms, and related conditions.
These links are provided for patient education and do not replace individualized medical or dental diagnosis, treatment, or physician consultation when appropriate.
TMJ & Jaw Pain Care
Jaw pain, headaches and facial tension shouldn't become your normal. At your first visit, we'll figure out what's going on and lay out a path forward you can understand.
