TMJ Jaw Pain

    For Patients

    Understanding Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorder

    Jaw pain, often associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, is a condition that can significantly impact daily life, causing discomfort and pain with each movement of the jaw. Our experienced team at the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans is dedicated to offering effective, patient-centered solutions to relieve your jaw pain and restore comfort.

    What Is TMJ Jaw Pain?

    Jaw pain is frequently linked to TMJ disorders, a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint – the joint that connects your jaw to the skull, facilitating essential movements like chewing and speaking. When the TMJ is affected by stress, injury, arthritis, or muscle tension, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans, we understand how complex this condition can be, and our specialists are trained to diagnose and treat the unique aspects of TMJ-related jaw pain.

    Symptoms of Jaw Pain

    • Persistent ache or sharp pain in the jaw area

    • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving the jaw

    • Difficulty or discomfort when chewing or opening the mouth

    • Locking of the jaw, making it hard to open or close

    • Pain that radiates to the neck, shoulders, or even ears

    Why Choose Us to Treat Your TMJ Jaw Pain?

    We specialize in TMJ disorders and sleep therapy, giving our team the knowledge and tools to effectively treat jaw pain at its source.  We conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms and jaw functionality to determine the underlying cause of your pain. We use advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, ensuring the highest standards of care and effective relief from your symptoms.

    If you’re experiencing jaw pain, the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans is here to help. —Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our skilled team to take the first step toward finding relief and improving your quality of life.

    Man with TMJ Jaw Pain

    Learn more about what our patients have to say

    about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New Orleans

    Very Rev. Philip G. Landry

    5.0 ★★★★★

    Having been diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2003, I was fitted for a head-gear breathing apparatus to alleviate the condition. After struggling with discomfort and lack of sleep, I discontinued use of the device. During a visit to my cardiologist in 2017, I was ordered to take another sleep test which revealed that the condition had reached a dangerous level and that it must be addressed immediately. I shared with Dr. G. Johnson my concerns from the past and he informed me that a new mouth piece for this sleep disorder was available and referred me to Dr. Terry Billings, DDS.

    I contacted Dr. Billings and during my first appointment with him, after a series of tests, he determined that I had another condition, TMJ, which would have to be treated before addressing the sleep disorder. He explained to me that I would have to wear mouthpieces, one by day and one by night, for twelve weeks to correct this issue. My instant reaction was that as a Catholic priest serving as the rector of the St. Louis Cathedral, I often celebrate televised Masses during which a mouthpiece would certainly be a deterrent. Dr. Billings patiently and understandingly explained that I really had no option but assured me that he would be able to make weekly adjustments to the mouthpieces that would help with these concerns.

    Now as I approach the final weeks of this treatment, I am pleased to share that I have been most satisfied with the care and attention of both Dr. Billings and his staff. The level of professionalism and proficiency which I have experienced in the weekly office visits have made a challenging issue bearable. It is amazing to me what the treatment of the TMJ has done for my overall health and well-being and as I now await the mouthpiece to address my sleep disorder I am most grateful to Dr. Billings for his diagnosis and excellent treatment during this period of preparation for it.

    Arden Ballard, PA-C, MS

    5.0 ★★★★★

    You don’t hear that often about a dentist, but his attention to detail, meticulous examination and in-office testing led to uncovering a severely deviated septum that needed prompt surgical intervention. I’m forever grateful for him and his entire staff.

    Dr. Billings noticed that I checked yes to a few items on his questionnaire. When he began asking about my fatigue, sluggish feeling, etc. I blamed it on the kids and being a parent of two young boys. After his dental exam, he insisted that there could be more to my symptoms. After a chat, we decided to do an in-office Facial CT scan. It’s been 4 years since I had one, so I agreed. Everything was promptly scheduled, and their text reminders kept me on schedule.

    I did the CT scan, and Dr. Billings pointed out my severely deviated septum and recommended I get a prompt ENT evaluation. I brought a printout of the CT to my next appointment, and I ended up having sinus surgery 3 weeks later.

    Immediately after surgery, I knew something was different. After healing, I was sleeping better, breathing better and, sure enough, less sluggish and not reaching for my 3pm coffee. All from going to the dentist.

    My teeth look great, too!

    Dr. Billings has opened my eyes to understand that dentists are part of the entire medical team, and when using their training to the fullest, they can change lives.