Jaw Pain? It Could Be TMD – Get Checked at Apollo Dental Nallakunta
Hello, I’m Dr. Ancy V. Ignatius MDS, FICCMO, Consultant Dentist and TMD Specialist at Apollo Dental Nallakunta.
Over the years, I’ve seen many patients come in with jaw pain, clicking sounds, or difficulty opening their mouths. Most think it’s a temporary issue—but often, it’s a condition called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).
If you’ve been experiencing jaw discomfort, headaches, or ear pain without infection, you may be suffering from TMD. The good news? With the right diagnosis and care, it’s completely treatable.
What Is TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts as a hinge connecting your lower jaw to the skull, helping you chew, speak, and yawn.
When this joint or the surrounding muscles get strained, inflamed, or misaligned, it leads to TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder).
As a TMD specialist, I’ve observed that this condition is often misunderstood. It can affect anyone, and early diagnosis is the key to relief.
Common Symptoms of TMD
You might have TMD if you notice:
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Jaw pain or tenderness near the ears
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Clicking, popping, or grating sounds while opening/closing the mouth
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Difficulty chewing or talking
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Headaches or neck stiffness
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Jaw locking (stuck open or closed)
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Ear pain or ringing (tinnitus) without infection
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Pain radiating to the shoulders
Even one of these could point to TMD, especially if persistent.
Why Do People Develop TMD?
There isn’t one single cause. From my clinical experience, the main triggers include:
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Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) – Habitual clenching strains the jaw joint.
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Stress & Anxiety – Tension builds in facial muscles.
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Injury to the Jaw – Falls or blows can damage the TMJ.
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Arthritis – Joint degeneration affects smooth movement.
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Improper Bite Alignment – Uneven teeth lead to stress on the jaw.
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Poor Posture – Forward head posture adds strain to facial muscles.
How TMD Can Affect Your Daily Life
Ignoring TMD doesn’t just cause pain—it impacts your confidence and overall quality of life. Many patients at Apollo Dental Nallakunta report:
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Pain while eating or speaking
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Frequent headaches or earaches
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Trouble sleeping due to jaw discomfort
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Difficulty concentrating
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Clicking sounds that cause embarrassment
When left untreated, TMD can worsen, making even simple movements painful.
How We Diagnose TMD at Apollo Dental Nallakunta
When you visit me for a TMD consultation, we take a comprehensive, step-by-step approach:
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Detailed Medical History – We discuss your symptoms, stress levels, and lifestyle.
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Jaw Movement Assessment – I check for popping, deviation, or restricted motion.
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Muscle Palpation – Gentle examination to detect tender areas.
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Digital X-rays or CBCT Scans – To visualize joint alignment and any bone issues.
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Bite Analysis – To identify uneven contact or bite discrepancies.
This helps us confirm whether your discomfort truly stems from TMD or another dental problem.
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Personalized TMD Treatment by Dr. Ancy V. Ignatius
Every patient’s jaw functions differently, so treatment must be personalized.
At Apollo Dental Nallakunta, we offer several non-invasive and advanced options:
1. Lifestyle & Home Care Guidance
I often start with simple but powerful changes:
Avoid hard foods or chewing gum.
Apply warm compresses.
Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing.
Keep your jaw slightly apart and relaxed.
2. Custom Splints/Orthotic
If your TMD is caused by teeth grinding, we design a custom splint to reduce joint strain during sleep. Advanced TMD splints called Neuromuscular Orthotic is given to patients after through TMT examination to relieve the patients from TMD related pains.
3. Physiotherapy & Jaw Exercises
Gentle exercises improve muscle flexibility and restore natural motion.
4. Medication
In some cases, I prescribe short-term anti-inflammatory or muscle relaxant medication to manage pain.
5. Dental Corrections
For bite-related TMD, orthodontic adjustments or restorations may be necessary.
6. Advanced Procedures
In chronic or severe cases, minimally invasive options like arthrocentesis or joint injections provide significant relief.
Why Choose Apollo Dental Nallakunta for TMD Care?
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Expert Specialist: I specialize in diagnosing and managing TMD with precision.
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Comprehensive Approach: We combine dental, muscle, and posture assessments for complete care.
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State-of-the-Art Technology: CBCT scans and digital imaging ensure accurate diagnosis.
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Personalized Plans: No generic treatments—each case gets a unique plan.
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Supportive Environment: Our caring team ensures every visit is stress-free.
Real-Life Example from My Practice
A 32-year-old patient, came in complaining of severe ear pain and headaches. She’d visited multiple ENT specialists & Neurosurgery but found no cause. After a detailed jaw exam, I identified TMD due to malaligned teeth & improper bite forces. With a custom neuromuscular orthotic, her symptoms disappeared within weeks.
Cases like these remind me how important TMD awareness is—most people never realize TMT problems can cause such widespread pain.
Preventing TMD Flare-Ups
To keep your jaw joints healthy:
Avoid excessive mouth opening & chewing hard foods.
Manage stress through yoga or meditation.
Correct your posture when using mobile devices/ at work.
Wear your prescribed night guard regularly.
Get routine dental check-ups.
These small habits go a long way in preventing recurring jaw pain.
When to Visit Dr. Ancy V. Ignatius
You should book an appointment if:
Jaw pain lasts more than a few days.
You hear clicking or popping sound while chewing mouth opening.
Your jaw locks or feels stiff.
You experience headaches or ear pain with no clear cause.
Early evaluation can prevent chronic pain and restore full function.
My Message to Patients
Many people live with jaw pain for years, assuming it’s normal. But persistent discomfort isn’t something to ignore. As a TMJ specialist, my goal is to help you regain a pain-free, confident smile through accurate diagnosis, gentle care, and modern dental science.
At Apollo Dental Nallakunta, we combine compassion with technology to ensure every patient receives lasting relief from TMD.
If you’re experiencing jaw stiffness, clicking sounds, or chronic headaches, schedule your consultation today. Together, we’ll identify the cause and build a treatment plan tailored just for you.
Conclusion
If jaw pain is interfering with your daily life, don’t wait until it becomes chronic. I encourage you to listen to your body’s signals.
At Apollo Dental Nallakunta, we provide compassionate, comprehensive care for TMD, using advanced diagnostics and gentle treatment techniques.
Your jaw health matters—schedule your TMD consultation today and rediscover the comfort of a pain-free smile.
FAQ's
TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) refers to any problem affecting the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. It causes pain, clicking, or difficulty moving the jaw.
If you hear clicking sounds, feel tightness in the jaws, feel pain in TMD region & ears, or experience headaches while chewing, it’s likely TMD. A detailed evaluation at Apollo Dental Nallakunta can confirm it.
Yes. Stress often leads to unconscious clenching or grinding, which strains the TMJ, and associated, muscles and worsens TMD.
Mild cases may improve in weeks, while chronic TMD can take a few months of consistent therapy and follow-ups.
Very rarely. Most patients recover with conservative methods like orthotics night guards, exercises, and stress management. Surgery is reserved for severe, unresponsive cases.
It can recur if stress, posture, or grinding habits continue. Following your after-care plan and regular visits help prevent relapse.
Consult Dr. Ancy V. Ignatius, TMJ Specialist at Apollo Dental Nallakunta, Hyderabad. She provides personalized, effective solutions for jaw pain and joint issues.
Yes. Misaligned teeth can put uneven pressure on the TMJ, leading to discomfort. Correcting your bite can often relieve TMD symptoms.


