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TMJ Treatment Jaw Pain Relief in Portland SCHEDULE A VISIT

What Is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the jaw joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. These joints allow you to chew, speak, yawn, swallow, and move your jaw throughout the day.

When the jaw joints, muscles, bite, or surrounding structures are not working comfortably together, patients may develop symptoms commonly referred to as TMJ disorder or TMD. TMJ problems can be complex because the jaw joints are connected to the teeth, muscles, bite, airway, neck, and overall posture.

Common signs and symptoms

  • Jaw pain or soreness
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Facial pain or tension
  • Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
  • Clenching or grinding
  • Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth
  • Tooth sensitivity without a clear dental cause
  • Ear pressure or ear discomfort
  • Neck or shoulder tension
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Bite changes
  • Limited jaw opening
  • Morning jaw soreness
  • Muscle fatigue while eating
  • Restorations, crowns, or veneers that repeatedly chip or break

Our approach to TMJ evaluation

  • Review of symptoms and health history
  • Bite evaluation
  • Jaw joint examination
  • Muscle palpation
  • Evaluation of tooth wear, fractures, and dental breakdown
  • CBCT 3D imaging when needed
  • Computerized jaw function analysis
  • Evaluation of clenching and grinding patterns
  • Airway and sleep-related screening
  • Review of existing dental work
  • Discussion of cosmetic or restorative concerns connected to bite instability

Advanced diagnostics

CBCT imaging allows us to evaluate the jaw joints, teeth, bone, airway, and facial anatomy in greater detail than traditional dental X-rays. This can be helpful when assessing joint structure, airway concerns, dental anatomy, and complex restorative or orthodontic planning.

Computerized jaw function analysis helps evaluate jaw movement, muscle activity, and bite function. This information can be useful for patients with jaw pain, headaches, worn teeth, bite instability, or complex restorative needs.

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What Patients Say After Their First Diagnosis

    "I Won't Go Anywhere Else"
    She made sure I would walk away with a future for healthy gums and a better smile.
    Mindy Martyn
    "Wonderful Experience"
    Great staff and Dr. Tennant is knowledgeable, empathetic, approachable, and relatable.
    Craig Zanon
    "Love the Team at Aesthetic Smiles!"
    My treatment here made a big difference in my overall quality of life.
    Ritika Saripalli
    "Molly is exceptional"
    Molly is exceptional. She has a gentle, painless touch in her work and is a pleasure to work with.
    Mitra & Adam
    "This is a wonderful place to go."
    The staff is so nice.
    Shari Young
    "Great folks - very friendly and professional."
    Very friendly and professional. They always do good work.
    John Blyler
    "Dr. Motlaugh is so peaceful"
    The inlays she created to take in and out so you can correct your bite are cutting-edge technology.
    Judy Masterson
    "Every time I go in there I am impressed!"
    Their holistic view of health and attention to detail set me at ease, giving confidence I am receiving the best care possible.
    insyte Counseling
    "They take such great care of me!"
    After a few years of work I can breathe better, I no longer get jaw pain and my teeth are straight.
    Samantha Alt
    "I would highly recommend this office!"
    Great staff and great services.
    Madison Maixner
    "These Guys Are Amazing!"
    The knowledge and capabilities they possess, along with their eagerness to help, make for great treatment!
    ClDl SolshineGrowing
    "Always the Best and Fun Too"
    Always the best and fun too, but still very professional.
    Matt Voegtle
    "He Is a Fantastic Dentist"
    He is a fantastic dentist and we feel fortunate to have a person of his caliber to address all of our dental needs.
    Robert Kendall
    "I trust him and recommend him"
    I trust him and do not hesitate in recommending him.
    Jim and Patti Herrington
    "She Is the Best Dentist Ever!"
    We adore Amy! She is the best dentist EVER!
    Silvia de Puky
    "Always the Best Professional Service"
    Always the best of professional service.
    Joe Glomboski
    "This is the best dentist ever!"
    Seriously, this is the best dentist ever! They are beyond thorough, competent, and friendly.
    Suzie Gannett
    "They make going to the dentist a pleasure"
    They make going to the dentist a pleasure.
    Joanne Moutoux
    "I know great dentistry"
    I can not say enough good things about Dr. Motlagh and her entire staff.
    Jackie Snook
    "Highly Recommended"
    Very relaxing environment and quality job.
    Stephen Fenzi
    "I Was Amazed From the First Minute"
    I was amazed from the first minute I walked in how relaxed, easy, and happy everyone was, from Jenny the receptionist to Dr. Mortensen himself!
    kit sutherland
    "The Procedure Was Painless"
    The staff was wonderful and Dr. Amy Stratton repaired my tooth and the procedure was painless.
    Tomas Aljama
    "I Stick with Dr. Mortensen"
    I stick with Dr. Mortensen because he and his staff are so great.
    Dan Sapienza
    "Weekly headaches went away"
    I had weekly headaches until I had an orthotic fitted. They went away!
    Evan Komp
    "They Do a Great Job"
    They do a great job.
    Laurie King
    "TMJ Treatment With Dr. Motlagh"
    The treatment is non-invasive, using the latest technology.
    Miriam M
    "Amazing, Caring, and Comforting"
    So passionate about their work and create a caring and comforting atmosphere!
    Rachel Arnold
    "Best Experience With a Dentist"
    This is the best experience I have ever had with a dentist and dental practice!
    Emma Kintz
    "I Love My Dentist"
    Her and her staff do an amazing job and are very caring!
    wanda briggs
    "Caring and Professional Group"
    Caring and professional group!
    Eric Kaczmarek
    "As Good as It Gets"
    The quality of work, atmosphere, amenities, and staff are as good as it gets.
    Dick Capello
    "Their standards of care are extremely high"
    Their standards of care are extremely high and the final result always exceptional.
    Greg Pressler
    "They Are the Best and Like Family"
    They regained my trust in dentistry and I look forward to my appointments now.
    Jamie Nadherny
    "They Are Absolutely Wonderful"
    They are absolutely wonderful and make you feel very comfortable.
    Corie Parker
    "Aesthetic Smiles Takes Great Care"
    They make you feel so comfortable and make your experience a pleasant one every time!
    Vanessa Benedetti
    "Her work is impeccable"
    Even after moving across town I come to Aesthetic Smiles, her work is impeccable.
    Kelly Rees
    "Wonderful and welcoming team"
    When I left, I felt like I was much more informed and prepared for my dental future.
    Lyndsay Gomez
    "The staff at Aesthetic Smiles is wonderful"
    They are helpful, thoughtful, attentive, and they listen to you!
    C Loescher
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Take the next step toward a healthier, more comfortable, and more confident smile. Request Appointment
(503) 643-9855

Professional Partnerships

  • Airway Health Solutions
    Airway Health Solutions
  • Myoaligner
    Myoaligner
  • LVI
    LVI
  • VIVOS
    VIVOS
  • International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics (ICCMO)
    International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics (ICCMO)