Glendale, Arizona
Find Real Jaw Pain Relief in Glendale
Jaw pain has many causes -- from TMJ disorder to tooth abscess to sinus pressure. SmileScience Dental Spa identifies the root cause of your pain and provides targeted treatment. Not sure if your jaw pain is dental or medical? We help you figure that out too.
Where to Start
Jaw Pain Is a Symptom, Not a Diagnosis
Patients often come in saying "I have TMJ" when what they mean is "my jaw hurts." These are very different starting points. TMJ disorder (TMD) is one of many possible causes of jaw pain -- and correctly identifying the actual source is what determines whether treatment works.
Jaw pain may originate from the joint itself, the chewing muscles, the teeth, the gums, the sinuses, the salivary glands, nerves running through the face, or even referred pain from distant structures. The location, quality, timing, and associated symptoms of your pain provide important clues.
At SmileScience Dental Spa, we approach jaw pain diagnostically -- starting with a full history and clinical exam before recommending any treatment. Most jaw pain has a clear dental cause that responds to dental treatment. When the source is outside our scope, we tell you clearly and direct you to the right provider.
When to Call 911 or Go to the ER
Jaw pain can occasionally signal a serious emergency. Seek immediate emergency care if jaw pain is accompanied by:
- !Chest pain, left arm pain, or shortness of breath (cardiac emergency)
- !Facial swelling that is spreading rapidly, especially toward the throat
- !Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- !High fever with jaw swelling (signs of spreading infection)
Getting to the Root of It
Common Causes of Jaw Pain
Each cause has distinct features that help direct evaluation and treatment. Multiple causes can be present simultaneously.
TMJ Disorder (TMD)
The most common cause of chronic jaw pain. Involves the temporomandibular joint, its disc, or the surrounding muscles. Often presents with joint clicking, popping, limited opening, and pain that is worse in the morning or after eating. Typically responds well to conservative dental treatment.
Dental scope: Yes
Bruxism (Grinding and Clenching)
Unconscious grinding or clenching, most often during sleep, creates excessive mechanical loading on the joint and chewing muscles. The result is morning jaw soreness, muscle fatigue, headaches, and accelerated enamel wear. Bruxism is both a cause of TMD and a condition in its own right requiring management.
Dental scope: Yes
Dental Abscess or Infection
An infected tooth or a periapical abscess creates intense, often throbbing pain that radiates to the jaw, ear, and neck. Swelling from an abscess can limit jaw opening. This requires urgent dental evaluation and treatment -- antibiotics alone do not resolve the source. If spreading infection is suspected, emergency evaluation is indicated.
Dental scope: Yes -- urgent
Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth produces a sharp, often transient pain when biting or releasing bite pressure. The crack may be invisible to plain x-ray and require clinical testing or CBCT to identify. Left untreated, a cracked tooth can fracture completely or allow infection to reach the pulp.
Dental scope: Yes
Impacted or Erupting Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth that cannot fully erupt exert pressure against adjacent teeth and the jawbone, causing a deep aching pain in the back of the jaw. Pericoronitis -- infection around a partially erupted wisdom tooth -- causes acute pain, swelling, and sometimes jaw stiffness. Extraction typically resolves the pain.
Dental scope: Yes
Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Advanced periodontitis causes bone loss around the tooth roots. In severe cases, deep periodontal pockets become infected, resulting in pain, swelling, and a persistent aching that can radiate into the jaw. Periodontal abscesses represent acute infections that require same-day evaluation.
Dental scope: Yes
Sinus Pressure and Sinusitis
The maxillary sinuses sit directly above the upper back teeth. Sinus inflammation creates pressure that is felt in the upper jaw and posterior teeth -- exactly mimicking a toothache. If multiple upper back teeth hurt simultaneously, especially with nasal congestion, sinusitis is a strong consideration. Managed medically rather than dentally.
Dental scope: Evaluate and refer if indicated
Trigeminal Neuralgia
A neurological condition causing sudden, severe, electric shock-like facial pain along one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. Often triggered by light touch, chewing, or air movement. Dental evaluations frequently come first -- the pain can mimic a toothache -- but treatment is medical (neurological). We can help rule out dental causes and facilitate appropriate referral.
Dental scope: Rule out dental causes; refer
Trauma and Injury
Blunt trauma to the jaw from sports, falls, or motor vehicle accidents can cause jaw fracture, condylar injury, dental avulsion, or soft tissue damage. Any trauma involving the jaw warrants prompt evaluation. Displaced fractures require specialist management; dental trauma is managed in our office when appropriate.
Dental scope: Yes -- evaluate promptly
Knowing Who to Call
When to See a Dentist vs. a Physician
Start with a Dentist When...
- --Pain is associated with a specific tooth, especially when biting
- --Jaw clicks, pops, or locks during movement
- --Morning jaw soreness is worse after sleeping
- --Pain began after dental work, bite change, or jaw injury
- --Visible swelling on the gums or inside the mouth
- --Partner reports night grinding or jaw movement during sleep
- --You know or suspect you have wisdom teeth issues
Start with a Physician When...
- --Jaw pain accompanies nasal congestion or sinus pressure
- --Pain is electric or shock-like, triggered by light touch
- --You have known rheumatoid arthritis or systemic inflammatory condition
- --Pain is accompanied by fever and multiple swollen lymph nodes
- --Jaw pain accompanies difficulty opening the mouth after a medical procedure
- --Sleep apnea diagnosis is suspected and not yet confirmed
If you are unsure, call us. A brief phone description of your symptoms helps us quickly determine whether you should be seen here, at your physician's office, or at an urgent care facility.
Before Your Appointment
Managing Jaw Pain at Home While You Wait
If your jaw pain is not an emergency, these self-care measures can reduce discomfort while you wait for your appointment. None of these replace evaluation -- they manage symptoms, not the underlying cause.
Moist Heat
Apply a warm moist towel or heating pad to the jaw and temple area for 15 to 20 minutes, several times daily. Heat relaxes muscle tension and improves circulation to the area. Most effective for muscle-driven pain and joint stiffness.
Ice for Acute Swelling
Within the first 24 to 48 hours of an acute jaw injury or if swelling is visible, apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 10 to 15 minutes. Ice reduces inflammation. After 48 hours, moist heat is generally more effective for ongoing jaw pain without swelling.
Over-the-Counter NSAIDs
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) reduce both pain and inflammation. Take with food. Follow package instructions. NSAIDs are particularly effective for TMJ-related inflammation, dental abscess pain, and post-trauma jaw pain. Do not use if you have contraindications.
Soft Diet
Reduce jaw loading by avoiding hard, chewy, or crunchy foods. Opt for soft options -- yogurt, eggs, soft-cooked vegetables, smoothies. Chewing on the less painful side temporarily reduces mechanical loading. This is temporary management only.
Jaw Rest Position
The resting jaw position places the teeth slightly apart with the tongue resting gently on the palate behind the upper teeth -- not touching. Lips together, teeth apart. Maintaining this position during the day reduces the unconscious jaw tension and tooth contact that amplifies TMD symptoms.
Stress Management
Bruxism and jaw clenching are strongly amplified by psychological stress. Brief relaxation practices -- diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation -- reduce stress-driven muscle tension. Even a 5-minute practice before bed can reduce nighttime bruxism intensity.
What to Expect
The Jaw Pain Evaluation at SmileScience
Every jaw pain evaluation at SmileScience is diagnostic first -- we do not prescribe treatment before we understand the cause. Here is what a thorough evaluation involves:
We ask about onset, location, character, and duration of pain; what triggers it and what relieves it; prior dental or medical treatments for the pain; sleep quality; stress levels; and overall health history. The history alone often points to the diagnosis.
We examine all teeth for fractures, decay, wear, mobility, and sensitivity. We palpate the TMJ and chewing muscles. We assess jaw range of motion and listen for joint sounds. We evaluate the gums for infection or abscess. We review how the teeth meet in occlusion.
Digital X-rays evaluate tooth roots, bone levels, and joint structures. When findings suggest structural joint pathology or when a tooth crack is suspected, CBCT (cone beam CT) provides three-dimensional detail that plain X-rays cannot offer. We have CBCT on-site at SmileScience.
We review sleep quality, partner-reported grinding, daytime clenching habits, and overall stress levels. These factors directly influence bruxism severity and are central to any effective jaw pain management plan.
We review findings, explain the diagnosis in plain language, and present treatment options in order of least to most invasive. If the cause falls outside our scope, we tell you directly and facilitate referral to the appropriate provider.
How We Treat
Jaw Pain Treatment -- Matched to the Cause
Custom Nightguard or Occlusal Splint
The first-line treatment when bruxism or TMD is the primary driver. A precision-fit hard acrylic appliance worn at night reduces clenching force, repositions the jaw, and protects the teeth and joint. Custom fabrication from dental impressions ensures proper fit -- over-the-counter guards provide minimal benefit and can worsen some conditions.
Therapeutic Botox for Muscle-Driven Pain
When the primary driver of jaw pain is masseter or temporalis muscle overactivity, Dr. Turke provides therapeutic botulinum toxin injections directly into these muscles. Results typically develop within 7 to 14 days and last 4 to 6 months. Patients with enlarged masseters from chronic clenching often see dramatic improvement in both pain and facial appearance.
Jaw Exercise and Physical Therapy Protocol
Structured stretching, strengthening, and postural exercises reduce muscle tension, improve range of motion, and address cervical spine contributions. We provide guided home protocols and refer to a licensed physical therapist when cervical involvement warrants hands-on manual therapy.
Root Canal or Extraction for Infected Teeth
When tooth infection or abscess is identified as the pain source, we treat it promptly. Depending on the tooth's restorability, this may involve root canal therapy (to save the tooth) or extraction. Both procedures eliminate the infection that is driving the jaw pain -- often providing relief within days.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
When impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth are confirmed as the pain source, Dr. Dawson performs extraction in-office. Most wisdom tooth extractions are completed under local anesthesia, with nitrous oxide or oral sedation available for anxious patients. Pain relief is typically rapid after extraction.
Periodontal Treatment for Gum-Driven Pain
When periodontitis or a periodontal abscess is identified, we initiate appropriate periodontal therapy -- scaling and root planing, abscess drainage, or referral to a periodontist for advanced cases. Treating the underlying infection resolves the associated jaw pain.
The Most Common Fix
Custom Nightguards for Grinding-Related Jaw Pain
The single most common cause of jaw pain we see at SmileScience is nighttime bruxism -- teeth grinding and clenching during sleep. Most patients have no idea they are doing it. The signs are: waking with jaw soreness or headaches, visible wear on the tooth surfaces, and a partner who hears grinding sounds.
A custom nightguard is the most effective protective measure available. Unlike generic over-the-counter guards, a custom appliance is fabricated from detailed impressions of your exact bite. It fits without effort, cannot be chewed through, and is designed to the specific hardness and thickness appropriate for your bruxism severity.
Most patients report meaningful reduction in morning jaw soreness and headaches within 2 to 3 weeks of consistent nightguard use. The nightguard does not cure bruxism -- the underlying reflex continues -- but it dramatically reduces the mechanical damage and muscle fatigue the grinding causes.
Why Not an OTC Guard?
Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards have an approximate fit, cannot be equilibrated to your occlusion, soften and degrade quickly, and may actually stimulate clenching in some patients. They are appropriate only for very mild, occasional grinding. For anyone with significant bruxism or jaw pain, a custom appliance is the appropriate standard of care.
When Muscles Are the Driver
Therapeutic Botox for Jaw Muscle Pain
For patients whose jaw pain is primarily driven by masseter and temporalis muscle overactivity -- particularly those with masseter hypertrophy (visibly enlarged jaw muscles from years of clenching) -- therapeutic Botox injections offer significant and lasting relief.
Dr. Turke injects precise amounts of botulinum toxin directly into the masseter and temporalis muscles. This temporarily reduces the force these muscles generate, without affecting normal speaking or chewing function. The jaw tension, grinding intensity, and associated headaches decrease substantially.
Results are typically noticeable within 7 to 14 days and last 4 to 6 months. Repeated treatments over 12 to 18 months often produce lasting reductions in muscle bulk and chronic baseline tension. This is a clinical pain management application -- distinct from cosmetic Botox -- and covered by some medical insurance plans.
Who Is a Candidate?
- --Patients with muscle-driven jaw pain who have not responded fully to a nightguard
- --Masseter hypertrophy (enlarged, bulging jaw muscles)
- --Persistent headaches confirmed to be muscle-origin
- --Bruxism severe enough that nightguards are wearing through quickly
- --Patients who prefer a complementary approach to nightguard alone
What Does Jaw Pain Treatment Cost?
Treatment cost depends on the diagnosis. SmileScience starts with a comprehensive evaluation before recommending any specific treatment plan.
TMJ Evaluation
Consultation
Comprehensive exam; CBCT imaging included when clinically indicated.
Conservative TMJ Therapy
$500 -- $1,500
Physical therapy, occlusal adjustment, or Botox jaw muscle therapy.
Nightguard / Splint
$400 -- $800
Custom-fit nightguard or occlusal splint; often partially covered by dental insurance.
What Our Patients Say
4.9 (437 reviews)
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Smile Science Dental Spa, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and service provided by the entire team. Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke are both incredibly skilled and made me feel completely at ease throughout my procedures. Their professionalism, combined with their gentle approach, made me feel comfortable and well-informed every step of the way. I was especially impressed that I was able to get a same-day crown(apparently their first ever!), which exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t believe how quick and seamless the process was. It really saved me time and made the experience even more convenient. Cindiray and Angeles, the dental assistants, were equally wonderful. They were not only friendly and attentive but also thorough in explaining everything and made sure I was relaxed during each phase of my visit. Lastly, a big thank you to Litzy at the front desk, who greeted me with a smile and helped with scheduling and any questions I had. She made the entire check-in process a breeze. From start to finish, my experience at Smile Science Dental Spa was exceptional. I'll be returning for sure. I highly, highly, highly recommend them for anyone looking for high-quality dental care.
View Full Review on GoogleDusty
Honestly I’ve never been so happy to go to the dentist. I came in (late due to Lyft) and was still taken care of and treated with care. Even without insurance (kicking in within the next month) prices for an extraction on my infected tooth were more than reasonable. I was able to get more than expected done in the same visit. Dr. Dawson and his team made me feel so comfortable and taken care of. Won’t go anywhere else.
View Full Review on GoogleCherish B
I recently started as a patient after leaving our long-time family Dentist and couldn’t be happier! Marcela is AMAZING and a FANTASTIC hygienist!!!! 😃 Dr Dawson is great too! Every time I visit, they make me feel like family.
View Full Review on GoogleTJ Winzeler
Myself and my family had previously gone to Dr. Turk at another dental office that he worked at. He had relocated and we did not know where he had gone to until this week. Today I got in with Dr. Turk and he took the time to look at my x-rays carefully . I was having pain from a tooth and some other issues. The previous Dentist I went to that I saw just a few days earlier, he did not find any issues with my tooth which I had pain in. Dr. Turk identified infection and referred me to an endodontist. He is very gentle as a wonderful disposition and my self and my family are thrilled to be able to get back with him. The office is lovely, relaxing music, heat and massage chair.I have always been very nervous and some anxiety going to dentist as I have had bad reactions with the anesthesia. I am confident that Dr. Kirk will help me get through my next appointment just fine. “The staff are very kind and attentive. I am looking forward as I have quite a bit of work to be done, and I know I’m in good hands with Dr. Turk and his staff. Five stars!⭐️ Sherry
View Full Review on GoogleSherry Redmond
I recently moved to Arizona and had an issue with a tooth repair from 15 years back. Not knowing anyone here in my new home, I searched dentists close to me. I chose Smile Science much like pinning the tail on the donkey and my selection couldn't have been better! What a terrific staff! Dr. Turke was concerned the tooth would need to be extracted, but said he wanted to take a shot at saving it..and that's just what he did! After setting a temporary crown, I was on my way with an appointment to install the permanent crown in the following two weeks. That evening I received a call I've never received from a dentist. Dr. Turke had taken the time to follow up with me to make sure I wasn't in any discomfort..I was completely caught off guard by this kind of attention to detail and caring for my well being. The permanent crown is now in place, it fits and feels fantastic, the job and treatment are first class! Thank you, Dr. Turke and staff for taking in this stray and giving me a home dentist! I'd like to say that I'm just good at selecting blindly, but the truth is I am very lucky..and I'll take lucky over being good any day of the week! Thank you, again and Happiest of New Year's in 2026, Science Smile!!
View Full Review on GoogleEddy
Jaw Pain FAQ
Occasionally. Jaw pain accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or left arm pain can indicate a cardiac event -- call 911 immediately. Jaw pain with facial swelling and fever may indicate a spreading dental infection -- call us immediately or go to urgent care. Most jaw pain is not dangerous, but these presentations require urgent evaluation.
Yes, over time. Bruxism is one of the leading causes of enamel wear, cracked teeth, and failure of dental restorations. Enamel lost to bruxism does not regenerate -- once gone, the only option is restoration. Treating bruxism early preserves tooth structure and avoids expensive restorative work later.
Common signs include waking with jaw soreness or tension headaches, tooth sensitivity without decay, visible flat or shiny wear spots on the tooth surfaces, chipped fillings or crowns without trauma, and a partner reporting grinding sounds. We can identify bruxism wear patterns at a routine checkup, often before the patient reports any symptoms.
Morning jaw pain is a hallmark of nocturnal bruxism. When grinding or clenching occurs during sleep, the chewing muscles are worked intensively for hours. Waking up with jaw soreness, stiffness, or headaches is a reliable indicator that significant grinding is occurring overnight, even if you have no awareness of it.
Yes. The maxillary sinuses sit directly above the upper back teeth. Sinusitis creates pressure that is felt in the upper jaw and can closely mimic a toothache. A clue: if multiple upper back teeth hurt simultaneously and you also have nasal congestion, facial pressure, and a recent cold, sinusitis is more likely than a dental cause. We can help distinguish between the two at an evaluation.
Generally yes, with some caution. Moist heat applied to the jaw and temple region helps relax muscle tension and is appropriate for bruxism-related or TMD-related jaw pain. Avoid heat if there is visible swelling -- swelling suggests active infection or acute inflammation where cold is more appropriate in the first 48 hours. If you are unsure, call us before applying heat to a painful swollen area.
No. Chronic jaw pain responds to conservative treatment even when it has been present for years. The treatment timeline may be longer when muscle patterns are deeply established, but significant improvement is achievable at any stage. The only time prolonged symptoms complicate treatment is when bony joint changes have occurred -- which is why earlier evaluation is generally better.
A jaw that fully locks open and will not close on its own is an acute closed-lock emergency and requires same-day evaluation. Do not force the jaw. Call us immediately. A jaw that occasionally catches or feels like it might lock but does not fully lock is concerning and worth a prompt evaluation, but is not an emergency in the same sense.
4.9 (437 reviews)
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Smile Science Dental Spa, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and service provided by the entire team. Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke are both incredibly skilled and made me feel completely at ease throughout my procedures. Their professionalism, combined with their gentle approach, made me feel comfortable and well-informed every step of the way. I was especially impressed that I was able to get a same-day crown(apparently their first ever!), which exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t believe how quick and seamless the process was. It really saved me time and made the experience even more convenient. Cindiray and Angeles, the dental assistants, were equally wonderful. They were not only friendly and attentive but also thorough in explaining everything and made sure I was relaxed during each phase of my visit. Lastly, a big thank you to Litzy at the front desk, who greeted me with a smile and helped with scheduling and any questions I had. She made the entire check-in process a breeze. From start to finish, my experience at Smile Science Dental Spa was exceptional. I'll be returning for sure. I highly, highly, highly recommend them for anyone looking for high-quality dental care.
View Full Review on GoogleDusty
Honestly I’ve never been so happy to go to the dentist. I came in (late due to Lyft) and was still taken care of and treated with care. Even without insurance (kicking in within the next month) prices for an extraction on my infected tooth were more than reasonable. I was able to get more than expected done in the same visit. Dr. Dawson and his team made me feel so comfortable and taken care of. Won’t go anywhere else.
View Full Review on GoogleCherish B
I recently started as a patient after leaving our long-time family Dentist and couldn’t be happier! Marcela is AMAZING and a FANTASTIC hygienist!!!! 😃 Dr Dawson is great too! Every time I visit, they make me feel like family.
View Full Review on GoogleTJ Winzeler
Myself and my family had previously gone to Dr. Turk at another dental office that he worked at. He had relocated and we did not know where he had gone to until this week. Today I got in with Dr. Turk and he took the time to look at my x-rays carefully . I was having pain from a tooth and some other issues. The previous Dentist I went to that I saw just a few days earlier, he did not find any issues with my tooth which I had pain in. Dr. Turk identified infection and referred me to an endodontist. He is very gentle as a wonderful disposition and my self and my family are thrilled to be able to get back with him. The office is lovely, relaxing music, heat and massage chair.I have always been very nervous and some anxiety going to dentist as I have had bad reactions with the anesthesia. I am confident that Dr. Kirk will help me get through my next appointment just fine. “The staff are very kind and attentive. I am looking forward as I have quite a bit of work to be done, and I know I’m in good hands with Dr. Turk and his staff. Five stars!⭐️ Sherry
View Full Review on GoogleSherry Redmond
I recently moved to Arizona and had an issue with a tooth repair from 15 years back. Not knowing anyone here in my new home, I searched dentists close to me. I chose Smile Science much like pinning the tail on the donkey and my selection couldn't have been better! What a terrific staff! Dr. Turke was concerned the tooth would need to be extracted, but said he wanted to take a shot at saving it..and that's just what he did! After setting a temporary crown, I was on my way with an appointment to install the permanent crown in the following two weeks. That evening I received a call I've never received from a dentist. Dr. Turke had taken the time to follow up with me to make sure I wasn't in any discomfort..I was completely caught off guard by this kind of attention to detail and caring for my well being. The permanent crown is now in place, it fits and feels fantastic, the job and treatment are first class! Thank you, Dr. Turke and staff for taking in this stray and giving me a home dentist! I'd like to say that I'm just good at selecting blindly, but the truth is I am very lucky..and I'll take lucky over being good any day of the week! Thank you, again and Happiest of New Year's in 2026, Science Smile!!
View Full Review on GoogleEddy
Relieve Jaw Pain. Protect Your Teeth.
Custom nightguards, therapeutic Botox, and comprehensive jaw pain diagnosis at SmileScience Dental Spa in Glendale, AZ. Same-week appointments available. Call or book online.