TMJ generally assists in the basic opening and closing movements of the jaw. If you have a TMJ dysfunction, we can help relieve your pain. As a leading dentist in Albuquerque NM, we offer a TMJ exam that evaluates the joint tissue in the “hinge” of the jaw. For minor cases, we recommend patients use pain relievers and cold compresses for temporary relief. In some serious cases, we will recommend alternate treatments such as using a mouth guard or orthodontic appliances or retainers to alleviate discomfort or redirect positioning of the TMJ joint.