Low-Level Laser Therapy for TMJ and Jaw Pain: What to Know
laserdentistry
How photobiomodulation (low-level laser therapy) helps calm TMJ inflammation and tight jaw muscles — and where it fits in a treatment plan.
Jaw pain, clicking, and morning tension around the temples are all common signals of TMJ trouble. One of the gentler tools we use at Morgan Heights Dental Centre is low-level laser therapy — sometimes called photobiomodulation, or PBM.
What PBM actually does
Unlike the lasers used to cut tissue or clean canals, PBM uses low-energy light that the tissue absorbs without heating up. Once absorbed, that light energy appears to:
- Reduce local inflammation in the joint and surrounding muscles
- Support cellular repair by stimulating mitochondrial activity
- Relax muscle tension in the masseter and temporalis — the muscles most involved in clenching
Patients typically feel warmth, if anything, during the treatment.
A typical session
A session takes only a few minutes per area. The handpiece is held over the joint and adjacent muscles while a controlled dose of light is delivered. There's no freezing, no downtime, and you can drive and eat normally right after.
Where PBM fits in a bigger plan
PBM is one piece of TMJ care, not a cure. A full plan often includes:
- Bite assessment and, when appropriate, a night guard
- Habit review (clenching, posture, chewing patterns)
- Physical therapy or jaw exercises
- PBM sessions to manage flare-ups and support healing
Who it may help
Good candidates include patients with muscle-driven jaw pain, mild-to-moderate TMJ inflammation, or lingering soreness after dental work. Severe joint damage may need a different specialist pathway.
Read more about our technologies, or start a conversation through our new patient information page if jaw pain is on your mind.