Here's some information on the causes and treatments for TMJ:

http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/tm j.cfm

What did the dentist recommend?

Hi - Thanks for the info.

The dentist said that the symptoms usually go away in 10-14 days. He recommended Advil and Ice or heat whichever makes the pain feel better. He also said that it would probably happen again and he said I should think about getting a mouth piece to wear at night as it will help relax my jaw and keep it in a correct position.

He said if the pain does not go away by next week I should see an ENT.

Sounds like a good plan. Localized massage might also help to get into the masseter muscles. Here's a diagram:

Other treatment options for TMJ include:

TENS unit — uses low-level electrical currents to relax the jaw joint and facial muscles.

Ultrasound — Ultrasound treatment is deep heat that is usually applied to the joint if it's sore or doesn't move.

Trigger-point injections — A dentist injects pain medicine or an anesthetic into tender facial muscles to relieve pain. While the pain medicine is working, you should stretch your jaw muscles with simple exercises.

Acupuncture — Helps manage TMJ pain with varied results.

More info: http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/MyTr eatment/articles/Orofacial_TMD.asp

http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSSP rint/r.WSIHW000/st.28829/t.32766/pr.3/c.35 5176.html