Jaw pain can make everyday things like eating, talking, yawning, and even getting through your workday uncomfortable. If your jaw feels sore or tight, clicks painfully, locks, or seems especially uncomfortable when you wake up, the problem may involve your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) or the muscles that control jaw movement.
At Spicewood Dental, Dr. Jackson Owen and our experienced team take the time to understand the cause of your discomfort before recommending treatment. By carefully evaluating your jaw, teeth, and symptoms, we can determine whether grinding, clenching, or another issue may be contributing to your pain and help you understand the most appropriate next step.
If you’re experiencing persistent jaw pain or other TMJ symptoms, call 512-343-2077 to schedule an evaluation at our Northwest Austin dental office.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, are the two joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. Technically, “TMJ” refers to the joint itself, while temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of conditions that affect the jaw joints and the muscles responsible for jaw movement. Patients often use “TMJ” or “TMJ disorder” when referring to these conditions.
TMJ symptoms can have different causes, and sometimes the exact cause is difficult to identify. That’s why a careful evaluation from an expert team matters before deciding how your jaw pain should be treated.
What Are the Signs of a TMJ Disorder?
Not every click or pop in your jaw means something is wrong. Painless jaw sounds are common and usually do not require treatment. However, jaw sounds accompanied by pain or difficulty moving the jaw may be worth evaluating.
Common signs of TMD can include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Painful clicking, popping, or grinding when opening or closing your mouth
- Jaw stiffness
- Difficulty opening your mouth normally
- A jaw that occasionally locks or feels stuck
- Pain that extends into your face or neck
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
- Headaches associated with jaw discomfort
- Soreness that is worse after grinding or clenching your teeth
Because tooth pain, sinus pressure, muscle tension, and other conditions can sometimes feel similar to TMJ pain, an evaluation can help narrow down the root of your symptoms.
Who Can I See for TMJ Pain?
A dentist or physician can be a good starting point for TMJ symptoms. A dentist may be particularly helpful when your discomfort occurs alongside teeth grinding, clenching, tooth wear, or other oral symptoms.
At your appointment, Dr. Owen can evaluate your teeth and jaw, discuss when and where your discomfort occurs, and look for dental factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. If your condition appears to require more specialized evaluation or treatment, you may be referred to an appropriate medical or dental specialist.
How We Evaluate TMJ Symptoms
No single test diagnoses every temporomandibular disorder. Your evaluation begins with understanding how your jaw feels and functions, not simply treating the location where it hurts.
Dr. Owen may:
- Ask when your symptoms began and what makes them better or worse
- Check how comfortably and fully you can open and close your mouth
- Feel the jaw and surrounding muscles for areas of tenderness
- Listen or feel for painful clicking or popping
- Look for signs of teeth grinding or clenching
- Examine your teeth to rule out dental problems that may be causing or contributing to your discomfort
Digital X-rays may also be used when appropriate to evaluate your teeth and surrounding structures. We use cutting-edge digital X-rays and intraoral imaging to give you a comfortable, comprehensive experience.
How Is TMJ Treated?
TMJ treatment will vary from person to person and depends on the source and severity of your symptoms. For many patients, jaw joint and muscle problems respond best to simple, conservative care first.
Conservative Ways to Reduce Jaw Strain
Depending on your symptoms, simple changes may help give an irritated jaw time to recover. These can include temporarily choosing softer foods, applying heat or cold, and becoming more aware of habits such as jaw clenching, gum chewing, or nail biting.
If discomfort continues, a dental evaluation can help determine whether another treatment or referral is appropriate rather than simply trying to manage the symptoms on your own.
Custom Nightguards for Grinding and Clenching
If you grind or clench your teeth, especially while sleeping, that repeated pressure can affect both your teeth and the muscles surrounding your jaw.
Spicewood Dental offers custom-made nightguards designed to protect your teeth from grinding and reduce the pressure placed on the jaw.
When Additional Care Is Needed
Persistent or complex TMJ symptoms can sometimes require care beyond what is appropriate in a general dental office. If your symptoms suggest that additional imaging or specialist evaluation would be helpful, Dr. Owen can explain the next steps and help you understand what type of provider may be appropriate.
Why Choose Spicewood Dental for TMJ Treatment in Austin?
Jaw pain can be frustrating, especially when you’re unsure what’s causing it. At Spicewood Dental, our goal is to give you clear answers and a treatment plan that fits your symptoms.
Patients choose our Northwest Austin office for:
- Personalized treatment recommendations rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
- Custom nightguards when grinding or clenching is contributing to the problem
- Modern digital diagnostic technology
- Clear explanations of your treatment options
- A comfortable, patient-centered dental environment
- Convenient care for patients throughout Spicewood Springs, Great Hills, Jollyville, the Arboretum area, and Northwest Austin
Our goal is not simply to quiet the symptoms, but to help you understand what may be contributing to your jaw discomfort and determine the most appropriate next step.
TMJ Treatment FAQs
How do I fix TMJ?
There is no single treatment that fixes every TMJ disorder. Mild symptoms may improve with conservative measures such as eating softer foods temporarily, using heat or cold, and reducing habits like clenching or gum chewing. If symptoms persist, a dentist can evaluate the cause and recommend treatment based on your specific condition.
Can a nightguard help with TMJ pain?
A nightguard may be helpful when grinding or clenching is placing excess pressure on your teeth and jaw. Spicewood Dental offers custom nightguards for patients who grind their teeth, but an appliance is not appropriate for every form of TMD. An evaluation can help determine whether one makes sense for your symptoms.
Does dental insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Coverage for TMJ evaluation and treatment varies depending on your dental insurance plan and the type of care you need. Some services may be covered differently than others. The Spicewood Dental team can help review your available dental benefits and explain anticipated costs before treatment whenever possible.
Is jaw clicking always a sign of a TMJ disorder?
No. Clicking or popping without pain is common and generally does not require treatment. If the sound is painful or accompanied by stiffness, locking, limited jaw movement, or persistent discomfort, it is worth discussing with a dentist or doctor.
When should I see a dentist about jaw pain?
Schedule an evaluation if your jaw pain is persistent, keeps returning, makes chewing uncomfortable, limits how far you can open your mouth, or occurs alongside painful clicking, locking, grinding, or clenching. A dental evaluation can also help determine whether the discomfort is actually coming from a tooth rather than the jaw joint or surrounding muscles.
Schedule a TMJ Evaluation in Austin, TX
If soreness, tension, grinding, or painful jaw movement is interfering with your day, the team at Spicewood Dental can help you better understand what is going on and what to do next.
Call 512-343-2077 or schedule an appointment with Spicewood Dental today. We proudly provide personalized dental care for patients throughout Northwest Austin and surrounding communities.