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TMJ and Bruxism
Bothered by Jaw Pain or Headaches?

These and others are symptoms of a problem with your jaw joint called TMJ or TMD. Learn how a simple oral appliance can provide relief at Town East Dental Group.

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TMJ and Bruxism Treatment in Mesquite, TX

patient holding her jaw while waiting for tmj treatment in mesquite txIf you are dealing with TMJ pain in your head, neck, jaw, or all three, simple actions like chewing and speaking can feel overwhelming. In severe cases, the pain is constant, whether you are moving your jaw or not.

At Town East Dental Group, we offer conservative, non-surgical treatment alternatives for TMJ pain. Our experienced team works directly with you to find a custom solution so you can get back to living comfortably.

Why Do I Have TMJ Pain?

The joint controlling the movement of your lower jaw is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Place your fingers just in front of your ears and open your mouth to feel this joint at work. When it becomes inflamed or dysfunctional, the condition is known as TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder).

TMD pain often originates in the jaw joint or the surrounding muscles. Because these muscles also support your head and neck, overuse from clenching or stress can cause them to become fatigued and sore.

Common Symptoms of TMD:

  • Pain or tenderness when opening or closing your mouth
  • Frequent headaches, including migraines
  • Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw
  • Unexplained tooth wear, chipping, or breakage
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Our goal is to reduce pain, restore normal jaw function, and minimize the impact of TMD on your daily routine. In most cases, non-invasive treatments and targeted self-management provide long-lasting relief without the need for surgery.

Non-Surgical TMJ & Bruxism Relief

patient smiling after tmj treatment in mesquite txDr. RJ Loera begins with a comprehensive oral evaluation to pinpoint the root cause of your discomfort. We prioritize conservative therapies, which may include targeted medication, lifestyle modifications, or stress-reduction techniques.

When appropriate, we custom-craft a comfortable oral appliance (nightguard) tailored to your teeth. Worn during sleep, this device gently repositions the jaw to prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming into contact. By stopping nightly jaw clenching, it takes pressure off the joint and significantly reduces pain.

Schedule Your TMJ Consultation Today

You do not have to live with chronic jaw pain or teeth grinding. The team at Town East Dental Group is here to help you find lasting relief.

Call our Mesquite dental office today at (972) 270-2911 to schedule your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders can absolutely cause headaches and ear pain. If you've been dealing with unexplained tension in your head, aching near your ears, or even ringing in the ears (tinnitus), your jaw joint could be the hidden culprit.

The temporomandibular joints are located right in front of the ears, and they connect the jaw to the skull. When these joints become strained or inflamed—due to clenching, grinding, misalignment, or stress—it can radiate pain throughout the surrounding areas. That’s why people with TMJ in Mesquite, TX, often report:

  • Frequent tension headaches or migraines
  • Aching or pressure in and around the ears
  • Jaw clicking, popping, or stiffness

These symptoms can seriously affect your daily life, making it hard to concentrate, chew comfortably, or get a good night’s sleep.

At Town East Dental Group, we offer personalized TMJ evaluations and treatments to relieve discomfort and restore jaw function. Whether it’s custom nightguards or lifestyle guidance, we’re here to help.

Need Treatment for TMJ in Mesquite, TX? 

If you’re dealing with recurring headaches or ear pain and suspect TMJ might be the cause, book a consultation with our caring team today. We’re a trusted resource for TMJ care in Mesquite, TX, and we look forward to helping you with your smile health. 

 

Our dentists will use a thorough exam, x-rays, and an in-depth discussion of your health history and current situation to diagnose your jaw joint (TMJ) discomfort. If you suffer from TMJ pain or other uncomfortable conditions, you may have a jaw joint disorder known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

What Are the Common Symptoms of TMD?

If you suffer from TMD, these are some of the symptoms that you might experience:

  • Jaw locking open or closed
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Jaw joint popping or clicking on opening or closing of the mouth
  • Frequent headaches or migraines
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) 
  • Tooth clenching and grinding (bruxism)

Many people suffer from multiple symptoms of TMD, which can be quite uncomfortable and very debilitating.

How Do We Treat TMD?

Treatment for TMD differs for every patient based on their unique needs. Identifying the root cause of your disorder guides the path to the correct treatment. 

Some of the treatment modalities our dentists may recommend are:

  • Stress Management Techniques — Meditation, yoga, and massage are a few examples of how to manage stress.
  • Orthodontic Treatment — When bite alignment is the culprit, orthodontic treatment may be the right solution.
  • Custom Oral Device — If bruxism is causing your TMD, an oral appliance can help.

These are just a few of the treatment options we may offer at Town East Dental Group to help manage TMJ discomfort in Mesquite, TX. Contact us at (972) 270-2911 for more information. 

Bruxism is a habit that can cause severe and sudden wear on teeth. It happens when the teeth are clenched tightly together or when somebody is grinding their teeth together aggressively.  An occlusal guard (night guard) can be used to help combat this wear pattern of the teeth. 

Meet Our Doctor:

headshot of dr rj loera l dds mesquite tx

Dr. RJ Loera

Dr. RJ Loera graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2014. He is a member of the Dallas County Dental Society, Texas Dental Association, and American Dental Association. He attended The University of Texas at Austin for his undergraduate studies where he earned a BA degree in Biology. He also won a Best Dentist award in 2025 from D Magazine.

The facet of dentistry he enjoys most is having the ability to directly impact and help his patients to maintain and improve ...

Featured Blog Posts - TMJ and Bruxism

March 23, 2020

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TMJ and Bruxism in Mesquite, TX

If you’re living with regular headaches and pain in your jaw, you recognize firsthand just how invasive and disruptive TMJ symptoms can be. 

Dealing with this constant pain is no way to live, and our Mesquite, TX dentist is here to help you manage your symptoms and minimize the impact that TMJ has on your life. 

Recognizing TMJ in Your Life

The joint in your lower jaw, which is responsible for the jaw’s movements, is known as the temporomandibular joint, or “TMJ.” 

This jaw joint functions correctly for the majority of people, but ...

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