TMJ and TMD Treatment in Mesquite, TX
You’ve got TMJ pain in your head, neck, jaw, or all three. It’s a real problem that affects just about everything you do, and even simple actions like chewing and speaking can be very painful. In some cases, you may feel pain all the time, whether you’re moving your mouth or not.
At Town East Dental Group, we offer non-surgical treatment alternatives for TMJ pain and will work with you to find a solution that lets you get back to enjoying your life.
Why Do I Have TMJ Pain?
The joint that controls the movement of your lower jaw is called the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. Place your fingers in front of your ears, move your jaw up and down, and you will feel this joint at work. When it’s not working correctly or causes pain, we call it TMD, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.
TMD pain starts in the jaw joint or the muscles that control movement when you chew or speak. While your jaw is moving, these muscles are also working to support your head and neck. They have a lot of work to do and can become tired, tense, or painful from overuse just like any other muscles in the body. This can lead to facial pain and pain in your jaw, neck, and head.
Any of these problems can be symptomatic of TMD:
- Pain when opening and closing your mouth
- Headaches, including migraines
- Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
- Clicking or popping sound in the jaw
- Tooth breakage and dental wear
- Ringing in the ears
The goal of treatment is to decrease pain, increase jaw function, and limit the impact of TMD on your daily life. We have learned from experience that conservative treatments and self-management are effective solutions for alleviating the painful symptoms of TMD without surgery.
Treatment for Reducing TMJ Pain
Dr. RJ Loera starts with a thorough evaluation of your oral health to try to pinpoint the source of your pain. We always start treatment with the most conservative methods, which can include medication therapy and techniques like meditation to reduce your general stress level.
We may also recommend a customized oral device that fits comfortably over your front teeth. The device is worn while you sleep, and is designed to move the jaw forward, spreading the upper and lower jaw apart so that they don’t come into contact. This helps to relieve jaw clenching, which increases painful symptoms.
Call Today to Get the Relief You Need
We know how uncomfortable the symptoms of TMJ and teeth grinding can be and our doctors will work with you to find the solution that eliminates your discomfort and allow you to go back to enjoying life. Please call our Mesquite dental office to arrange a convenient appointment with one of our doctors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Meet Our Doctor:
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 ...
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