TMJ Treatment in Dallas–Fort Worth
TMJ disorders cause jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and limited jaw movement — and they can worsen over time without proper care. DFWOMS’s board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in diagnosing and managing TMJ conditions at our Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis locations.
When your jaw joint and chewing muscles don’t work in harmony
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge-and-glide joint that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull, just in front of each ear. You have one on each side. These joints work together with your chewing muscles every time you talk, eat, and yawn — making them among the most used joints in the body.
A TMJ disorder occurs when the joints, the surrounding muscles, or the cartilage disk inside the joint are not functioning properly. The result can range from mild discomfort to chronic pain, jaw locking, and significant functional limitation. Because some TMJ problems can progress to more serious conditions, early evaluation and treatment are important. At DFWOMS, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely qualified to diagnose and manage the full spectrum of TMJ conditions — from conservative care to surgical intervention when needed.
Why the jaw joint becomes painful or dysfunctional
TMJ disorders can develop for a variety of reasons, and in many cases multiple factors contribute. Understanding the cause helps guide the most effective treatment approach.
Common symptoms — a self-assessment
TMJ disorders can present in many ways, and symptoms are not always limited to the jaw itself. The more of the following you experience, the more likely it is that a TMJ evaluation is warranted:
A team approach to lasting relief
No single treatment resolves all TMJ disorders, and effective care often requires patience and a combination of approaches. Treatment always works best as a team effort between self-care and professional care. At DFWOMS, we begin with the most conservative options and progress to more involved treatments only when necessary.
The initial goals are to relieve muscle spasms and joint pain. This is typically achieved through a combination of medications (pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants), BOTOX injections into the masticatory muscles to reduce clenching forces, and corticosteroid injections directly into the joint to reduce inflammation. Self-care measures are also an essential part of this phase and include resting the jaw, eating soft foods, applying ice and heat, gentle jaw exercises, and practicing good posture. Stress management — through biofeedback, physical therapy, yoga, or exercise — can significantly reduce TMJ symptoms in patients whose condition is stress-driven.
A custom-fit, clear plastic appliance — worn over the upper or lower teeth — helps keep the teeth apart, reduces muscle tension, and protects the joint surfaces from the effects of grinding and clenching. Night guards are particularly effective for patients with sleep bruxism. Different types of appliances serve different purposes; our surgeons will recommend the appropriate design based on your diagnosis and symptoms.
When TMJ disorder has affected how the teeth come together, bite correction through orthodontics, equilibration (bite adjustment), or restorative dental work may be needed. In more advanced cases, surgical options including arthroscopy (minimally invasive joint surgery) or open-joint surgery may be indicated. Surgical treatment is reserved for patients with severe joint degeneration, a jaw that cannot open or has dislocated, or those who have not responded to extended conservative therapy.
TMJ treatment at DFWOMS
See how our surgeons approach TMJ diagnosis and treatment — from the initial evaluation to the full range of conservative and surgical options available at our DFW locations.
Expert TMJ care across Dallas–Fort Worth
Common questions about TMJ treatment
Mild TMJ symptoms related to temporary stress or muscle tension can sometimes resolve on their own with rest and self-care. However, TMJ disorders that involve disk displacement, arthritis, or structural joint changes tend to worsen over time without treatment. Because some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious and harder-to-treat conditions, early evaluation is always recommended. We will give you an honest assessment of whether active treatment is needed in your specific case.
For most patients, initial treatment is a combination of self-care and professional care. Self-care includes resting the jaw, keeping teeth apart when not chewing or swallowing, eating soft foods, applying ice or heat, gentle jaw exercises, and stress reduction. Professional care may involve medications, a custom night guard or splint, BOTOX injections into the chewing muscles, or corticosteroid injections into the joint. Treatment is progressive — we start with the least invasive approach and adjust based on your response.
BOTOX (botulinum toxin) injected into the masseter and temporalis muscles temporarily reduces the force of clenching and grinding. By weakening the overactive chewing muscles, BOTOX relieves the pressure they place on the TMJ — reducing pain, headaches, and muscle tension often within days of treatment. The effect lasts approximately 3–6 months and can be repeated. It is a well-tolerated, minimally invasive option for patients whose TMJ symptoms are primarily driven by muscle hyperactivity.
Surgical treatment of the TMJ is reserved for severe cases that have not responded to extended conservative therapy, or when specific structural problems make surgery the most appropriate first-line intervention. Surgical indications include: a jaw that cannot open or has dislocated, severe joint degeneration, a disk that has permanently displaced and cannot be managed conservatively, or a jaw that has changed position due to arthritic destruction. Our surgeons exhaust conservative options before recommending surgery and will explain clearly when and why it is indicated.
TMJ treatment takes time — there is no quick fix, and results vary by patient and condition type. Conservative treatments such as night guards and anti-inflammatory medications may begin to provide relief within weeks, but full improvement often takes months of consistent use and follow-up. BOTOX injections typically show results within 1–2 weeks. Surgical outcomes are evaluated over several months post-operatively. Patience and commitment to the treatment plan are important parts of achieving lasting relief.
Coverage varies by plan and by the specific treatment. Some TMJ treatments may be covered under dental insurance, medical insurance, or both — depending on whether the treatment is deemed medically necessary. We accept most major insurance providers and Medicaid at all three of our locations. Our team will review your benefits before your appointment and help you understand what is covered — contact us before your consultation.
A healthier, more comfortable jaw starts here.
Our oral surgeons in Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis are experienced in all aspects of TMJ diagnosis and treatment — from the most conservative approaches to complex surgical care. Schedule your consultation today.