TMJ Therapy

If you’re experiencing chronic jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or persistent headaches, a TMJ disorder may be the root cause. We have a multidisciplinary team with multiple provider specialties that offers non-surgical to surgical care. At Cleburne Oral Surgery, our experienced surgeons are here to help diagnose and treat TMJ disorders so you can get back to living and eating comfortably.

Whether you need conservative care or advanced TMJ Oral Surgery, our team will evaluate your condition and recommend the treatment option that best fits your symptoms and long-term oral health goals. Patients throughout Cleburne and those looking for a TMJ specialist in Fort Worth trust our team for personalized, comprehensive care.

Overview

What is TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder (TMD) affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint is compromised, it can lead to symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing or speaking.
TMJ disorders can result from a variety of factors, including:
  • Jaw injuries or trauma
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism), often linked to stress
  • Misalignment of the teeth or jaw
  • Arthritis or joint conditions
  • In some cases, genetics can increase your likelihood of developing TMD

Because TMJ disorders can have several underlying causes, an accurate diagnosis is essential. Identifying the source of your symptoms allows your oral surgeon to recommend the most appropriate treatment, whether that involves conservative therapies or, in more advanced cases, TMJ Surgery or Orthognathic Surgery.

The case for TMJ Therapy

If left untreated, TMJ disorders can cause long-term damage to the jaw joint and lead to chronic pain, headaches, and more serious issues like jaw misalignment. Seeking treatment early is key to preventing these complications and improving your quality of life.

At Cleburne Oral Surgery, we offer comprehensive care that may include custom splints, physical therapy, medications, and advanced options like injections or surgical procedures, depending on your individual needs.

Our goal is to improve jaw function while reducing discomfort. Many patients respond well to non-surgical care, while others with significant joint damage, structural abnormalities, or bite concerns may benefit from TMJ Surgery or Orthognathic Surgery after a thorough evaluation.

When to consider TMJ Therapy

You may need treatment if you experience:
  • Persistent jaw pain or soreness
  • Frequent headaches or migraines, especially those linked to jaw tension
  • Clicking or popping sounds when chewing or opening your mouth
  • Difficulty moving the jaw or locking
  • Teeth grinding (often while sleeping)
  • Neck, shoulder, or ear pain

If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a consultation with our team. We can determine the best course of treatment to relieve your pain and prevent further damage to your jaw.

Some patients also notice changes in their bite, facial muscle fatigue, or discomfort when yawning or speaking. These symptoms may indicate that a professional evaluation is appropriate.

Comprehensive TMJ disorder evaluations

Diagnosing TMJ disorders

Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons have advanced training and experience in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. We offer compassionate care, the latest technology, and a commitment to helping you find relief—whether that means a custom nightguard or surgical intervention.
During your consultation, your oral surgeon will:
  • Review your medical and dental history
  • Perform a physical exam of your jaw and facial muscles
  • Possibly order imaging like X-Rays, CT Scans, or an MRI for a detailed look at your joint structure

This comprehensive evaluation helps us pinpoint the issue and design a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Because TMJ symptoms can overlap with other conditions, a comprehensive evaluation helps determine whether your discomfort is related to the jaw joint, surrounding muscles, your bite, or another underlying concern.

TMJ Therapy options at Cleburne Oral Surgery

At Cleburne Oral Surgery, we offer several treatments to relieve the symptoms of TMJ disorder, including:
  • Custom splints or nightguards to reduce teeth grinding and relieve pressure on the joint
  • Physical Therapy to strengthen muscles and improve jaw movement
  • Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants
  • Stress management techniques to reduce jaw clenching
  • Injections for pain relief and inflammation reduction
  • In more advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or reposition the jaw

Our team will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

When conservative treatments are no longer effective, TMJ Surgery may be recommended to restore function or reduce pain. If your symptoms are related to significant jaw misalignment, Orthognathic Surgery may also be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Your oral surgeon will discuss every option and explain the expected benefits, recovery, and potential risks before recommending surgery.

Experiencing jaw pain or other TMJ symptoms?
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your treatment options.

Experiencing jaw pain or other TMJ symptoms? Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your treatment options.

Your questions, answered.

Cleburne Oral Surgery is here to address all your questions and concerns regarding TMJ Therapy.
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint itself, while TMD (temporomandibular disorder) refers to any condition that causes pain or dysfunction in that joint or the surrounding muscles. People often use “TMJ” to describe the disorder, but technically “TMD” is the correct term.
Treatment timelines vary depending on the severity of your condition. Most patients begin to experience relief within a few weeks to months. If surgery is required, recovery may take longer, but we will provide clear guidance and support throughout the process.

Our treatments are designed to be as comfortable as possible. While adjusting to a nightguard or beginning physical therapy may cause some temporary discomfort, these treatments are generally well-tolerated. If surgical treatment is necessary, we provide pain management options to ensure a smooth recovery. If TMJ Surgery is recommended, your surgical team will discuss anesthesia options, pain management, and recovery instructions to help support a comfortable healing process.

Mild TMJ symptoms may improve with self-care or rest. However, for more persistent or severe cases, professional treatment is typically necessary to prevent the condition from worsening. If left untreated, TMJ disorders can lead to chronic pain and further damage to the jaw joint.
Yes. TMJ disorders can lead to tension headaches, migraines, earaches, and a feeling of fullness in the ears due to the joint’s close connection to facial and cranial nerves and muscles.

TMJ Surgery is generally considered only after conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief or when there is significant joint damage, structural abnormalities, or limited jaw function. Your oral surgeon will perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition.

Insurance coverage varies depending on your plan. Many dental insurance policies cover nightguards or splints, while medical insurance may cover treatments like physical therapy or injections. We recommend discussing your treatment options with our office so we can help you understand your insurance benefits and provide payment options if necessary. Our team can help review your benefits and discuss financing options before treatment begins.