Athens Oconee Dentistry

2235 Resurgence Dr, Watkinsville, GA 30677.

Athens Oconee Dentistry > Services > TMJ & Bruxism Treatment

We can help eliminate TMJ symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, teeth grinding, and dental wear with a simple custom nightguard.

TMJ & Bruxism Treatment in Watkinsville, GA

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TMJ & Bruxism Treatment in Watkinsville, GA

TMJ in Watkinsville, GA You have probably heard the term ‘TMJ’ and know it relates to your jaw joints, also called temporomandibular joints. The conditions that develop when the jaw joints and muscles don’t function properly are called TMD, short for temporomandibular joint disorders.

Benefits of Non-Surgical TMJ Treatment

TMJ pain can be debilitating for some people, and there are many benefits to seeking treatment with your Watkinsville, GA, dentist.

Enjoy food more
Avoid TMJ-related headaches
Protect teeth from grinding
Avoid TMJ-related conditions like migraines and neck pain
Take less medication
Protect your teeth from wear

Often, a custom nightguard worn during sleep is enough to give the jaw joint a chance to rest and minimize TMD symptoms. Please call Athens Oconee Dentistry to schedule an appointment to see how we can help relieve your pain and get your life back.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

Because the TMJ is a complex joint, it isn’t always possible to pinpoint the specific cause of the disorder. However, contributing factors may increase the likelihood of developing TMD.

Injury to the jaw
Arthritis
Chronic teeth grinding and clenching
Being female

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should consider speaking to your doctor or dentist about TMD:

Painful popping and clicking when opening or closing your mouth
Jaw pain or stiffness
Pain when chewing
Limited movement of the jaw
Jaw locked open or closed
Headaches and migraines
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
A change in your dental bite

You should also know that hearing clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint is normal. They only become problematic when accompanied by pain. And for many people, the signs and symptoms of TMJ problems go away on their own with no need for treatment.

How Your Dentist Diagnoses TMD

There’s no standard test to diagnose TMD. If you experience mouth, face, or jaw pain, Our dentist will ask about your symptoms and have you open and close your mouth to check your jaw’s range of movement.

In some cases, they might recommend an x-ray or CT scan.

Non-Surgical TMD Treatment

dentist holding nightguard If you experience TMJ pain, there are some simple behavioral changes you can make that may alleviate the symptoms, including:

Wear a custom nightguard during sleep to reduce the effects of teeth grinding on the jaw
Eat soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing
Don’t chew gum or bite your nails
Take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen

If these steps don’t provide relief, your dentist or doctor may recommend one or more of the following:

BOTOX® injections
Meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques
Acupuncture
Muscle relaxing medications
Physical therapy to expand the TMJs range of movement

The Relationship between TMD and Bruxism

TMJ disorders and bruxism (chronic teeth grinding or clenching) are often related. You may start grinding your teeth because of TMD; conversely, you may develop TMD due to teeth grinding.

During your diagnosis, our TMJ dentist will see evidence of teeth grinding and bruxism, including unusual wear on your teeth or tooth sensitivity. Experiencing these symptoms along with jaw pain or clicking or popping sounds are often due to problems related to the TMJ.

Call Us for Help with TMJ Pain and Headaches

You don't have to endure the painful and disruptive symptoms of TMJ pain. Please call your TMJ dentist at Athens Oconee Dentistry to see how we can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can TMJ disorder cause other health problems?

TMJ disorder, commonly affecting the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull, can lead to other health problems. For residents seeking information on TMJ in Watkinsville, it's essential to understand how this condition extends beyond jaw pain and dysfunction.

The symptoms of TMJ disorder often include:

Jaw pain
Difficulty chewing
A clicking or locking jaw

How TMJ Can Affect Your Health and Wellness

The impact of TMJ disorder can be more severe than you might think. It can radiate beyond the jaw and facial area, leading to tension headaches and migraines due to the strain placed on surrounding muscles and nerves. This tension can also extend to the neck and shoulders, causing persistent pain and discomfort in these areas.

Furthermore, TMJ disorder can contribute to ear-related issues such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss, as the temporomandibular joint is close to the ear canal. Some individuals may experience dizziness or vertigo as a result of their TMJ disorder.

Call Us for TMJ Treatment in Watkinsville

TMJ disorder can significantly affect one's quality of life by causing local pain and contributing to a range of other physical symptoms. We understand the impact this can have on your daily life, which is why we encourage you to schedule with us today.

Call us at (706) 549-2440 to seek evaluation and treatment options for TMJ in Watkinsville.

What are the treatment options for TMJ disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects a person’s lower jaw and skull. Unfortunately, many individuals suffer from TMJ disorder, which causes pain, strain, and difficulty with jaw movement. Fortunately, several treatment options are available to effectively manage and alleviate TMJ discomfort.

Non-Surgical TMJ Treatments

Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
Applying ice or heat packs can provide temporary relief from pain and swelling.
Physical therapy exercises can help to strengthen the jaw muscles and improve range of motion.
Lifestyle changes to manage stress and reduce excessive tooth grinding and clenching (or bruxism).
Avoiding extremely hard or chewy foods can place excess strain on the jaw.

Surgical TMJ Treatments

In severe cases, surgical options may be considered. In milder cases, arthrocentesis, a minimally invasive procedure that flushes out the joint to reduce inflammation, can offer considerable relief. In extreme cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.

TMJ Treatment via Dental Appliances

Mouthguards or splints are common treatments for TMJ disorder. These devices are worn over the teeth to prevent clenching and grinding, reposition the jaw, and reduce pressure on the joint.

To determine the extent of your TMJ disorder and find the most appropriate treatment, consult a healthcare professional.

The Best TMJ and Bruxism Care in Watkinsville, GA

If you’re looking for a top-quality dental practice in Watkinsville with experience and expertise in diagnosing and quickly, effectively, and efficiently addressing TMJ disorder, contact Dr. Brent Nail and the excellent Athens Oconee Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!

Can TMJ go away on its own, or does it require treatment?

If you’ve ever dealt with jaw clicking, facial soreness, or chronic headaches that seem to originate from your jaw, you might be experiencing TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. Upon learning this, many of our patients ask: "Will it go away on its own, or should I see someone about it?"

Certain habits—like applying hot or cold compresses, avoiding hard or chewy foods, employing stress management techniques, or using a mouthguard to combat teeth grinding while you sleep (bruxism)—can offer relief in milder cases. However, professional treatment is likely necessary in more severe cases or if discomfort is recurring, worsening, or affecting your ability to speak, chew, or sleep.

Why Is TMJ Treatment Important?

Left untreated, TMJ can lead to chronic pain, increased tension in the neck and shoulders, and even joint damage. Fortunately, treatment doesn’t always mean surgery. Many people find relief with conservative therapies like oral splints, physical therapy, or bite adjustments.

Though some TMJ cases can improve with time, rest, or certain lifestyle changes, getting a professional assessment when you first start experiencing symptoms is a far more prudent choice than just ignoring the symptoms in hopes they’ll disappear on their own. Plus, early intervention often means simpler, more effective, and less expensive solutions.

Restoring Quality of Life with TMJ Treatment in Watkinsville

If you're looking for an experienced and compassionate dentist in Watkinsville with expertise in diagnosing and promptly treating TMJ disorder to ensure your relief from pain and long-term oral function, contact Dr. Brent Nails and the Athens Oconee Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Brent Nail

Dr. Brent Nail, DMD, is a proud graduate of The Medical College of Georgia, where, in addition to studying to be a general dentist, he participated in advanced oral surgery studies. Admittedly a perfectionist, Dr. Nail takes great pride not only in the details of dentistry but also in creating the absolute best experience possible for patients.

Dr. Nail designed Athens Oconee Dentistry as a thoroughly modern paperless dental practice utilizing state-of-the-art digital x-rays and the latest technology. But he never forgets the human side of dentistry. Your comfort is our ...

Featured Blog Posts - TMJ & Bruxism Treatment

March 13, 2025

The Pros and Cons of Using BOTOX® for TMJ Pain Relief

woman in dental pain holding her left cheek

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause persistent jaw pain, chronic headaches, and difficulty chewing. For individuals seeking relief, BOTOX® injections have become an increasingly popular treatment option.

While traditionally used for cosmetic purposes, BOTOX works by relaxing overactive jaw muscles, reducing tension and discomfort. However, like any medical treatment, it has both advantages and considerations. Before considering this option, it’s essential to understand its potential benefits, risks, and overall effectiveness.

The Benefits of BOTOX for TMJ Pain

BOTOX can offer significant relief for those suffering from TMJ pain, especially if other treatments ...

TMJ Disorders: When to Seek Professional Help

Do you ever wake up with a sore jaw and wonder what caused it? Do you experience pain while chewing or suffer from unexplained headaches or neck pain? If so, you could have a TMJ disorder. Your TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, can cause several issues when it isn’t functioning correctly, and it can have a detrimental effect on your quality of life.

So, how do you know when to seek professional help? Let’s learn more about TMD symptoms and treatment options.

Explaining TMJ Disorders

Your TMJs are located in front of each ...