Jaw pain has a way of disrupting everything—eating, talking, even sleeping. If you’ve noticed clicking, soreness, or stiffness near your jaw, you may be dealing with a TMJ disorder. The good news? You don’t have to live with it. At Old Settlers Dental in Round Rock, TX, Dr. Fredrick R. Lewcock and Dr. John Zavala offer thoughtful, effective TMJ treatment designed to bring you lasting comfort.
As two of the top dentists in the area, Dr. Lewcock and Dr. Zavala are known for their innovative approach to dentistry. They’re passionate about adopting the latest technologies and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for every patient who walks through their doors.
What Is TMJ and What Are the Signs?
If you notice jaw pain, clicking sounds, frequent headaches, or difficulty chewing, Old Settlers Dental can evaluate your symptoms and provide effective treatment to bring lasting relief
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and lets you chew, speak, and yawn. When this joint isn’t working properly, it can cause real discomfort.
Common signs and symptoms of a TMJ disorder include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
- Frequent headaches or earaches
- A jaw that feels stuck or locked
- Facial soreness
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth getting checked out.
How TMJ Affects Your Oral Health
A TMJ disorder does more than cause pain. Left untreated, it can lead to uneven tooth wear, cracked teeth, and ongoing jaw strain. The misalignment can also affect your bite, making everyday chewing uncomfortable and putting extra stress on your teeth over time.
Key takeaway: Addressing TMJ early helps protect both your comfort and your smile.
Is Teeth Grinding Related to TMJ?
Yes—the two are closely connected. Grinding your teeth, often called bruxism, places repeated pressure on your jaw joint and muscles. Many people grind at night without realizing it, waking up with a sore jaw or sensitive teeth. Over time, this habit can trigger or worsen TMJ symptoms, creating a frustrating cycle of pain and damage.
Who Is at Risk for TMJ?
TMJ disorders can affect almost anyone, but certain factors raise your risk. You may be more likely to develop TMJ if you:
- Grind or clench your teeth
- Experience high levels of stress
- Have arthritis affecting the joint
- Have suffered a jaw injury
- Have a misaligned bite
Understanding your personal risk factors helps our doctors create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
How Dr. Zavala and Dr. Lewcock Diagnose TMJ
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward relief. Dr. Zavala and Dr. Lewcock diagnose TMJ by performing a comprehensive evaluation. They’ll examine your jaw, review your symptoms, and assess your bite to pinpoint the source of your discomfort.
This careful, hands-on approach means you get answers tailored to your situation—not a one-size-fits-all guess.
Get Relief at Old Settlers Dental
You don’t have to navigate jaw pain alone. At Old Settlers Dental, our doctors will work with you to diagnose the problem and recommend suitable treatment. In many cases, that includes a custom removable night guard, or splint, designed to gently guide your jaw into the proper position and ease pressure on the joint.
If TMJ symptoms are affecting your daily life, now is the time to act. Reach out to Old Settlers Dental in Round Rock, TX today and take the first step toward a more comfortable, pain-free smile.
Could your jaw pain be TMJ? Let our team help you find out.
Old Settlers Dental – Round Rock Dentist