TMJ Disorder (TMD) Treatment in Nashville
Jaw pain can affect your ability to do everyday things – it’s time to get relief.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (also called TMD or TMJ disorder) is a dysfunction of the jaw joint and associated muscles and can cause significant pain, stiffness, and damage when left untreated.
Jaw pain, chronic headaches, and facial tension can make everyday life a challenge. If you experience discomfort while chewing, speaking, or opening your mouth, you may be dealing with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), often referred to as TMJ disorder.
If you’re suffering from TMJ disorder, we know you’re not able to experience life to the fullest, facing a variety of uncomfortable and even debilitating symptoms every day. You don’t have to live that way.
At Nashville Restorative Dentistry, Dr. Ryan Jones and Dr. Caleb Estes provide diagnosis and treatment for TMJ disorders using conservative, evidence-based methods. Our goal is to relieve your pain, protect your oral health, and help you return to a more comfortable, enjoyable life.
What is TMJ Disorder and what causes it?
TMD is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joints—the hinge-like joints located just in front of your ears—as well as the surrounding muscles that control jaw movement. These joints allow for the essential motions involved in eating, speaking, yawning, and more.
When the TMJs are strained, inflamed, or not functioning properly due to issues like bite misalignment, teeth grinding (bruxism), injury, or arthritis, the result is often pain, tension, and restricted movement. Left untreated, TMD can worsen over time, leading to permanent joint damage and increasingly severe symptoms.
Contributing factors can include:
- Postural imbalances (particularly forward head posture)
- Hormonal influences, particularly in women
- Systemic inflammation or autoimmune conditions
- Sleep disorders, which often exacerbate bruxism
What are the symptoms of TMJ Disorder?
TMD symptoms vary widely and can be mistaken for other conditions such as migraines or ear infections. Common signs include:
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Limited range of motion or jaw locking
- Pain when chewing or talking
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Worn, chipped, or broken teeth (often from grinding)
- Neck, shoulder, or upper back pain
- Stiff or fatigued jaw muscles
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Facial asymmetry or uneven bite sensation
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, a proper diagnosis is essential to finding lasting relief.
How do dentists diagnose and treat TMJ Disorder?
Every case of TMD is unique. That’s why we start with a comprehensive evaluation of your jaw joints, muscles, bite alignment, and dental history. Using this information, we develop a personalized treatment plan designed to address the underlying causes of your discomfort—not just the symptoms.
Treatment options may include:
- Custom oral appliance therapy: A specially designed night guard or bite splint helps relax the jaw, protect teeth from grinding, and reduce strain on the TMJs.
- Bite correction (occlusal equilibration): Minor adjustments to the way your teeth come together can improve alignment and relieve joint stress.
- Orthodontics: In cases of significant bite misalignment, braces or aligners may be recommended to restore proper function.
- Replacement of problematic dental restorations: Old or misaligned crowns and fillings can disrupt your bite and contribute to TMJ issues.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: For cases involving joint inflammation or arthritis, medication may be prescribed.
- Jaw exercises and stress management: Strengthening jaw muscles and reducing clenching through guided therapy can enhance long-term outcomes.
- Cold or warm compresses and dietary changes: Soft foods and temperature therapy can provide additional relief during flare-ups.
- Physical therapy referral: In more complex cases, collaborative care with a physical therapist can support muscular and postural rehabilitation.
Surgical intervention is rarely necessary—most TMD cases respond well to conservative care.
Click here to read more about jaw pain and TMD/TMJ
TMJ & TMD FAQs
What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint itself, while TMD (temporomandibular disorder) refers to dysfunction or problems associated with that joint and surrounding muscles.
How long does TMD treatment take to work?
Most patients begin noticing relief within a few weeks of starting treatment. The full course depends on the severity of your condition and the selected therapies.
Can TMJ Disorder go away on its own?
Mild cases may improve with rest, stress reduction, and temporary lifestyle changes. However, persistent symptoms usually require professional evaluation to prevent worsening or chronic pain.
Is a night guard the same as a TMJ splint?
While both are oral appliances, a TMJ splint is specifically designed to improve jaw alignment and joint health, whereas over-the-counter night guards primarily prevent teeth grinding without addressing joint function.
Can TMD cause ear pain or dizziness?
Yes. Because the TMJ is located close to the ear canal, inflammation or dysfunction can lead to symptoms like earaches, tinnitus, or balance issues.
What can I do at home to manage TMJ pain?
Apply warm compresses, avoid hard or chewy foods, practice jaw relaxation exercises, and use anti-inflammatory medications as directed. However, these are supportive—not definitive—treatments.
Do I need surgery for TMJ Disorder?
Surgery is a last resort. Most TMD cases improve significantly with conservative, non-surgical treatments like splints, bite adjustments, and physical therapy.
Where can I get TMJ treatment in Nashville?
You don’t have to live with chronic jaw pain or discomfort. At Nashville Restorative Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you understand your condition and providing the care you need to feel like yourself again.
Located in Franklin, TN, we proudly serve patients from Nashville, Brentwood, Cool Springs, and surrounding communities.
Call (615) 640-8494 or request your consultation online to begin your journey toward lasting relief.
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Nashville Restorative Dentistry
Dr. Ryan M. Jones
Ryan M. Jones, DDS, FAGD, focuses on delivering excellence in dental care and creating beautiful smiles, fighting disease and inflammation, using biocompatible materials, and educating patients about their scope of treatment options. He is an alumnus of Brentwood High School, the University of Tennessee (Knoxville), and the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry (Memphis). He is a graduate and mentor for the Kois Center in Seattle, a world-class post-graduate facility focusing on comprehensive patient care. He has taken the Pikos Institute (Tampa, FL) curriculum, which is focused on advanced surgical techniques. He’s also earned a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) and is currently expanding his digital dentistry and Exocad knowledge in various courses.Dr. Jones is also passionate about providing for the underserved and has taken part in many dentistry-related charity and community projects.
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Dr. Caleb M. Estes
Caleb M. Estes, DMD, FAGD, is a dedicated professional with a strong academic background and extensive postdoctoral education. After graduating from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville and earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the SIU School of Dental Medicine, he has constantly pursued advanced training. He has earned a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and is a graduate of the prestigious Kois Center. Before joining Nashville Restorative Dentistry, he served in the US Army as a general dentist and a Captain, deploying alongside US and NATO forces to Afghanistan in 2015. He also completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program with the Army during this time.Dr. Estes’ passion is to provide excellence in clinical dentistry and patient care while using the best restorative and preventative materials available. Accomplished in both surgical and restorative dentistry, he finds great fulfillment in transforming smiles and instilling confidence in his patients.
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Struggling with jaw pain, clenching, or chronic headaches?
At Nashville Restorative Dentistry, our TMD jaw joint pain treatment options can restore balance to your bite and relief to your life.
Call (615) 640-8494 to schedule your TMD consultation.
We are located in Franklin, TN, and serve Cool Springs, Brentwood, Nashville, and beyond.
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Patient Testimonial
Issue: Severely compromised remaining natural teeth with multiple areas of decay, failing previous dental work, missing teeth, unaesthetically restored lower front implants, and extremely worn and chipped upper front teeth.
Solution: Through a detailed plan of bone grafting, implant placement, and new crowns on the remaining natural teeth – a dramatic restoration of function and cosmetic appearance was possible.
