TMJ & Facial Pain Treatment in Gallatin, TN
Stop Pushing Through Daily Jaw Pain
Focused on Causes, Not Just Symptoms
We look at joints, muscles, and bite forces together so we’re treating the source of your TMJ pain, not just masking it.
Custom Oral Appliances
Our appliances are designed in-house for your bite and jaw pattern, often slimmer and easier to wear than bulky, generic night guards.
Targeted Injectable Therapy
Conservative injectable treatments can help calm overactive jaw muscles, which may reduce clenching force and TMJ-related headaches.
Clear, Visual Explanations
You’ll see tooth wear, bite contact, and muscle patterns on screen, making your TMJ diagnosis and plan easy to understand.
Plans That Fit Daily Life
We combine in-office treatment with simple home strategies so you can follow through without feeling overwhelmed.
We Accept Most PPO Insurance Plans
What Is TMJ & Orofacial Pain Treatment?
TMJ and orofacial pain treatment focuses on addressing issues in the jaw joints, chewing muscles, and bite that can lead to discomfort. Common symptoms include jaw pain or tightness, clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth, headaches, facial tension, and tooth wear or soreness from grinding. At Zurcher Dental Esthetics, our approach to TMJ care is centered around three main goals: reducing pain, protecting teeth, and enhancing jaw movement. We achieve this through a personalized combination of oral appliances, injectable therapy, and minor adjustments to bite or habits, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.
How Our Technology Helps Understand Your Pain
We use a digital, visual workflow so your TMJ diagnosis is based on more than a quick look and a guess.
- Digital X-rays and 3D imaging (when needed) show joint position and surrounding structures
- Intraoral photos highlight tooth wear, fractures, and flat spots from clenching or grinding
- Bite evaluation shows how your teeth meet and where forces concentrate
We review these images together in the treatment room and walk you through what we see, so your plan feels logical and specific to you.
Meet the Dentist Who Listens First
Clear Solutions
Locally Owned, Family-Run
The TMJ & Orofacial Pain Treatment Process
Conversation and Exam
We begin by talking through your symptoms, sleep, work habits, and any history of injury or stress. Then we:
- Check jaw joints for tenderness, noise, and range of motion
- Palpate muscles along your jaw, cheeks, and temples
- Look for tooth wear, fractures, or flat edges
Imaging and Review
If helpful, we take digital X-rays and photos. You’ll see:
- Areas where teeth show heavy wear or small cracks
- How your bite comes together when you close
- Signs that muscles or joints are under excess load
We explain how these findings connect to what you’re feeling day to day.
Your Personalized Plan
Next, we outline options that may include:
- A custom TMJ or night appliance to reduce clenching forces
- Cosmetic injectable therapy to relax overactive jaw muscles
- Minor bite adjustments or restorative work for heavily worn teeth
- At-home strategies for jaw rest, stress-related habits, and flare-up management
You’ll hear pros, cons, expected timelines, and costs for each route, then choose what feels right.
Follow-Up and Adjustments
We schedule follow-ups to:
- Check appliance fit and adjust if needed
- Monitor changes in pain, headaches, and jaw movement
- Reassess injectable dosing and timing where used
- Refine your home routine as symptoms improve
TMJ treatment changes over time; we stay involved, so your plan stays useful.
The Care You Deserve, The Technology You Expect
Clear Explanations
We use AI dental software, digital imaging, and 3D scanning to show you areas of concern, so you always understand what we recommend and why.
Same-Day Solutions
Same-day crowns, many fillings, and emergency visits help you solve problems quickly and avoid multiple trips to the dentist.
Collaborative Treatment
We listen first, then plan with you. Together, we decide whether to focus on maintenance, improvement, or a full smile transformation.
Comfort Menu
Relax with warm blankets, soothing scents, flat-screen TVs with streaming and headphones, snacks, and beverages in a calm, welcoming environment.
One Home for Smile and Face
From routine care and TMJ therapy to cosmetic dentistry, clear aligners, wrinkle relaxer treatments, and fillers, you can care for your whole smile in one serene studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my jaw locks open or closed?
Jaw locking should be evaluated promptly. If this happens, contact our office right away so we can guide you on immediate steps and assess your joint function as soon as possible.
Do I have to wear my appliance all day?
Most patients wear their appliance at night and sometimes during high-clenching times, such as focused computer work. We’ll recommend a schedule that fits your symptoms and lifestyle.
How soon will I feel a difference?
Some patients feel a noticeable change within a few nights of using an appliance or after initial injectable therapy. Others see gradual improvement over several weeks or months. We’ll give you an honest timeline based on how advanced your symptoms are.
Are injectable treatments for jaw muscles safe?
Injectable therapy for jaw muscles has a strong safety record when performed by trained providers. We review your medical history, use conservative dosing, and focus only on the muscles contributing to clenching and pain.
Can TMJ cause headaches and ear pressure?
Yes. Overworked jaw muscles and irritated joints can refer pain to the temples, forehead, and around the ears. Many patients report fewer tension-type headaches and less ear fullness as their TMJ treatment progresses.
Will a basic night guard from the store help?
Generic guards may offer some protection against wear, but they aren’t shaped for your bite or joint position. A custom-made appliance is more precise, more comfortable long term, and better suited to reducing strain on your jaw.
Is TMJ treatment covered by my insurance?
Coverage varies widely. Some plans help with exams, imaging, and appliances, while others are more limited. We’ll check your PPO benefits, explain what is and isn’t covered, and review payment options before treatment begins.
How do I know if my jaw pain is related to TMJ?
TMJ-related pain often includes jaw stiffness, clicking or popping, headaches around the temples, ear-area discomfort, or tooth wear from grinding. At your visit, we’ll examine your joints and muscles and use imaging when needed to confirm whether the TMJ is involved.
Your Local Dental Studio
We’re a family-owned dental office that serves patients and families in our community. Find us across from Lowe’s at 840 N Blue Jay Way, Suite 102, with easy access for patients from Gallatin, Hendersonville, and Goodlettsville.
We are located across the street from the Gallatin DMV