That clicking, aching jaw — let's get to the bottom of it.
Many PPO plans cover a portion of TMJ care. We verify your benefits, file the claim, and hand you a written estimate before we start. TMJ disorder is the joint connecting your jaw to your skull acting up — and it shows up as jaw pain, morning headaches, ear pain, and trouble chewing. We diagnose it with a hands-on exam plus X-rays or CBCT imaging, then start with the most conservative treatment that fits. A custom night guard, the usual first step, typically runs $300-$700 — and many PPO plans cover a portion.
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Many PPO plans cover a portion of a TMJ night guard. We verify your benefits and file the claim · written estimate before we start · Self-pay from $300 for a custom night guard · Cherry and CareCredit financing.
What TMJ disorder feels like.
Your temporomandibular joint — the TMJ — is the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. When it's inflamed or fighting a bad bite, the symptoms show up in places you might not expect: your temples, your ears, your neck. If any of these sound familiar, your jaw joint may be the reason:
- Jaw pain or soreness, especially in the morning
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you open or close your mouth
- Discomfort or fatigue when chewing
- A jaw that locks open or closed
- Headaches or migraines, especially on waking
- Ear pain or ringing (tinnitus) with no ear infection
- Tenderness in the face or jaw muscles
- Neck and shoulder pain
Why your jaw is acting up.
The most common culprit by far is bruxism — grinding or clenching your teeth, often in your sleep, often without knowing it. Stress feeds the habit, and we frequently spot the telltale wear on enamel during a routine checkup before a patient has ever mentioned jaw pain.
Other causes include arthritis in the joint itself, an injury to the jaw, a misaligned bite (malocclusion), or structural differences present from birth. Part of your evaluation is figuring out which of these is driving your symptoms — because the cause shapes the treatment.
Treatment starts conservative.
The usual first step is a custom night guard or occlusal splint — an appliance made to fit your teeth exactly, worn during sleep so clenching and grinding stop straining the joint. For most patients this alone takes real pressure off the TMJ. It typically runs $300-$700, and we go over a written estimate before anything starts.
When the bite itself is part of the problem, we may recommend a bite adjustment (occlusal equilibration) — carefully reshaping select biting surfaces so your teeth meet evenly instead of stressing the joint. We can also refer you for physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support the joint, and short courses of anti-inflammatory medication help calm an acute flare-up.
Will it go away on its own?
Sometimes — mild cases can improve with self-care like a soft diet, alternating heat and ice, and stress reduction. But untreated TMJ disorder often worsens over time, and early treatment helps protect the joint from damage and chronic pain.
If your jaw ever locks open or closed, or the pain turns severe, treat it like the urgent problem it is — our emergency dental care team sees jaw problems same-day.
Care that fits your budget.
Most treatment can be split into manageable monthly payments — so cost never has to stand between you and the care you need.
From first ache to a calmer jaw.
Evaluation
We assess how your jaw moves, listen for joint sounds, and check the muscles around the joint for tenderness.
Imaging
X-rays or a CBCT scan add diagnostic detail when we need a closer look at the joint itself.
Your plan
Most patients start with a custom night guard or splint. You get a written estimate before any treatment begins.
Follow-up
We track how your symptoms respond, fine-tune your appliance, and add therapies — like a physical therapy referral — only if you need them.
TMJ Disorder Treatment in Missouri City, TX — questions worth asking.
Can a dentist diagnose TMJ disorder?
Yes. Our dentists identify TMJ disorder through a clinical exam — assessing how your jaw moves, listening for joint sounds, and checking the surrounding muscles for tenderness. When we need more detail, imaging such as X-rays or a CBCT scan shows us the joint itself.
Can TMJ cause ear pain?
Yes, and it surprises a lot of patients. The joint sits directly next to your ear canal, so inflammation or dysfunction in the TMJ frequently causes ear pain, ringing (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness in the ear — even when there's nothing wrong with the ear itself.
Does TMJ disorder go away on its own?
Mild cases sometimes improve with self-care — a soft diet, heat and ice, stress reduction. But untreated TMJ disorder often worsens over time. Getting evaluated early helps prevent joint damage and chronic pain, and treatment usually starts with something as simple as a night guard.
How much does TMJ treatment cost in Missouri City?
A custom night guard — the most common first-line treatment — typically ranges from $300 to $700. More involved treatments vary, so we review a written estimate with you before anything begins. Many PPO plans cover a portion of TMJ treatment, and financing is available through Cherry and CareCredit.
What does a night guard actually do?
A custom night guard is an oral appliance made to fit your teeth exactly, worn during sleep. It prevents the clenching and grinding that strain the joint, which reduces the pressure on the TMJ — and helps ease the pain that comes with it. It's the most common first-line treatment for TMJ disorder.
Wake up without the headache.
Book a TMJ evaluation with Dr. Huynh. We'll check how your jaw moves, find out what's driving the pain, and start with the most conservative treatment that fits — with a written estimate before anything begins.
Book my TMJ evaluation →