When your jaw hurts, everything feels off. We can help you.

TMJ and Bruxism Treatment

Jaw pain can take over your life. Daily headaches, worn-down teeth from grinding, or that unsettling click every time you chew gradually take their toll. At Morris Family Dentistry, we understand, and we can help.

Dr. Chad Morris undertook a two-year mini-residency at the Dawson Academy, focusing on the intricacies of occlusion, bite balance, and the complete mouth system. He’s especially passionate about helping patients who have given up hope of a resolution.

Common TMJ-Related Symptoms

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) shows up in different ways. Common TMD symptoms include:

Jaw pain or soreness (especially in the morning)
Clicking, popping, or grinding noises in the joint
Frequent headaches or migraines
Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
Facial muscle tension or fatigue
Pain near the ears or ringing sounds (tinnitus)
Limited jaw movement or locking
Worn, cracked, or broken teeth

If any of that sounds familiar, we offer the treatment needed to restore healthy jaw function and give you back your life.

Benefits of Treating TMJ Pain and Problems

If you deal with the annoying or painful symptoms of TMD, there is hope. An individualized approach to these issues offers several life-changing benefits.

Reduces Chronic Pain

Targeted treatment relieves pressure on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, helping to reduce ongoing discomfort.

Minimizes Headaches

By addressing the root cause of tension, TMJ therapy often brings relief from daily headaches and migraines.

Improves Jaw Function

Many patients regain full, comfortable movement in their jaw—making it easier to eat, speak, and live without worry.

Protects Teeth from Wear

TMJ treatment helps stop grinding at the source, to preserve tooth enamel and prevent further dental damage.

Testimonial

Morris Family Dentistry is The Best Place

Morris family dentistry is the best place we finally found to take care of all our family teeth care needs, from cleaning to fillings, crowns and beyond. I’d highly recommend this dentistry if you want to be treated as a person with the individual teeth care needs, not as a number with $$$.

- Erina

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Personalized Treatment for TMJ and Bruxism

Step 1: In-Depth Evaluation

Dr. Morris will perform a comprehensive evaluation, where he:

Reviews your symptoms and dental history
Analyzes how your TMJ and bite function
Takes impressions, uses imaging, and exams to pinpoint the issue
Explores how your muscles, teeth, and joints work together

Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan

Once we understand the cause, Dr. Morris develops an individualized treatment plan that may include one or more of the following:

Occlusal Equilibration — This comprehensive treatment approach involves using a special instrument to reshape the chewing surfaces of teeth to improve how your teeth come together.
Custom Therapeutic Splints — When worn during sleep, an occlusal splint protects teeth from grinding and reduces stress on the jaw joint.
Restorative Dental Work— In many cases, repairing or replacing fillings, crowns, or other dental restorations can correct issues with missing or uneven teeth.
Orthodontic Treatment — Braces or clear aligners can gradually shift teeth into proper alignment, which can reduce stress on the jaw joint.
BOTOX/Xeomin and Trigger Point Therapy — Targeted injections relax overworked jaw muscles and provide relief from chronic tension or clenching. Dr. Morris also treats larger muscles like the trapezius and splenius capitis to address the headaches and neck tension that often accompany TMJ disorders.
Stress-Relieving Therapies — Many patients also benefit from stress-relieving therapies like yoga and meditation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do TMJ symptoms go away on their own?

In stress-related cases, minor TMJ discomfort may ease on its own. If you’ve been under extra stress and find yourself clenching your jaw, symptoms may settle once you relax, sleep better, or take over-the-counter pain relievers. Simple home care, like applying a warm compress or avoiding chewy foods, can also provide temporary relief.

When TMJ Pain Persists

The problem is that persistent TMJ pain rarely disappears without treatment. If the issue stems from how your teeth fit together, chronic grinding, or inflammation in the joint, the condition often worsens over time. Left untreated, TMJ disorder can lead to:

Frequent headaches or migraines
Cracked or worn-down teeth
Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth fully

That’s why ongoing jaw pain should always be evaluated by a dentist who understands the complexity of the joint and bite relationship.

Get Relief Close to Home

At Morris Family Dentistry in Zachary, LA, Dr. Chad Morris uses advanced training from the Dawson Academy to uncover the root cause of your TMJ symptoms. If you are dealing with persistent, painful symptoms, we encourage you to call us at (225) 654-3964 so we can help you find a long-term solution.

We proudly serve patients throughout Central, Slaughter, Ethel, Pride, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, Denham Springs, and beyond.

Let’s Help You Smile Without Pain Again

At Morris Family Dentistry in Zachary, LA, Dr. Chad Morris offers TMJ treatment grounded in training, empathy, and results. Call us today at (225) 654-3964 or book online to regain your comfort and ability to enjoy a life free from TMJ pain.

We’re proud to serve patients from Zaachary and surrounding communities, including Central, Slaughter, Ethel, Pride, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, Denham Springs, and beyond.