Grand Prairie, TX, September 11, 2026. TMJ treatment in Grand Prairie TX often begins with determining what may be contributing to a patient’s symptoms rather than assuming every clicking joint, headache, or sore jaw has the same cause. Temporomandibular disorders, commonly called TMDs, can involve the jaw joints, chewing muscles, and surrounding tissues, making careful evaluation an important first step before treatment is recommended.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that temporomandibular disorders include more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction involving the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement. NIDCR estimates that TMD affects approximately 5% of U.S. adults and notes that the disorders can occur alongside headaches, sleep problems, back pain, fibromyalgia, and other conditions.
“Jaw pain can look very different from one patient to another,” said Dr. Behrooz Khademazad, DDS, founder of Grand Prairie Family Dental. “We want to understand where the discomfort is coming from, how the jaw is functioning, whether the patient is clenching or grinding, and what we see clinically before deciding what treatment makes sense.”
Symptoms associated with TMD can include pain in the jaw joint or chewing muscles, jaw stiffness, limited movement, painful clicking or popping, and pain that spreads into the face or neck. NIDCR also notes that painless clicking or popping is common and does not necessarily require treatment, which is one reason symptoms should be evaluated in context rather than relying on a single sign.
Dental findings can provide additional clues. Nighttime clenching or grinding may contribute to jaw muscle tension while also placing repeated pressure on the teeth. Over time, that pressure can contribute to worn or damaged tooth structure, making the evaluation of whether a tooth needs a filling or a crown relevant when significant wear or fracture is present.
Pain also deserves attention when it changes suddenly or appears with swelling, trauma, or other concerning symptoms. Knowing when dental symptoms require prompt attention can help patients distinguish ongoing jaw discomfort from a problem that may require more immediate dental evaluation.
Dr. Khademazad founded Grand Prairie Family Dental in 1988 after earning a B.S. in Biochemistry and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. His continuing education includes TMJ and facial pain, implant dentistry, bone grafting, orthodontics, and other areas of comprehensive dentistry. He evaluates bite relationships, jaw function, muscle tension, tooth wear, and other clinical findings when patients present with jaw or facial pain in an exam. Dr. Khademazad holds Texas dental license number 15515.
A TMJ evaluation may consider:
Where and when jaw or facial pain occurs
Jaw movement, stiffness, clicking, or limited opening
Signs of nighttime clenching, grinding, or abnormal tooth wear
Muscle tenderness and how the teeth contact during biting
Whether dental treatment, conservative care, monitoring, or referral may be appropriate
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and the individual patient’s findings. NIDCR recommends conservative approaches when appropriate and cautions against treatments that permanently change the jaw joints, teeth, or bite without clear clinical justification. At Grand Prairie Family Dental, available approaches include custom nightguards, bite evaluation, monitoring, and referral when findings indicate that another type of care should be considered.
Patients can learn more about TMJ treatment in Grand Prairie TX and how Grand Prairie Family Dental evaluates jaw pain, clenching, grinding, and related symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint itself. TMD is the broader term for disorders affecting the jaw joint, chewing muscles, and related tissues. A person has two temporomandibular joints, one on each side of the jaw.
What symptoms can be associated with TMD?
Symptoms can include jaw or facial pain, tenderness in the chewing muscles, jaw stiffness, limited movement, and painful clicking or popping. Some people also experience headaches, neck discomfort, or symptoms associated with clenching and grinding.
Does a clicking jaw always need TMJ treatment?
No. NIDCR states that jaw-joint sounds without pain are common and generally do not require treatment. Clicking accompanied by pain, restricted movement, locking, or other symptoms may warrant evaluation.
Can teeth grinding contribute to jaw pain?
Clenching and grinding can place repeated pressure on the jaw muscles, joints, and teeth. Dentists may look for tooth wear, muscle tenderness, morning jaw soreness, and other findings when determining whether grinding may be contributing to a patient’s symptoms.
Does every patient with TMD need a nightguard?
No. Treatment depends on what is contributing to the symptoms. A nightguard may be considered when grinding or clenching is involved, while other patients may benefit from monitoring, conservative self-care, physical therapy referral, or evaluation by another healthcare professional.
About Grand Prairie Family Dental
Grand Prairie Family Dental is a comprehensive dental practice in Grand Prairie, Texas, founded by Dr. Behrooz Khademazad, DDS, in 1988. The practice provides preventive, restorative, cosmetic, implant, emergency, TMJ, sleep apnea, orthodontic, and sedation dentistry for patients in Grand Prairie and surrounding communities. Grand Prairie Family Dental’s mission is to provide comprehensive, patient-centered dental care built around education, careful treatment planning, and each patient’s individual needs. Dr. Khademazad has served the Grand Prairie community continuously since opening the practice on August 28, 1988.
Media ContactCompany Name: Grand Prairie Family DentalContact Person: Dr. Behrooz Khademazad, DDSEmail: Send EmailAddress:2475 W Pioneer Pkwy City: Grand PrairieState: TXCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://gentlegrandprairiedentist.com/
