If you are experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty moving your jaw, you may be wondering: does TMJ require surgery? The good news is that most TMJ disorders can be effectively treated without surgical intervention. Dr. John Schmid, an Austin dentist and LVI-trained neuromuscular dentist, offers non-surgical approaches to restore comfort and function.
Common TMJ Symptoms
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Jaw pain or swelling
- Difficulty opening or closing your jaw, sometimes resulting in lockjaw
- Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when moving your jaw
- Frequent headaches or facial tension
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, a consultation with Dr. Schmid can help identify the cause and determine the most effective treatment plan.
Non-Surgical TMJ Treatment Options
Many patients assume that surgery is the only solution for TMJ, but that is rarely the case. As a neuromuscular dentist trained through LVI, Dr. Schmid focuses on treatments that address the underlying causes of TMJ, such as bite misalignment, muscle tension, and jaw joint stress. Common non-surgical approaches include:
- Customized night guards or oral appliances
- Bite adjustment therapy
- Muscle relaxation and jaw exercises
- Targeted neuromuscular therapy
These treatments can relieve pain, reduce jaw tension, and improve function, often eliminating the need for surgery altogether.
Why Choose Dr. John Schmid
Dr. Schmid has extensive experience diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders using non-surgical methods. His goal is to restore your comfort and jaw function without invasive procedures whenever possible.
Schedule a TMJ Consultation
If you live in Austin or the surrounding areas of Texas and are experiencing jaw discomfort, don’t wait. Contact Dr. John Schmid today to schedule a TMJ treatment consultation and explore non-surgical options tailored to your needs.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in August 2015 and was updated on August 15th, 2025.