TMJ Treatment

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Jaw pain that disrupts your daily life deserves immediate attention and expert care. TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joint that attaches your jaw to your skull, causing symptoms that vary from mild discomfort to severe pain that impacts eating, speaking, and sleeping.

At Red Rock Dental in Las Vegas, Dr. Alan McCaffrey and Dr. Thomas Booker understand how TMJ disorders can affect every aspect of your life. With over 20 years of combined experience and more than 100 hours of continuing education annually, our team provides comprehensive TMJ treatment using conservative approaches that prioritize your comfort and long-term oral health.

Understanding TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders have a range of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. The temporomandibular joint acts as a sliding hinge joining your jawbone to your skull, and problems with this complex joint system can create widespread discomfort.

Common symptoms include jaw pain or tenderness, difficulty chewing, aching facial pain, and locking of the joint that makes it hard to open or close your mouth. Many patients also experience clicking or popping sounds when opening their mouth, headaches, and neck pain. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, over 10 million Americans currently experience TMJ disorder symptoms.

What Causes TMJ Problems?

Several factors can contribute to TMJ disorders, often working in combination to create joint dysfunction. Teeth grinding or clenching, particularly during sleep, places undue stress on the joint and surrounding muscles. Arthritis can affect the TMJ just like other joints in your body, while jaw injuries from accidents or trauma may damage the joint directly.

Poor bite alignment, missing teeth, and certain autoimmune diseases can also contribute to TMJ development. Stress often plays a significant role, as many people unconsciously clench their jaw muscles during periods of tension or anxiety.

Conservative TMJ Treatment Options

Most TMJ disorders respond well to conservative treatment approaches that focus on reducing pain and restoring normal jaw function. At Red Rock Dental, we begin with the least invasive options and progress to more comprehensive treatments only when necessary.

Custom Oral Appliances

Night guards and bite splints represent one of the most effective first-line treatments for TMJ disorders. These custom-made appliances protect your teeth from grinding damage while repositioning your jaw into a more comfortable position during sleep.

Our team creates these appliances using accurate impressions of your teeth, ensuring a comfortable fit that won’t affect your sleep. Most patients see substantial improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks of consistent use.

Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Care

Simple changes to your daily habits provide substantial relief from TMJ symptoms. Avoiding hard or chewy foods reduces stress on the joint, while practicing relaxation techniques helps address the stress component of the disorder.

Heat and cold therapy provide quick pain relief during flare-ups. Gentle jaw exercises and stretches, when performed correctly, help maintain joint mobility and strengthen supporting muscles.

Advanced Treatment Approaches

When conservative treatments don’t provide adequate relief, additional options may be considered. Physical therapy specifically designed for TMJ disorders can help retrain jaw muscles and improve joint mobility. Some patients benefit from medications that address inflammation or muscle tension.

In select cases where structural problems contribute to TMJ symptoms, orthodontic treatment or restorative dental work may be recommended to improve bite alignment and relieve joint stress.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Addressing TMJ symptoms early prevents the condition from advancing to more severe stages that may require extensive intervention. Early treatment also helps prevent secondary problems like tooth wear from grinding, chronic headaches, and neck pain that can develop when TMJ disorders go untreated.

Our conservative approach means most patients can achieve significant symptom relief without invasive procedures, allowing them to return to comfortable daily activities more quickly.

What Are Some Treatment Options for TMJ?

If you want treatment for TMJ disorder, contact us at Red Rock Dental at (702) 243-8788 to schedule your appointment.

Medications

Medications like aspirin can reduce pain and swelling in your jaw, providing you with temporary relief. Often, anti-anxiety medicines can also provide relief from your jaw clenching.

Dental Work

Sometimes, crooked, broken, or missing teeth are the reason for TMJ pain. Our dentist, Dr. Alan McCaffrey may suggest specific dental work to alleviate your symptoms.

Invisalign

Patients who have misaligned teeth and suffer from TMJ pain may benefit from Invisalign treatment. However, this option is not suitable for patients who clench and grind their teeth due to TMJ. Invisalign can straighten teeth little by little with a series of transparent aligners for a more even bite.

Oral Appliances

Oral appliances like nightguards help cover and protect teeth, thus preventing their further wear and tear. They can be worn before sleep or during stressful situations. Oral appliances work by taking pressure off the jaw, thus reducing the clenching and grinding of the teeth.

Surgery

If any of the above treatment options are not making a difference, we might recommend a specialist for TMJ surgery.

No Insurance? We’ve Got You Covered

While we accept many dental insurance plans, you can still see an emergency dentist even if you have no insurance.

At Red Rock Dental, we make urgent care accessible — You can pay out of pocket with cash or credit card.

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?

The common symptoms of TMJ include the following:

  • Pain and tenderness in the neck, face, jaw, and shoulders
  • Difficulty in opening your mouth
  • Facial tiredness
  • Trouble chewing your food
  • Abnormal swelling on one or both sides of your face
  • Shoulder and neck pain
  • Popping or clicking in the jaw
  • Increased tooth sensitivity
  • Prolonged fatigue
  • Teeth grinding

Schedule Your TMJ Treatment at Red Rock Dental

Living with TMJ pain doesn’t have to be your reality. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and prevents the condition from worsening. Our team at Red Rock Dental can evaluate your symptoms, determine the underlying cause, and create a personalized treatment plan that brings you relief. Dr. McCaffrey and Dr. Booker have helped countless Las Vegas patients overcome TMJ disorder and return to comfortable, pain-free living. Whether you need conservative management or advanced treatment, we’re here to support your journey to better oral health.

Contact our Summerlin office today to schedule your TMJ evaluation. Learn more about our team and approach to care on our about page, and discover why patients throughout Las Vegas trust Red Rock Dental for their specialized dental needs.

Meet The Team

We provide gentle and compassionate care in a friendly environment. We always focus on evidence based diagnosis, patient education, and working with you to build a treatment plan that aligns with your oral health goals.

Insurance & Pricing

1. Competitive Pricing

All of our services are priced competitively so that exceptional dentistry can be accessible to all.

2. Covered By Most Insurance Plans

Many of our services are fully or partially covered by popular insurance plans. We’re happy to help you with your claim.

3. No Insurance, No Problem

Many of our patients pay out of pocket with cash, credit card, debit etc. We also offer an in-house insurance plan.

We Pinky Promise

Our mission is simple – give our patients the best dental experience they’ve ever had.

You Decide

We promise to show you what we see with imaging, educate you on your options, and empower you to make the best decisions for yourself.

Honest, Evidence Based Care

We promise to always show you what we see with imaging and never push unnecessary treatments on you.

On Time Visits

We promise to respect your time and do everything we can to see you within a few minutes of your appointment.

Pricing Transparency

We promise to be transparent about pricing and insurance coverage.

Best in Class

We promise to build a world class dental team. Many of our team members have been with us for over a decade!

Friendly & Professional

Our team promises to always be respectful, polite, and professional.

Pain Free

We promise to do everything we can to minimize pain and make you feel comfortable.

Never Ending Improvement

We promise to constantly invest time and money into technology and continuing education to make sure our patients get the best care possible.

Reviews

Happy Patients

Thank you to all of our patients who have taken the time to write to us a review.

A Dental Experience Unlike Anything You've Ever Experienced

We’re Insanely Gentle

We do everything we can to make sure your visit is as comfortable as possible. We want you to love coming to the dentist in Las Vegas.

Accepting New Patients

We warmly welcome new patients to our office and do our best to accommodate short notice appointments.

Insurance Accepted

Most of our procedures are covered by insurance. Our office will help you submit your insurance claim. Give us a call to learn more.

Award Winning Care

We have over 1000 5 star reviews and have been helping Las Vegasites achieve a beautiful, healthy smile for over 30 years.

Industry Leading Technology

We invest in the latest and greatest technology for improved comfort and diagnostics.

Emergency Visits

We accept dental emergencies and make every effort to schedule you in right away.

About Us

Discover Who We Are

Meet Our Dentist

Highly Skilled & Compassionate

About Our Practice

Accepting New Patients

What to Expect During Your Emergency Dental Visit

When you arrive at our emergency dental clinic in Las Vegas, you can expect:

Immediate Attention

We prioritize emergency cases to minimize your wait time.

Comprehensive Exam

Our dentists will conduct a thorough examination, including digital X-rays if necessary, to diagnose the issue accurately.

Personalized Treatment Plan

We will explain your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment options to address your dental emergency.

Immediate Relief

Our primary goal is to alleviate your pain and address the immediate concern.

Follow-up Care

We will schedule any necessary follow-up appointments to ensure your complete recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common symptoms of TMJ disorders?

Common symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, difficulty chewing, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, and limited jaw movement.

How long does TMJ treatment take?

The duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of your condition and your specific treatment plan. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor progress.

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Dr. Alan McCaffrey

Dentist / Owner

Dr. McCaffrey is passionate about dentistry and is constantly pursuing continuing education to provide his patients with the quality care they deserve. He is proponent of minimally invasive techniques and his goal is to promote oral health with a conservative approach. He is a member of the Academy of Supra-gingival Healthy Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Dental Association, Nevada Dental Association and Southern Nevada Dental Society. He devotes over 100 hours each year attending continuing education workshops with many of the leading dental clinicians throughout the United States.

Dr. McCaffrey was raised in Las Vegas and graduated from Bonanza High School. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Nevada, Reno and received his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry. During that time Dr. McCaffrey met his wife Civia and they married in July of 2002. He went on to complete his dental training at the Temple University School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. McCaffrey enjoys many outdoor activities such as snowboarding, wakeboarding, and mountain biking and enjoys spending the rest of his free time with his wife and children Maddox, Elliana, and Preston.

Dr. Booker

Dentist

Dr. Thomas Booker was born in England but relocated to the United States in 2000. After spending a couple years in Houston, Texas he relocated to Las Vegas where he has been ever since. He attended UNLV where he earned his undergraduate degree in Biology. He continued his education at UNLV’s School of Dental Medicine. In his free time he enjoys making music and even plays drums in a band! He prefers to take a conservative approach to dentistry and is highly quality driven. He is also a member of the Find-a-Dentist®

Jesus

Dental Assistant

Jesus has been in dentistry since 2015. He is always eager to learn new and innovative techniques to aid our doctors and provide an exceptionalal patient experience. He was born in Sacramento, CA and grew up playing baseball all the way through high school. Jesus is an avid sports fan with his favorite teams being the San Francisco 49er’s, San Francisco Giants, and Sacramento Kings.

 

Sammy

Dental Assistant

Sammy is originally from Bullhead City, Arizona. She joined our team as a hygiene assistant at the beginning of this year. She is currently expanding her skills by learning the ropes of our front office staff. With a passion for the outdoors, Sammy loves exploring nature and is always looking forward to her trips back home to visit friends and family. We’re excited to have her on board and can’t wait to see all the great things she’ll accomplish!

Iris

Treatment Coordinator

A proud Las Vegas native, Iris has dedicated the past 10 years to building her career in dentistry as a skilled and compassionate treatment coordinator. With a deep commitment to helping others, she takes pride in creating a positive experience for patients while navigating the complexities of their dental care. Outside of work, you’ll often find her exploring nature—whether it’s hiking local trails or soaking up the sun at the beach. She treasures quality time with my family and friends, and her two dogs are never far behind. Life is about balance, connection, and doing what you love and I’m grateful every day to live that out.

Angela

Patient Scheduler

Angela was born and raised here in Las Vegas, NV. She has been a patient scheduler for 3 years however, she is new to the dental field. She strives to further her education to assist her patients in the best way possible. Angela is also a licensed esthetician who enjoys spending her free time reading, spending time with family, and playing with her two dogs.

Cintia

Dental Assistant

Originally from Bell, California, Cintia is a dedicated dental assistant with four years of experience in the dental industry. You can often find her assisting our doctors and hygienists, ensuring that our patients receive the best care possible. Outside of work, Cintia enjoys cooking and cherishing quality time with her family. Her warm personality and commitment to patient care make her a valuable member of our team!

Evee

Office Manager

Evee, originally hailing from the sunny shores of Southern California, is a passionate coffee lover who believes that a great cup of coffee can brighten anyone’s day. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for organization, Evee oversees both the dental and vision departments at our practice, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Always willing to lend a hand, Evee fosters a collaborative environment where her colleagues feel supported and empowered. She takes pride in her work and is committed to providing the best possible experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
Outside of her professional life, Evee is a talented baker who finds joy in creating everything from elaborate themed cakes to delightful sweet treats. She enjoys sharing her baked goods with friends and family.

Stephanie

Dental Hygienist

Stephanie is the newest addition to our practice, bringing with her a wealth of experience in dental hygiene. She moved to Las Vegas with her family in 2021, but has been dedicated to the dental field since 2010, starting her journey as an assistant and spending several years in pediatrics. Since becoming a dental hygienist in 2018, Stephanie has made it her mission to ensure that every patient feels truly cared for in her chair. Her top priorities are creating positive patient experiences, maintaining professionalism, and building strong rapport with those she serves. When she’s not at the office, Stephanie enjoys cooking, baking, and attending Trufusion classes to stay active and energized.

Brooklyn

Dental Hygienist

Brooklyn has been a registered dental hygienist since 2021. She attended Louisiana State University prior to completing her B.S. in Dental Hygiene at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She recently moved to Las Vegas with her husband and their dog. She was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she developed a love for Cajun food, Mardi Gras, and LSU football. She is an avid reader, and is passionate about outdoor exploration and interior design.