Jaw Locking, Facial Pain, and TMJ Symptoms

Practical information to help you prepare questions and understand your next step.

★★★★★ Read patient reviewsCall 561-625-1991 Request an Appointment

Original publication: 2013-11-13.

Describe What Is Happening

Tell your clinician whether your jaw feels stiff, locks, or has become difficult to open. Include when it started, any injury, and how it affects eating or speaking.

Seek an Individual Assessment

Facial pain and limited movement can have different causes. Do not assume a TMJ diagnosis from symptoms alone. New severe symptoms need prompt assessment.

What to Expect at Our Office

A TMJ evaluation with Dr. Rudnick usually takes 60 to 90 minutes and includes an examination, muscle palpation, jaw tracking, and EMG. Severe jaw locking may require referral to an oral surgeon.

Discuss Options and Follow Up

We explain the findings and appropriate next steps. Ask what treatment is intended to do, how progress will be reviewed, and when another clinician should be involved.

Your Next Step

Bring a symptom history and questions about the evaluation, options, and follow up.

TMJ evaluation and treatment.

Request an Appointment Call 561-625-1991

Appointment requests are confirmed by our team. This article does not replace an individual examination.

What Our Clients Say

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   Jody Whitaker 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend this dental office. I am a big chicken when it comes to dentists and they have been nothing but fantastic to me the whole time. I would send my family and friends to this office at anytime.
  
 
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   Raquel Pizarro 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The whole team is exceptional❣️
  
 
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   Liza Tish 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just had all my teeth done they look beautiful. I can't stop crying. My life has changed forever.
  
 
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   Eileen Harris 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent Dentist just had some Botox done. It’s amazing. I highly recommend.
  
 
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   David Frank 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been a patient of Dr. Rudnick for over 10 years.  The office is run very professionally and is equipped with the most modern equipment.  My interactions with the staff are always pleasant and I feel I am being given first rate care for my dental needs.
  
 
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   Alexis Albert 
 6 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very very happy with my new dental choice. Dr rudnick was terrific
  
 
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   Alene Topel 
 6 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Been going to Dr. Rudnick for quite a few years & wouldn't think about going anywhere else. I have full confidence in him and never had a bad experience. His staff is also very accommadating
  
 
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   Bonnie Lombardo 
 8 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendly, competent  staff.  Dr Rudnick has been my dentist since 2002.  He is an excellent dentist. Phenomenal staff
  
 
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   Christina 
 8 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
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   Makayla Rodier 
 14 days ago
 
 
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   Michael Kovach 
 19 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best dentist and team ever. I have been going to them for more than 20 years and have recommended friends.
  
 
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   Mike Slinskey 
 19 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outstanding Dentist and an Amazing Team!
I cannot recommend this dental office highly enough! As someone who experiences severe dental anxiety, going to the dentist has always been extremely stressful for me. From the moment I walked through the door, the entire staff made me feel welcomed, comfortable, and genuinely cared for.
The dentist and the entire team demonstrated exceptional skill, patience, compassion, and understanding. They took the time to listen to my concerns, explain everything thoroughly, and make sure I felt comfortable every step of the way. Their gentle approach, professionalism, and ability to understand and accommodate dental anxiety made a tremendous difference in my experience.
It is not easy to find a dental office that combines outstanding clinical skills with such genuine compassion for their patients. This team truly goes above and beyond to make you feel safe, respected, and at ease.
If you struggle with dental anxiety or fear of going to the dentist, I highly recommend this office! You will be treated with kindness, patience, and understanding rather than judgment. The entire team deserves recognition for the exceptional care they provide. They have made what is normally a very difficult experience so much more manageable, and I am incredibly grateful for the way they treated me.
Thank you to Dr. Rudnick and every member of the staff for making such a positive difference. You have earned my trust, my appreciation, and my highest recommendation!
  
 
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   Joseph Golemme 
 20 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent 5 stars
  
 
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   christal connell 
 21 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My fiance and I both go here - they have the best staff plus latest tools and tech. I’ve not found a dentist in FL that I liked until I started going to Dr. Rudnick and team! Highly recommend
  
 
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   Adam Cranmer 
 26 days ago
 
 
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   Bruce Weiler 
 30 days ago
 
 
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   Icy J 
 30 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Rudnick is such an amazing dentist! I’ve been with his patient for going on 7 years now. I chipped my tooth 3 times within the past month in a half and everytime, he booked me an appointment the following day. The office staff, I call them my girls, are super sweet and so polite! The whole office makes you feel like family! The whole office is amazing. Dr. Rudnick has awesome bedside manners and he takes care of my teeth every time- he is a one in a million dentist!I’m appreciative of the whole office and Dr. Rudnick! 😊
  
 
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   dina klein 
 35 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
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   Pete Forester 
 35 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Rudnick is excellent. Every other dentist had great difficulty numbing without many doses. Dr R got it first time and does great work. Excellent staff too.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Shyanne W 
 35 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
 
  
 
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Jaw Locking, Facial Pain, and TMJ Symptoms

Describe What Is Happening

Seek an Individual Assessment

What to Expect at Our Office

Discuss Options and Follow Up

Your Next Step

What Our Clients Say

We look forward to meeting you

Find our office

Office hours

Contact our team

Plan your arrival

Monday	9:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday	9:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday	9:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday	9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday	9:00am - 2:00pm
Saturday	CLOSED
Sunday	CLOSED

Jaw Locking, Facial Pain, and TMJ Symptoms

Describe What Is Happening

Seek an Individual Assessment

What to Expect at Our Office

Discuss Options and Follow Up

Your Next Step

What Our Clients Say

We look forward to meeting you

Find our office

Office hours

Contact our team

Plan your arrival

Meet the Doctor