Years in Asheville
We file your out-of-network claims
Waking up with a sore jaw, a dull headache, or teeth that feel worn down is more than an annoyance, and over time, the daily grind of clenching can quietly damage the very smile you have worked to protect. Jaw tension and nighttime grinding often build so gradually that many people do not connect their morning discomfort to a treatable dental problem.
At the office of Travis J. Calhoun, DDS, we have been helping western North Carolina patients address jaw pain and grinding since 1995, with a focus on the whole person rather than a single symptom. Our approach to general and restorative dentistry means we look at how your jaw, teeth, and gums relate to your overall comfort and health, then build a plan that fits your life. If you are searching for relief and want to understand your options, our full menu of dental services gives you a sense of how we care for patients at every stage.
The temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your skull, and when it becomes strained or misaligned, the result can be pain, clicking, limited movement, and tension that radiates into the head and neck. Bruxism, the habit of clenching or grinding the teeth, frequently goes hand in hand with these joint problems and can accelerate wear long before you notice it.
Many people are surprised by how common this is. Research published in a National Institutes of Health resource found that awake bruxism carries a significant association with the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, which helps explain why jaw pain and grinding so often appear together. Because the two conditions reinforce each other, treating them as a connected issue tends to produce better, longer-lasting results.
We begin with a careful evaluation that includes digital imaging and a conversation about your symptoms, sleep, and stress, since each of these can play a role. Once we understand what is driving your discomfort, we recommend conservative, comfort-first solutions before considering anything more involved.
A custom nightguard is often the cornerstone of treatment. Unlike the bulky options sold over the counter, a guard made from precise impressions of your teeth fits comfortably and cushions your jaw while you sleep, protecting your enamel and easing pressure on the joint.
When grinding has already taken a toll, we can also help restore what has been worn away. Our care in this area includes a few core approaches:
Each of these steps is chosen to fit your specific situation, and we will always explain the reasoning so you can make an informed decision. If you are dealing with sudden, severe jaw pain or a dental injury, our emergency dental care is available to address urgent concerns quickly.
Dr. Travis is an Asheville native who knew he wanted to be a dentist from an early age, following in his father’s footsteps and earning his degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He treats every patient the way he would treat his own family, and he stays current by completing around thirty hours of continuing education each year so his skills remain at the highest level.
Our practice is also known for a strong periodontal team, including two experienced hygienists who help patients maintain healthy gums and stable bites over the long term. Because we are a fee-for-service practice, we are free to recommend only the care that is right for you rather than what an insurance network dictates, and we file claims on your behalf so you can still receive your out-of-network benefits. You can learn more about the man behind the chair on our Meet Dr. Travis page and get a feel for the team that makes our office feel welcoming. If jaw pain or grinding has been wearing you down, relief is closer than you think, and the first step is simply a conversation. We will listen, examine, and walk you through a plan built around your comfort and your goals. To take that step, please reach out through our contact form and let us help you protect your smile for years to come.
Questions about payments and financing options? Give us a call at (828) 277-2722.
Dr. Travis Calhoun has been treating patients throughout Asheville and western North Carolina for over 30 years. A born-and-raised Asheville native, he studied at the University of Georgia before completing his dental training at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and has run a fee-for-service family practice here ever since. Patients trust his unhurried, detail-oriented approach to every treatment plan.
"It is my mission to treat everybody like they were my mom. I want to keep my skills at the absolute highest level so I can deliver the best dental care available, in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere."
