TMJ Treatment in Los Angeles, CA
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can make it hard to eat, talk, concentrate, or sleep. Dr. Elaine Gorelik and the skilled team at Trident Dentistry diagnose the cause of your jaw pain and provide effective, conservative treatment to help you find lasting relief.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) sit on each side of your head, just in front of your ears, connecting your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. Working together with surrounding ligaments and muscles, these joints let you open and close your mouth and move your jaw forward, backward, and side to side every time you chew, speak, yawn, or swallow. When any part of this complex system stops working smoothly, the result is temporomandibular joint disorder, often called TMJ or TMD.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ symptoms can range from mild to severe and may come and go or remain constant:
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing your mouth
- A feeling that your jaw is stuck or locking
- Tenderness or pain when chewing, yawning, or talking
- Migraines, tension headaches, or earaches
- Pressure behind the eyes
- Facial, neck, or shoulder pain
- A bite that suddenly feels uneven
What Causes TMJ Problems?
TMJ disorder often has more than one contributing factor. Arthritis, jaw dislocation, and injury to the face or jaw can all trigger symptoms. Other common causes include:
- Misaligned teeth or an uneven bite
- Bruxism (teeth grinding), especially at night
- Frequent clenching of the jaw muscles due to stress
- Poor posture that strains the neck and jaw
How We Diagnose TMJ Disorder
Successful treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Gorelik will examine your jaw joints and muscles, evaluate your bite, and listen for clicking or popping. Digital X-rays or other diagnostic imaging may be recommended to identify the source of your symptoms and rule out other conditions.
TMJ Treatment Options
Most TMJ treatment is conservative, and the best results often come from combining several approaches. At home, you can help relieve discomfort by:
- Eating softer foods and cutting food into smaller pieces
- Avoiding chewing gum
- Applying heat packs to sore jaw muscles
- Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, to reduce jaw tension
In our office, we may recommend:
- A custom night guard or bite plate to reduce the effects of grinding and clenching
- Muscle relaxants or analgesics to relieve pain during flare-ups
- Reshaping tooth surfaces to balance an uneven bite
- Orthodontic correction with Invisalign® when misalignment contributes to symptoms
- Restoring worn or broken teeth with crowns or cosmetic dentistry to rebuild a healthy bite
Protecting Your Teeth and Jaw Long Term
Untreated TMJ disorder and grinding can lead to chipped or cracked teeth, tooth sensitivity, and worn enamel. Regular dental exams help us track changes and protect your teeth. Grinding and jaw tension can also be linked to sleep apnea, so we look at the whole picture. Explore all conditions we treat.
TMJ Disorder FAQs
What does TMJ stand for?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. TMJ disorder (TMD) refers to problems with this joint and the surrounding muscles.
Can a dentist treat TMJ disorder?
Yes. Dentists diagnose and treat many TMJ disorders with night guards, bite adjustments, orthodontic treatment, and restorative care.
Why does my jaw click when I open my mouth?
Clicking or popping often means the disc inside the joint is shifting out of position. If clicking is accompanied by pain or locking, schedule an evaluation.
Can teeth grinding cause TMJ pain?
Yes. Grinding and clenching overwork the jaw muscles and joints and are among the most common contributors to TMJ symptoms.
Will a night guard help my TMJ?
For many patients, a custom night guard reduces the pressure of nighttime grinding and clenching, easing jaw pain and protecting teeth.
Can TMJ cause headaches and ear pain?
Yes. TMJ disorder frequently causes tension headaches, migraines, earaches, and pressure behind the eyes because of the joint’s location and shared muscles.
Is TMJ disorder permanent?
Most cases improve with conservative treatment. The sooner you seek care, the easier it typically is to manage symptoms and prevent further damage.
Find Relief From Jaw Pain
You don’t have to live with jaw pain, clicking, or headaches. Call Trident Dentistry at (310) 444-1445 or request an appointment online to schedule your TMJ evaluation.