pic

TMJ

Botox, Cosmetic Makeover & House Call located in Santa Monica and Arleta, CA
TMJ services offered in Santa Monica and Arleta, CA

The DDS Concierge experts offer effective solutions if you experience frequent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Scheduling an appointment with Edward Delshad, DDS, for jaw pain has never been easier with two local offices in Santa Monica and Arleta, California. Call today to schedule an appointment or reserve your spot online through the website’s booking tool.

TMJ Q & A

What is TMJ pain?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint and connects each side of your jaw to the skull. This joint relies on several facial muscles and tendons to function correctly. This results in TMJ pain and interferes with essential functions, such as chewing.

 

What are common TMJ pain symptoms?

Sore, tight, and throbbing sensations may accompany general feelings of TMJ pain. Additionally, it’s common to notice jaw fatigue and clicking sounds when attempting to move the jaw. 

You may experience frequent headaches and ear ringing in conjunction with TMJ pain and dysfunction. Many people also experience pain in their teeth.

You might notice facial swelling and shoulder or neck pain in more severe TMJ cases.

 

What causes TMJ pain?

Several factors contribute to TMJ pain and jaw dysfunction. People who frequently grind and clench their teeth notice TMJ symptoms at some point. The constant stress from grinding and clenching wears on the jaw’s soft tissues. Poor bite alignment and injury to the jaw can also lead to TMJ pain and complications. 

 

How does a doctor diagnose TMJ pain?

A dental specialist uses various techniques to monitor your health and provide a diagnosis for your TMJ pain. The expert first performs a thorough physical examination where they’ll check your jaw’s range of motion and the pain’s location. 

Specialized machinery, such as X-rays and MRIs, provide diagnostic images that may depict abnormalities within the temporomandibular joint. 

 

What treatments alleviate TMJ pain?

The DDS Concierge experts must first determine the cause of your TMJ dysfunction to provide custom treatments. Nonsurgical treatment options may include:

  • A warm cloth or ice pack
  • Eating softer foods
  • Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and aspirin
  • Mouthguards to prevent overnight clenching and grinding
  • Dental treatments that correct damaged teeth or a misaligned jaw

In more severe cases, your health care provider may opt for more invasive alternatives when nonsurgical options prove ineffective. More invasive options may include low-level electrical therapy, Botox®, anesthetic injections, radio wave therapy, and surgery.

Call the Santa Monica or Arleta, California office today to schedule an appointment or book online to explore all your treatment options for TMJ pain.