TMJ Treatment in Valencia, CA

The TMJ is the jaw joint itself, and you have two, one in front of each ear. TMD, short for temporomandibular disorders, is the name NIDCR uses for more than 30 conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that move the jaw. It affects about 5% of adults in the U.S.

Pain in the chewing muscles or the jaw joint is the most common symptom. NIDCR also lists jaw stiffness, a jaw that locks or will not move fully, and painful clicking or grating. Clicking or popping without pain is common, is considered normal, and does not need treatment.

Teeth grinding and clenching, called bruxism, can happen while you are awake or asleep. Cleveland Clinic notes that grinding in your sleep can cause more harm, because you do not realize it is happening, and lists TMJ disorder among the possible complications of bruxism.

TMD covers problems in the jaw joint itself and in the chewing muscles. NIDCR notes that research does not support the belief that a bad bite or braces cause TMD. Cleveland Clinic also reports a link between grinding and sleep apnea, although it is unclear which causes which.

NIDCR says there is no widely accepted, standard test for TMD, so diagnosis starts with your symptoms. A dentist or doctor will ask where and when the pain happens and what makes it better or worse, then examine the jaw, face and neck for tenderness, clicking and limited movement. Imaging such as an X-ray, MRI or CT scan may be recommended.

NIDCR advises conservative care first because evidence for many TMD treatments is limited, and because symptoms go away without treatment for many people. The first steps it lists include soft foods, heat or cold with gentle jaw exercises, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, and cutting back on habits like clenching or gum chewing.

NIDCR says research suggests that manual therapy, a type of physical therapy, can help improve function and relieve pain, and that approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback can help some people manage TMD.

A night guard, or splint, is an appliance that fits over the teeth. NIDCR says these appliances protect the teeth and may help with habits like clenching, but there is not a lot of evidence on whether they improve TMD pain. Cleveland Clinic notes that a dentist can make a custom mouth guard to protect teeth from grinding.

NIDCR advises making sure any appliance is not designed to permanently change your bite, and stopping and consulting your dentist or doctor if it causes pain.

Smile Care Valencia offers Botox for TMJ pain, clenching and grinding. Cleveland Clinic says that in severe cases, healthcare providers might recommend Botox for teeth grinding, and that the injections temporarily relax the jaw muscles and reduce pain, with repeat treatments usually every three to four months.

The evidence for TMD itself is less settled. NIDCR states that botulinum toxin is FDA approved for some conditions, such as migraines, but not for TMD, and that study results have been mixed. At the consultation, our team evaluates your symptoms, discusses your goals and determines whether Botox is the right approach for you.

NIDCR says open surgery makes permanent changes to the joint, that there are no long-term studies of its safety or results for TMD, and that it should only be considered when the joint is damaged beyond other repair or severe symptoms continue despite other treatment.

If surgery or another permanent treatment is suggested, NIDCR recommends trying simpler treatments first getting second opinions, and considering one from an orofacial pain specialist.

We accept most PPO dental plans, along with CareCredit and other financial arrangements. Benefits and network participation vary by plan, so our team will gladly verify your coverage before treatment.