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Oct
4 Commonly Asked Questions about TMJ Disorder Treatment
The temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) affect the hinge-like jaw joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. TMJ pain can cause discomfort ranging from mild to severe pain. No one deserves to live in pain. So, if you suspect TMJ pain in Manhattan Beach, California, don’t hesitate to seek treatment from Beachside Smiles. We offer minimally invasive yet effective treatments to ensure you live a painless lifestyle.
What are the symptoms of TMJ pain?
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are located on either side of the face and allow the jaws to move in almost every direction to allow you to talk, chew, laugh, yawn, etc. Unfortunately, TMJs can malfunction after injury, infection, or simply tension. Unhealthy TMJs cause all sorts of problems. Some include.
- Tension headaches
- Chronic jaw soreness
- Clicking or popping sounds when using your jaws
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Locked jaws
- Difficulty or painful chewing
- Interrupted sleep patterns
It’s important to note that TMJ pain varies. Some patients only experience mild discomfort that may resolve itself. However, others struggle with severe symptoms that make simple activities like talking and eating become painful.
What causes TMJ pain?
Several factors can cause TMJ pain. One of the main causes is stress, which causes patients to chew and grind their teeth at night or even during the day. Chronic teeth grinding (technically called bruxism) puts constant pressure on your jaw joints and muscles, causing inflammation and pain over time.
Tooth misalignment can also cause TMJ pain. Misaligned teeth mess up your overall bite alignment, which causes your jaw muscles to overwork to compensate for the unequal distribution of forces. The other causes of TMJ pain include dental trauma, infection, and excessive gum chewing.
How is TMJ pain diagnosed?
We’ll inquire about your symptoms and administer a physical exam to determine your joint’s range of motion and the presence of any clicking sounds. Digital X-rays and CT scans will sometimes be necessary to identify any structural abnormalities. A T-Scan can help provide detailed, real-time data about how teeth come together during occlusion (biting).
Is TMJ pain treatable?
Mild TMJ pain is treatable with over-the-counter pain relievers and lifestyle changes such as sticking to soft foods and stress management techniques. However, for moderate cases, especially those caused by teeth grinding, oral appliance therapy (OAT) is an effective treatment. OAT uses a custom-fitted device that’s worn at night. A TMJ device absorbs the bruxism-induced pressure, allowing your jaw joints and muscles to relax and heal over time.
Severe cases may need bite adjustment or orthodontic care. Although it’s rare, some cases may require surgery. Although there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for TMJ pain, we’ll walk with you until you achieve a painless life.
TMJ pain treatment near me
Is your jaw pain not responding to painkillers? Are you always battling unexplained headaches? It’s time to talk to a TMJ dentist. Although some TMJ cases can disappear on their own, many tend to worsen without treatment. Call (310) 643-6004 to book your treatment today with Beachside Smiles.
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Dr. Don Mungcal
Dr. Don Mungcal is a highly regarded dentist based in Los Angeles, with over thirty years of experience. He graduated from UCLA, earned his dental degree with honors from the University of the Pacific Dental School, and was an instructor at USC Dental School. Dr. Mungcal's dedication to patient care has earned him recognition from the “Los Angeles Downtown News,” being named a Best Dentist in Downtown for four consecutive years. A respected member of the California Dental Society and other esteemed organizations, Dr. Mungcal actively participates in continuing education, staying updated on the latest advancements in dentistry.
