02
Dec
Achieve a Healthy, Pain-free Lifestyle with TMJ Pain Treatment
Chronic jaw pain and headaches can affect your mood, sleep, and concentration. If it’s related to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), Beachside Smiles is here to help. Our doctors offer simple, yet effective treatments to help you reclaim your healthy, painless lifestyle. Conveniently located in Manhattan Beach, California, we welcome patients from the nearby locations, including Inglewood.
What is TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorder is a complex condition affecting the two hinge-like joints on both sides of the face. The TMJs connect the lower jaw to the skull and allow smooth movement when speaking, yawning, or chewing. Unfortunately, injuries, tension, and infections can affect the TMJs, resulting in TMJ disorder.
TMJ pain manifests differently from one person to another, but its common symptoms include:
- Jaw pain, especially when you wake up
- Tension headaches
- Clicks and pops when using your jaws
- Struggling to open and close your mouth (locked jaws)
- Earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Pain that radiates to the face, neck, and upper back
TMJ symptoms can be vague, mimicking other conditions like sinusitis or ear infections. That’s why you need to visit an experienced TMJ dentist for a proper diagnosis and targeted treatment. Our doctors understand the facial anatomy at our office, particularly the TMJs and related nerves and musculature. Our experience gives us an edge in precise diagnostics and treatment planning.
How do we treat TMJ pain?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for TMJ pain. We’llAfter an in-depth consultation and diagnosis, we’ll create a customized plan.
Possible treatment options include:
- Lifestyle changes: Mild TMJ pain can be resolved with a few lifestyle tweaks. Avoid chewing gum and include soft foods in your diet. Cold compresses and jaw rehabilitation exercises can help resolve any soreness.
- A customized oral appliance: Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) triggers many TMJ conditions. A mouthguard prevents harmful contact between the upper and lower teeth, removing tension over time. Many patients report improved outcomes after consistent use.
- Orthodontics: A misaligned bite always puts your jaw joints and muscles on overdrive to compensate for the imbalances. Realigning your teeth and bite reduces stress on the TMJs and surrounding structures.
We also educate our patients to avoid teeth grinding, manage stress, and maintain good posture and jaw habits, which can greatly reduce risk.
What is the cost of TMJ pain treatment?
As you’d imagine, several factors affect your TMJ treatment cost, such as severity and treatment option. The good news is that you can discover how much it will cost by scheduling an appointment with our team. We’ll provide a detailed cost breakdown after an in-office consultation. We’ll also discuss available payment options to make your treatment affordable.
Do you need TMJ pain treatment near Inglewood?
Are you ready to live without constant pain? Our team at Beachside Smiles offers TMJ treatment to help you live a healthy, painless lifestyle. Call (310) 643-6004 as the first step toward your improved quality of life. Don’t suffer in silence while relief is one call or email away. We proudly serve new and recurring patients from Manhattan Beach, Inglewood, and surrounding locations.
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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.
