A Beverly Hills, California dentist, explains TMJ and recommends effective treatments
Patients who have been diagnosed with TMJ, or TMD, may be experiencing a significant amount of pain. TMJ pain relief is a phone call away. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, and sometimes this jaw joint can become problematic for a patient. In this case, the patient may be diagnosed with a condition called TMD, or temporomandibular disorder. The jaw joint that hinges the upper and lower jaw can malfunction, causing Beverly Hills, California area patients to seek a definitive diagnosis and TMJ treatment.
Understanding TMJ/TMD
It is unknown what actually causes this condition, and studies have made it difficult to pinpoint which patients may be at a higher risk of developing this disorder. However, once the symptoms occur, it can be easy to get a proper diagnosis and start working with a professional to find TMJ pain relief. Seeking a diagnosis with a TMJ doctor is a good step in the right direction. This is necessary if patients are noticing any of the following signs that TMJ/TMD may be present:
- Clicking and popping of one or both jaw joints
- Pain and discomfort radiating from the jaw joints
- Pain from the shoulders through the neck
- Locking of the jaw in the open or closed position
- Chronic soreness around the jaw joint
When patients are exhibiting these symptoms, it may be time to speak to a dentist about oral appliance therapy. Using a specialized mouthguard, patients can reduce the tension that is often associated with TMJ and TMD. Additionally, many patients who have this condition have a coexisting condition called bruxism, which causes unwanted clenching and grinding of the teeth. This can wear down natural tooth enamel, break restorations, and cause additional problems with the teeth and gums. With oral appliance therapy, patients can treat both issues with one comfortable solution.
Are you a good candidate for oral appliance therapy?
If you are looking for TMJ pain relief from a dentist in the community of Beverly Hills, CA, look no further than the team at Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry. Drs. Frank Vidjak and Fanny Yacaman are available to help evaluate patients for this condition and make recommendations regarding treatment. Call (310) 878-6455 to request a visit.
Frequently asked questions
TMJ refers to the little joint that links your jaw to the rest of your skull. Most individuals have entirely healthy and functional TMJs, but when this joint becomes dysfunctional, it can create various problems that can wreck your life.
TMJ dysfunction can cause popping and clicking of one or both jaw joints, discomfort and pain radiating from the jaw joints, pain from the shoulders through the neck, clamping of the jaw in the closed or open position, and persistent soreness around the jaw joint.
Joint wear and tear or erosion, arthritis, connective tissue difficulties, joint damage or injury, long-term teeth-grinding and jaw-clenching (bruxism), misalignment, worn dental restorations, and bite irregularities.
Your jaw will be visually and physically inspected during your appointment. Any swelling signs on either side of the jaw are assessed. Your jaw is gently squeezed to gauge your level of pain. The pops and clicks caused by TMJ dysfunction when opening and shutting your mouth are observed.
If you grind your teeth, oral appliances or night guards may help. Orthodontics, too, repositions teeth and promotes a healthy posture, alleviating unneeded jaw stress. In severe cases of TMJ dysfunction, surgery may be required.
The skilled doctors at our practice are Frank M. A. Vidjak, DDS, MSEd and Fanny Yacaman, DDS, MSEd, MS.
