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.

The skilled doctors at our practice are Frank M. A. Vidjak, DDS, MSEd and Fanny Yacaman, DDS, MSEd, MS.

Dr. Vidjak has been a prosthodontist for over two decades, with his private practice in Beverly Hills from 1989. A USC School of Dentistry graduate, he completed his specialty training in prosthodontics and an MS in Medical Education at USC where he also taught the School of Dentistry. He was its Clinical Director of the Advanced Prosthodontic Program and International Student Program too.

He follows continuing education courses to keep abreast of the latest developments in his field. He lectures on prosthodontics nationally and internationally and has published articles in peer-reviewed journals. He is a faculty member in USC’s Department of Continuing Education and a director and faculty member at the Advanced Restorative Institute.

Dr. Vidjak is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, Los Angeles Dental Society, American College of Prosthodontists, Beverly Hills Academy of Dentistry, San Gabriel Dental Implant Study Club, Advanced Treatment Planning Study Group, and West Los Angeles ITI Study Club, and a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and Pierre Fauchard Society.

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Dr. Yacaman received her DDS from the University Technologica of Mexico and served the clinical faculty in Endodontics at Unitec. She practiced Endodontics in Mexico City for over 10 years. She has an advanced specialty certificate in Advanced Microscopic Endodontics and Microsurgery and a Master of Science in Medical Education from the USC and has been a Clinical Faculty member at the UCLA School of Dentistry Department of Endodontics for more than 15 years. She specializes in Root Resorption treatment, having researched on External Root Resorption for over 15 years for a Master’s in Craniofacial Molecular Biology at USC’s Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology. She is one of four Endodontists in United States that can treat Root Resorption. She is a local and international lecturer in Endodontics and Microsurgery and has received many awards and has published articles in the area.