TMJ Treatment for Jaw Pain Relief in Beverly Hills
he TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull and allows it to move freely. TMD, on the other hand, is temporomandibular joint disorder, which refers to TMJ pain and other issues.
If you are looking for a TMJ doctor, contact the team at Perfect White Smiles today. We have the experience and expertise to determine the causes of TMJ, as well as the best TMJ exercises and other treatments to resolve your symptoms. If TMJ surgery is required, we’ll be happy to schedule it as soon as possible to provide you with the relief you need. In this article, we’ll explain more about our TMJ relief options.
Our TMJ Treatment Services In Beverly Hills, CA
If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of TMJ, you may be on the search for a TMJ specialist near me. If you are in or near Beverly Hills, let Perfect White Smiles help.
We offer a variety of TMJ treatment Beverly Hills to address TMJ disorder and keep the pain from coming back.
TMJ Treatment Beverly Hills, CA
TMJ Symptoms and Causes
The TMJ jaw joint is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. It combines a hinge action with a sliding motion, which means the jaw can move up and down and side-to-side. The bones that make up the jaw joint are covered with cartilage and separated with a disk that keeps the movement smooth. However, if the disk has eroded or moved out if proper alignment, or if the cartilage is damaged due to conditions such as arthritis, or if the joint itself is damaged due to trauma, you may experience signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder. However, most of the time, there is no clear list of TMJ causes for this condition.
● Jaw injury or trauma, especially multiple occurrences
● Arthritis conditions including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
● Chronic bruxism, or teeth clenching/grinding
● Connective tissue disorders that impact the TMJ
● Pain/tenderness involving the jaw itself
● Pain on one or both sides of the jaw, near the joint
● Pain in and around one or both ears
● Difficulty chewing
● Pain and discomfort while chewing
● Pain and discomfort in the facial area
● Locking of the jaw joint, meaning you have difficulty opening or closing the mouth
TMJ Diagnosis and Treatment
If the preliminary examination indicates that there is an issue, the dentist may also recommend additional testing including
● Dental x-rays to take a closer look at your teeth and jaw
● CT scan to get a closer look at the bones of the jaw joint
● MRI to show any issues with the soft tissue or the disk in the joint
Treatments for TMJ start with the least invasive including lifestyle changes such as using heat or cold packs, avoiding overusing the jaw joints, and stretching or massage exercises to help relax the jaw joint.
The most common and least invasive medical treatments for TMJ disorder include medications such as muscle relaxers, antidepressants, and pain relievers oranti-inflammatories. Non-medication treatments involve counseling, occlusal appliances such as TMJ nightguards or TMJ mouthguards, and physical therapy.
If none of these work, most dentists recommend moving to surgical or other medical interventions including.
● Corticosteroid or Botox injections
● Arthrocentesis which is the process of injecting small needles into the joint to remove inflammatory byproducts and other debris
● TMJ arthroscopy, which has fewer risks and complications than open-joint surgery-but cannot do as much
● Modified condylotomy, which refers to surgery on the mandible instead of the joint and is often helpful if the patient is experiencing pain or locking of the joint
● Open-joint surgery, which is the most invasive option and is usually only pursued if every other option has been unhelpful.
If the dentist recommends surgery to treat your TMJ symptoms, make sure to discuss the benefits versus the risks. The team at Perfect White Smiles wants to make sure that you are aware of everything before making any decisions.
Phases of TMJ Treatment In Beverly Hills, CA
Phase 1
We work backwards to create this rest by starting with the head and neck muscles with electromyography sensors and TENS units. Once these muscles are relaxed, the TMJ joint typically relaxes and the teeth no longer make contact with one another. After doing this, we create a TMJ mouth guard that will hold the jaw in this position. This is done by using dental wax to create an impression to fabricate the mouth guard. The appliance can be removable or fixed.
Phase 2
Benefits
Why Choose Us For TMJ Treatment In Beverly Hills, CA
We are located on North Camden Drive in Beverly Hills. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are also available on Saturdays and Sundays for emergency treatment.
● Has this been a problem in the past?
● Has you experienced an increase in your stress levels lately?
● Do you often experience toothaches, neck aches, or headaches?
● Are you taking any prescription or OTC medications or supplements on a regular basis?
● Are there certain activities that cause the pain to worsen?
● Does the jaw click or pop when moving?
● Do you experience pain when moving the jaw?
● Do you struggle with opening or closing your mouth on a regular basis?
Frequently Asked Questions For TMJ Treatment
Can TMJ disorders cause ear pain?
Yes, TMJ disorders can cause earaches, as well as pain in the face and neck.
Is TMJ treatment suitable for children?
Yes, most TMJ treatments are suitable for children. Typically, for all patients, we start with the least invasive treatment option- which is to rest the jaw.
Can TMJ disorders affect my bite?
TMJ disorders can cause your jaw to be misaligned, which can have an impact on your bite. However, this can be resolved with orthodontic treatment such as traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligners.
Can stress contribute to TMJ disorders?
Stress can often cause or contribute to teeth clenching and grinding, which can cause or contribute to TMJ disorders.
Is TMJ treatment covered by insurance?
Some TMJ treatments are covered by insurance, while others are not. Our office staff will work with your provider to determine your coverage. If your treatment is not covered, we do offer financing options to help make the cost of your treatment more manageable.
Are mouthguards effective for TMJ treatment?
For some patients, a mouth guard for TMJ is effective. However, this is not the best treatment for everyone. There are two types of mouthguards: stabilization splints and repositioning splints. In some cases, a TMJ nightguard is all that is needed- but if you have a severe case of TMJ, you may need a splint all the time. We will be happy to help you determine if a mouthguard may help your condition or if other intervention is necessary.
How long does TMJ treatment take?
In some patients, TMJ disorders resolve without treatment within a few weeks. Others require treatment, which can take several months or years.
Can TMJ disorders be treated without surgery?
Yes, it is possible to treat TMJ disorders without surgical intervention with medical and dental treatments, as well as lifestyle changes.
How do I know if I have TMJ disorder?
The most common symptoms of TMJ disorder are persistent pain, earache, clicking/popping in the joint, stiffness in the joint, referred pain in the face or neck, dislocated jaw, or lockjaw.
What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between TMD, TMJ, and TMJD.
The term “TMJ” refers to the temporomandibular joint. This is the joint that connects the lower jaw to your skull and allows smooth movement. The term “TMD” and “TMJD”, on the other hand, refers to temporomandibular joint disorder, which is the result of damage to the TMJ that causes pain, inflammation, and discomfort.
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