If you're dealing with chronic jaw pain, frequent headaches, or a clicking jaw that makes eating uncomfortable, you may have TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder). At Dental Plus Tarzana, we provide comprehensive TMJ treatment to relieve your pain, restore normal jaw function, and help you get back to enjoying meals and daily activities without discomfort.
TMJ disorder (also called TMD) is a condition affecting the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull. When this joint becomes inflamed, misaligned, or damaged, it can cause pain, limited movement, and discomfort throughout your jaw, face, and head. Common causes include teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching from stress, arthritis in the jaw joint, jaw injuries, poor bite alignment, and habitual behaviors like chewing gum excessively or holding your phone between your shoulder and ear.
TMJ disorder is complex and often misdiagnosed, which is why you need an experienced dental team that understands jaw function and knows how to identify the specific factors contributing to your symptoms. At Dental Plus Tarzana, we take the time to thoroughly evaluate your jaw joint, bite alignment, and habits to determine the root cause of your TMJ disorder, not just treat the symptoms.
We create personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific situation, which may include custom night guards, bite adjustments, jaw exercises, or referrals to physical therapists when needed. Our goal is always to start with the most conservative, non-invasive treatments and only recommend more aggressive options if conservative care doesn't provide relief.
Patients choose Dental Plus Tarzana not just for the quality of care, but for the way they're treated. Our team is known for a gentle approach, clear communication, and dedication to patient comfort. With a reputation for honest recommendations and exceptional results, we've earned the trust of families throughout Los Angeles. Whether you need a routine cleaning or advanced dental implants, you can count on caring, capable hands at every visit.
Common TMJ symptoms include jaw pain or tenderness, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth, difficulty chewing, jaw locking in open or closed position, headaches or migraines, ear pain or ringing in the ears, neck and shoulder pain, and facial pain. Many people experience only some of these symptoms, and the severity varies from person to person.
Our dentist will examine your jaw joint, listen for clicking or popping sounds, assess your bite alignment, check your jaw's range of motion, and review your symptoms and medical history. We may also take X-rays or other imaging to evaluate the jaw joint structure and rule out other conditions.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity but often includes a custom night guard to prevent grinding, jaw exercises to strengthen and relax muscles, bite adjustments to improve alignment, stress management techniques, and pain management with medications or ice/heat therapy. Most patients find significant relief with conservative treatments and never need surgery.
Sometimes mild TMJ symptoms resolve with rest and self-care, but many cases persist or worsen without treatment. Seeking professional care early prevents the condition from progressing and causing permanent joint damage or chronic pain.
Yes, we are! Give our friendly team a call at (818) 881-2333, and we'll get you scheduled for your TMJ evaluation.