TMJ Specialist Glendale CA
Any person suffering from frequent pain in their neck, constant headaches, or muscle tension may be surprised to find the best solution is through their dentist. If you are located in Glendale, CA, and search for TMJ specialist near me, we are here to help. At Smile Makeover of LA, we treat TMJ disorders with care. TMJ issues can cause pain in your jaw, face, or neck. Our dentists have the experience to diagnose and treat your symptoms. Schedule a visit today and start feeling better soon.
TMD vs TMJ
The terms TMD and TMJ are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different things. Here is the difference of TMD vs TMJ:
- TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull.
- TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder, which refers to problems or pain with the TMJ and surrounding muscles.
Another term for temporomandibular disorder is TMJD, temporomandibular joint disorder, which is used interchangeably with TMD to describe issues affecting the joint.
In short, TMJ is the joint, while TMD and TMJD refer to disorders affecting that joint.
What is TMJD?
TMJD (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction) is a condition that our team of professionals can give you relief for when it’s properly diagnosed. The disorder is identified by complications resulting from a misalignment of the jaw joints and surrounding strong muscles. There is a solution if you find yourself struggling to speak, eat, or chew with comfort.
TMJ Mouth Guard
TMJ is often relieved with the use of a night splint or bite guard to relieve the stress. A night guard for TMJ can help ease jaw pain and discomfort. It prevents teeth grinding at night, which can make TMJ symptoms worse. Wearing a TMJ mouth guard can protect your teeth and reduce stress on your jaw. It’s a simple way to get relief while you sleep. Ask your dentist if this solution is right for you.
Other patients with a more severe condition require full mouth rehabilitation or TMJ treatment physical therapy to correct the bite and alignment of teeth. Relief of the tension can be achieved through our treatment techniques that relax the jaw muscles so that the natural bite can be determined. If the jaw is kept in the proper position, it helps to relieve the tension and pain.
TMJ Symptoms
Recognizable symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) can include:
- Wear on the teeth from grinding
- Loosened or drifting teeth
- Soreness and sensitivity
- Chronic neck and head pain
- Sore and painful muscles in the jaw
- Pain in the face
- Ear congestion
- Decreased motion range of the jaw area
- Popping or clicking sound in the jaw
Botox for TMJ
TMJ and Botox treatments can help relieve jaw pain and tension. Botox relaxes the muscles in your jaw, reducing pain caused by clenching or grinding. Many patients find relief from TMJD symptoms with Botox injections. It’s a quick and safe treatment that can ease discomfort. Talk to your dentist to see if Botox is right for your TMJD.
Things That Make TMJ Worse
Several habits and actions can make TMJ symptoms worse. Being aware of these triggers can help you manage your condition better.
- Jaw clenching: Constantly clenching your jaw can increase pain and tension in the TMJ area.
- Teeth grinding: Grinding your teeth, especially at night, can worsen TMJ symptoms, leading to pain.
- TMJ headache: Tension in your jaw can trigger headaches that are directly related to TMJ disorders.
- TMJ ear pain: TMJ issues often cause ear pain, as the joint is located close to the ears.
- Tongue cleaning causing TMJ: Overly aggressive tongue cleaning can strain your jaw, making TMJ symptoms worse.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Self-Care
Self-care can help manage TMJ symptoms at home. TMJ massage can ease jaw pain by relaxing the muscles around the joint. Gentle stretching and exercises may also reduce discomfort and improve movement. Applying heat or ice packs can provide quick relief for sore muscles. If your symptoms continue, contact a dentist for further guidance.
TMJ Treatment Glendale CA – Free Diagnosis
Our team stays on top of the newest diagnosis and treatment techniques for TMJ disorders. The dentists at our practice receive thorough training to address proper bite alignment and occlusion in patients. Not only is there a focus on bite and jaw joint alignment, it is understood that the jaw muscles need to stay healthy to support function. A person that has never suffered from neuromuscular issues or TMJ may end up with misalignment from stress or injury.
You do not have to live with TMJ dragging down the quality of your life through constant discomfort and headaches. Let our TMJ specialist relieve your symptoms to get you back to your old self again. Neuromuscular dentistry will help you protect and care for your teeth so that TMJ is not able to take control of your life. Get in touch with us to schedule a consultation so that we can discuss your concerns with TMJ and find the right solution for you.