TMJ Treatment

TMJ Pain, Disease and Dysfunction

Concierge Smile Boutique is a top Culver City general dentistry practice that offers a comprehensive range of services including TMJ/TMD treatment. The temporomandibular joint which is called the TMJ or “jaw joint” is the hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. Your TMJ allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side so you can speak and chew. People who experience problems with TMJ often are suffering from a temporomandibular disorder or TMD. As two of the top TMJ dentists in Culver City and all of West Los Angeles, Dr. Shams and Dr. Shayesteh can provide treatment to relieve your TMJ pain.

What is Temporomandibular Disorder?

Temporomandibular disorder refers to a variety of conditions which affect the TMJ and/or the facial muscles surrounding it. TMD is not always easy to diagnose because there are many symptoms and because all people are not affected in the same way. If you experience any of the symptoms below, make an appointment and have your teeth checked. The most common TMD symptoms of our Culver City patients include:

  • Injuries to the jaw, TMJ or head & neck muscles

  • Grinding or clenching of the teeth

  • Dislocation of the disc between the ball and socket

  • Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ

  • Tightening of the facial and jaw muscles brought on by stress

What Causes TMD?

TMJ, also known as TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), is an all-inclusive term applied to global concerns and pain affecting the jaw joint. It's relatively common and can range widely in intensity and severity. The problem starts with the bite - sometimes the teeth fit together in a way that causes the jaw joint to put stress on the ligaments, nerves, and other components of the joint. This can create chronic irritation of the joint, resulting in a wide range of symptoms including unexplained tooth sensitivity, gum recession, pain, and a variety of other issues.

man with TMJ pain

There could be a variety of causes of TMD. Most dentists believe symptoms arise from problems with the muscles of your jaw or with the parts of the joint itself. Some of the most common causes of TMD could include:

  • Injuries to the jaw, TMJ or head & neck muscles

  • Grinding or clenching of the teeth

  • Dislocation of the disc between the ball and socke

  • Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ

  • Tightening of the facial and jaw muscles brought on by stress

Schedule Your TMD Consultation Today

If you have any of the symptoms above and believe you have TMD, we recommend visiting our Culver City dentist office for an evaluation. Once we have provided you with a thorough examination, we’ll design a treatment plan to help manage your symptoms and discomfort. Often times, taking over-the-counter pain medications and applying a cold compress to the area can relieve the symptoms of TMD. For more serious cases, your dentist may recommend alternative treatments such as wearing a special mouthguard or undergoing orthodontic care. For the most severe cases, more invasive procedures may be recommended such as jaw surgery, although major surgery is rarely needed to treat TMD. Call (424) 404-6400 and schedule your first appointment with our dental experts at Picasso Smiles Dental. We’re here to help diagnose your troubles and relieve your TMJ pain.