TMJ Treatment

General and Cosmetic Dentistry located in West Covina, CA

TMJ Treatment

TMJ Treatment services offered in West Covina, CA

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can diminish your quality of life, causing jaw pain and discomfort when you chew. At Queens Dental Group in West Covina, California, AJ Suchak, DDS, and Om Suchak, DDS, provide several types of TMJ treatment to improve your jaw function and reduce pain. Call the Los Angeles-area dental clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is TMJ treatment?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a chronic pain condition that affects the joints on each side of your jaw. The temporomandibular joints are responsible for allowing you to chew, speak, and open and close your mouth. Any damage to the joints or the muscles and cartilage that support them is TMJ.

Queens Dental Group offers individualized TMJ treatment for patients with chronic jaw pain.

Why might I need TMJ treatment?

If you have TMJ, treatment is essential to prevent complications, like lockjaw. The earlier you seek treatment for TMJ, the less likely you are to need surgery. The team may diagnose TMJ after taking digital X-rays during your routine dental exam and cleaning. 

Signs you may need TMJ treatment include:

  • Jaw pain
  • Headaches
  • Pain when chewing
  • Clicking or popping sound
  • Facial pain
  • Neck pain
  • Earaches
  • Muscle spasms

If you experience lockjaw, contact the team at Queens Dental Group immediately. This advanced sign of TMJ can leave your mouth stuck in an open position until you seek treatment.

Are there different types of TMJ treatment?

Queens Dental Group offers multiple types of TMJ treatment, including:

Botox®

Botox is a neuromodulator that temporarily paralyzes muscles. The team can inject Botox into the masseter muscles that support your temporomandibular joints to promote relaxation. Botox prevents jaw clenching, allowing your muscles to relax. 

Orthodontics

If a bad bite, such as an overbite, is causing your TMJ, the team may recommend braces or Invisalign® realign your jaws.

Night guard

A night guard is a custom-made appliance that prevents tooth erosion and shifts your jaw into a more comfortable position.

Muscle relaxants

If you have advanced TMJ that hasn’t responded to alternative therapies, the team can prescribe muscle relaxants to relieve jaw pain.

What can I expect from TMJ treatment?

TMJ is a complex condition that usually requires more than one treatment. Addressing underlying mechanical problems, like malocclusions (bad bites), may help improve your symptoms. 

However, the team may still recommend muscle and cartilage treatments if you continue to clench your jaw. The team continues to evaluate your progress and adjusts your treatment plan if necessary.

Call Queens Dental Group today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about TMJ treatment.