TMJ Treatment
TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, which connects your lower jaw to your skull. TMJ disorders affect this joint and the surrounding chewing muscles, often causing pain around the jaw, ear, and face.
Symptoms vary by patient but may include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
- Locking of the jaw
- Limited or painful jaw movement
- Discomfort while chewing
If you experience persistent pain, tenderness, or difficulty opening and closing your mouth, Dr. Maggie Abadan recommends scheduling an appointment immediately for a thorough TMJ evaluation.
Understanding TMJ Disorder and Its Causes
Understanding TMJ disorders starts with the anatomy of the temporomandibular joint and connecting jawbone. The bones that interact within this joint are covered with cartilage and separated by a small disk that absorbs shock.
TMJ disorders can arise if these structural components malfunction in one of the following ways:
- The protective disk erodes or falls out of alignment
- The cartilage is damaged by arthritis
- The joint sustains a sudden impact or trauma
Additionally, chronic teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism) can place excess pressure on the joint, leading to pain and other TMJ disorder symptoms.
Diagnosing TMJ Disorders
There are several methods to diagnose TMJ disorders, including physical exams, X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. These tools allow for a thorough evaluation of the joint and surrounding structures.
During an examination, Dr. Maggie Abadan will:
- Check your jaw’s range of motion
- Listen for clicking, popping, or grinding sounds as you open and close your mouth
- Gently press on areas around your jaw to identify tender or painful spots
This comprehensive approach helps pinpoint the source of discomfort and determine the best course of treatment for lasting relief.
TMJ Treatment Options
Many cases of TMJ disorders can be treated with non-surgical methods, while severe cases may require more advanced interventions. At Gentle Dentistry of Carmel Valley, Dr. Maggie Abadan begins with conservative treatments designed to relieve pain and improve jaw function.
Conservative Treatment Options
- Medications – to relieve pain, relax jaw muscles, or reduce teeth clenching during sleep
- Night Guards – custom-made hard or soft guards worn at night to prevent grinding
- Sports Bite Guards – protective appliances worn during sports or exercise to reduce stress on the jaw
Advanced Treatment Options
If conservative methods do not provide relief, Dr. Abadan may recommend more advanced options, such as:
- Physical Therapy – exercises to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles
- Corticosteroid Injections – to reduce inflammation and pain in the joint
- Botox Injections – to relax overactive jaw muscles and ease tension
- Surgical Procedures – in rare cases, surgery may be needed to repair or replace the joint
By starting conservatively and progressing as needed, Dr. Abadan ensures treatment is safe, personalized, and effective.
Get Relief from TMJ Pain with Dr. Abadan
Take the first step toward alleviating the persistent pain of a TMJ disorder: Contact Dr. Abadan at 858-350-7400 to schedule a consultation. Upon diagnosis, she can review your treatment options and develop a plan to relieve your pain and repair your jaw joint.