WHAT IS TMJ THERAPY?

The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the place where your jaw attaches to your skull and enables you to open your jaw easily. Sometimes the joint is damaged or injured, resulting in temporomandibular joint disorder or dysfunction (TMD). If you’re experiencing pain or hearing sounds when you open your jaw, schedule an appointment with Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center to see if you have TMD. At our Corona, CA office, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons Dr. Prabh Grewal and Dr. Arthur Kilkuts utilize state-of-the-art tools to diagnose and treat your TMD to relieve pain. Your treatment will vary, depending on the cause and specific condition of your TMD, but some choices include oral appliances (night or mouth guards), bite modification, dental restorations, and much more. If you are in Eastvale, Norco, or Corona, CA, get in touch with our office to schedule a consultation today.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TMJ THERAPY?

There are many benefits of TMJ therapy, including:

  • Reduced jaw and facial pain
  • Improved sleep
  • Lessened risk of tooth damage
  • Elimination of headaches associated with TMJ
  • Enhanced jaw mobility

Before receiving TMJ therapy, a proper diagnosis may be necessary to ensure you are being treated correctly. At Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center, Drs. Grewal and Kilkuts can evaluate your symptoms and your overall oral health to determine the best course of TMJ treatment for your specific needs. The goal is to help you live and sleep more comfortably by eliminating painful symptoms.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR TMJ THERAPY?

The best candidates for TMJ therapy are men and women who experience extreme jaw pain or discomfort regularly. This may occur together with earaches, headaches, limited jaw mobility, tenderness in the jaw, facial pain or spasms, and worn teeth. Many people who experience TMJ pain also have the habit of grinding their teeth, have experienced a jaw injury, or consistently clench their teeth. If you or a loved one is experiencing the pain of TMJ, contact Corona Oral Surgery & Implant Care today to learn more and get treatment.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM TMJ THERAPY?

TMD could be caused by an injury to the jaw, years of grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw (bruxism), or a misaligned bite (dental malocclusion). A few of the most common symptoms of TMD are tenderness or pain in the jaw, involuntary contractions of facial muscles, feeling like your jaw is stuck, and headaches that start around your ears. Clicking, cracking, or popping noises whenever you use your jaw are also common signs of TMD. Medical conditions that might lead to TMD include a tumor in the temporomandibular joint or arthritis. To help diagnose TMD, Dr. Grewal or Dr. Kilkuts will listen carefully to your concerns and then perform a physical exam. During the exam, we will assess how your jaw moves and look for indicators of  TMD, including swelling and tenderness. In some cases, we may order digital x-rays of your lower head to better determine the correct TMJ therapy approach for you. A mouth guard, orthodontics, or restorations (crowns or bridges) are all commonly used in TMJ therapy. We may also suggest a soft food diet, putting heat packs on your jaw, certain jaw-strengthening exercises, relaxation techniques, not biting your nails or chewing gum, and more. We will schedule follow-up appointments so we can check the progress of your TMJ treatment.

TMJ THERAPY FAQ

Can TMJ pain go away on its own?
Some minor forms of TMJ could go away on their own. However, if TMJ pain is affecting your sleep schedule and causing you significant pain, it is likely to get worse over time. It is important to seek out treatment when pain persists in order to prevent any further oral issues from occuring.

What are the main causes of TMJ?
There are a few main causes of TMJ, including:

  • Grinding teeth at nighttime
  • Injury to the jaw or teeth
  • Jaw misalignment
  • Excessive gum chewing
  • Teeth clenching
  • Stress
  • Arthritis
  • Poor posture

No matter the cause of your TMJ pain, you should schedule a consultation at our facility if it is affecting your everyday life.

What does TMJ pain feel like?
TMJ pain can resemble a toothache or jaw ache. It can also lead to swelling and inflammation and pain around the ears. If you consistently feel this type of pain, it may be time to schedule a consultation at Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center.

TREAT JAW ISSUES

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain can make it tough to chew, speak, and even enjoy your everyday life. Since there are a lot of possible causes, various symptoms, and a variety of solutions for TMD, make an appointment with one of our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Prabh Grewal and Dr. Arthur Kilkuts, at our office in Corona, CA. We are here to help you diagnose and treat TMD, as well as help you understand your insurance coverage and answer any other questions you have about TMJ therapy. Get in touch with our staff at Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center to get more information and plan an appointment.