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TMJ Treatment in La Jolla

Problems affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — the small joint connecting the jaw to the skull — can lead to chronic headaches, facial pain, difficulty opening the mouth and dental problems. Fortunately, the team at La Jolla Family Smile Design has vast experience in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ problems.
If you are experiencing pain or other symptoms affecting your jaw joint, we want to help. With our clinical expertise and advanced diagnostic technology, we will ensure you receive the necessary care for your TMJ issues.
Understanding TMJ Disorder (TMD)
TMD Symptoms
- A clicking, popping or grating noise when opening the mouth
- Difficulty opening the mouth wide
- Difficulty or pain when chewing
- Headaches
- Pain behind the eyes
- Lockjaw
- Tooth sensitivity or toothaches
- Earaches or ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Bite problems
Treating TMJ Disorder

Treatment for TMJ disorder is highly individualized to the circumstances of the problem. Depending on the root cause of your TMJ problems and the severity of the issue, our dentists may recommend a number of different techniques and technologies.
Our dentists usually start by suggesting simple lifestyle changes, such as switching to a soft foods-only diet and practicing relaxation exercises to control tension in the jaw. Taking over-the-counter pain medication or muscle relaxers and applying hot or cold compresses can soothe discomfort. Stress management techniques can help minimize stress that contributes to involuntary teeth grinding or clenching.
Oral Appliances
If pain and symptoms persist, we can recommend other therapies based on the suspected cause. Often oral appliances, such as a mouth guard to protect the teeth from nighttime grinding or clenching or a splint to move the jaw forward and relieve pressure, are useful. In cases where TMJ problems have changed the way the upper and lower teeth fit together, orthodontics or reshaping of the teeth may be suggested.
Surgery is reserved for the most advanced cases where other treatment modalities fail and the joint has severely degraded or dislocated.
TMJ Causes and Risk Factors
- Injuries to the jaw
- Bruxism
- Misaligned bite
- Stress
Exams and Tests
FAQs
There are a number of in-office treatment options available to patients with TMJ dysfunction, but your exact treatment plan will depend on the severity of your symptoms, certain lifestyle factors, and other considerations. For relief at home, you should try to keep your jaw as relaxed as possible.
Additionally, TMJ dysfunction can be made worse with certain habits. If you suffer from this condition, consider breaking the following bad habits to reduce symptoms:
Chewing excessive amounts of gum or ice: Eating extremely hard or chewy foods can overwork the muscles and ligaments in the jaw and make pain worse.
Misusing your teeth: Sometimes, it can feel convenient to use your teeth to open or tear things when no other tools are nearby. However, doing so can cause the jaw to move in unnatural and uncomfortable ways, putting you at risk for serious TMJ dysfunction symptoms. There are tools that are specifically designed for certain objects and tasks; ensure that you always have them on hand and avoid using your teeth as a tool.
Bad posture: Posture is associated with many different issues in the body, including TMJ. Slouching while standing or sitting can put pressure on the neck, jaw, and even the face.


