TMJ Specialist
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Oral Care Dentistry: Parnaz Aurasteh, DDS
Cosmetic Dentists & Comprehensive Dentists located in Beverly Hills, CA
That clicking or locking sensation in your jaw is not something to ignore. TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint, is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. It can be very painful for you if it becomes damaged. At Oral Care Dentistry: Parnaz Aurasteh, DDS, in Beverly Hills, California, Parnaz Aurasteh, DDS, and her team can help diagnose and treat TMJ disorders. To get an assessment for TMJ disorder, call the office or an appointment or use the online booking tool today.
TMJ Q&A
What are the symptoms of a TMJ disorder?
The temporomandibular joint moves whenever you open your mouth to talk, chew, or yawn. Problems with these actions indicate you may have TMJ issues that need dental care. You may have a TMJ disorder if you have experienced:
- Jaws that stick or lock in open, or closed positions
- Clicking or popping sound in your jaw
- Swelling around your face
- Trouble chewing or problems with your upper and lower teeth fitting together correctly
Other signs of a TMJ disorder are aching, pain, and fatigue in your facial muscles as well as around your ears, shoulders, and neck.
Are there other symptoms of TMJ not related to the jaw?
Even if you feel no pain or fatigue in your jaw joint, TMJ can cause other symptoms throughout your body, such as toothaches and neck aches. Earaches, shoulder pain, dizziness, and ringing in your ears would be other signs that may indicate you have a TMJ disorder.
What causes TMJ disorders?
Why you have a TMJ disorder depends on your medical history and your genetics. Arthritis or injury are common causes. People who clench or grind their teeth can also develop TMJ disorders.
How is TMJ diagnosed?
Dr. Aurasteh will go through your medical history to help diagnose TMJ. They will feel your jaw’s movement and examine your range of motion, and gently press on specific sites on your jaw to determine the points of pain.
What are the treatments for TMJ disorders?
A soft diet, ice packs, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can temporarily help to ease your symptoms of TMJ. Dr. Aurasteh may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as stress-reduction techniques and different ways to hold your jaw.
Something that can help you is a night guard to prevent you from grinding or clenching in your sleep. Your dentist can fit you with one. In some cases, you may need a splint, which you wear to prevent clenching all day long.
Dental work that involves replacing missing teeth or restoring your existing teeth to balance the biting surfaces can help, especially if you have a TMJ disorder caused by a bite misalignment.