TMJ Treatment

TMJ treatment in La Jolla, California, can improve your oral health and function! Our skilled dentist and team provide TMJ treatment to alleviate discomfort and restore your smile and quality of life. We invite you to call La Jolla Dental Image at (858) 202-0481  to schedule your consultation with Dr. Wali Hamidy and learn more about how TMJ treatment can benefit you.

The TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, or the joint that connects the lower jaw to the rest of the head. The term “TMJ” is often used to refer to TMJ disorder, also called TMD, which occurs when the jaw joint becomes stressed, injured or misaligned. TMJ disorder may result due to several different factors, such as stress, bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), arthritis in the TMJ, or trauma and injury to the head, neck or jaw.



You may suffer from TMD if you experience frequent jaw pain or facial pain. TMJ disorders may also cause:

  • Grinding, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw when you open and close your mouth
  • Inability to open your mouth wide to speak, yawn or chew
  • A locked or stuck jaw
  • Pain when chewing and biting
  • Pain in the neck, shoulders or ears
  • Frequent headaches

Our dentist can help you determine the cause of your TMJ disorder and recommend the appropriate treatment. Treatment for the TMJ will depend on the cause and severity of your TMJ disorder. TMD treatment may include jaw and facial relaxation exercises, lifestyle changes, restorative dental treatments, a mouth guard or night guard, or jaw surgery. To learn more about TMJ treatment and schedule your consultation with our dentist, we encourage you to contact us today.


  • Understanding TMJ Disorder

    The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a crucial role in your daily functions, such as chewing, speaking, and moving your jaw. When this joint becomes stressed, injured, or misaligned, it can lead to TMJ disorder, also known as TMD. Several factors contribute to TMD, including teeth grinding (bruxism), arthritis, trauma, or overuse of the jaw muscles. Symptoms of TMJ disorder can vary from patient to patient but often include:


    • Jaw pain or tenderness
    • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
    • Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth wide
    • Jaw locking, making it hard to move
    • Headaches, earaches, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
    • Neck and shoulder pain
    • Swelling in the jaw area
    • Toothaches and bite problems

    These symptoms can make daily life uncomfortable and, if left untreated, can lead to further dental problems. Fortunately, TMJ disorder treatment can reduce symptoms and improve your oral health.


  • TMJ Disorder Treatment Options

    At La Jolla Dental Image, Dr. Hamidy will begin with a thorough dental exam to assess your jaw function, alignment, and overall oral health. Diagnostic tools such as x-rays or CT scans may be used to get a detailed view of the temporomandibular joints and surrounding structures. This helps us determine the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder and create a customized treatment plan.


    Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options for TMJ disorder may include:


    1. Lifestyle Modifications: Simple changes, such as avoiding hard or chewy foods, practicing relaxation techniques, and improving posture, can reduce the strain on your jaw and alleviate symptoms.
    2. TMJ Splints or Night Guards: A custom-made TMJ splint or night guard is one of the most common treatments for TMJ disorder. These devices help to realign the jaw and protect the teeth from grinding, reducing strain on the jaw muscles and allowing the joint to heal.
    3. Orthodontic Treatments: If bite problems or malocclusion contribute to your TMJ disorder, orthodontic treatments such as braces may be recommended to correct the alignment of your upper and lower teeth.
    4. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, or muscle relaxants can provide short-term relief from TMJ pain. In some cases, Dr. Hamidy may prescribe stronger medications to help manage inflammation and discomfort.
    5. Jaw Exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen and stretch the jaw muscles can improve mobility and reduce symptoms of TMJ disorder. Dr. Hamidy may recommend specific exercises to help relieve tension and improve jaw function.
    6. Dental Work: In some cases, dental procedures such as crowns or dental implants may be needed to correct bite problems that contribute to TMJ issues. Dental implants are a long-lasting solution to replace missing teeth and restore the balance of your bite, helping to alleviate stress on the temporomandibular joints.
    7. Surgical Intervention: For severe cases of TMJ disorder where conservative treatments have not provided relief, surgical intervention may be required. Dr. Hamidy will discuss this option if necessary, but many patients find relief with non-invasive treatments.

Let’s Get Started!

REQUEST APPOINTMENT

At La Jolla Dental Image, Dr. Wali Hamidy specializes in TMJ disorder treatment, helping patients alleviate discomfort and restore their quality of life. If you’re suffering from jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or other TMJ disorder (TMD) symptoms, our experienced team is here to provide personalized care in La Jolla, CA. TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, affects the joints connecting the upper and lower teeth and can lead to a range of complications. We are committed to helping our patients find relief through effective, tailored treatment plans.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early detection and treatment of TMJ disorder are crucial for preventing the condition from worsening. Many patients wait until their symptoms become unbearable before seeking treatment, which can lead to further damage to the jawbone, cartilage, and surrounding muscles. Addressing TMJ issues early can prevent long-term consequences and improve overall quality of life.


How TMJ Disorder Affects Your Overall Health

TMJ disorder not only affects your oral health but can also impact your overall well-being. The pain and discomfort caused by TMD can lead to chronic headaches, neck pain, earaches, and even dizziness. Additionally, the stress of dealing with these symptoms can cause anxiety and affect your sleep quality. By treating TMJ disorder, you can experience relief from these other symptoms and improve your general health.

What to Expect During Your Visit

At La Jolla Dental Image, our team is committed to providing every patient a welcoming and comfortable environment. During your consultation, Dr. Hamidy will carefully evaluate your jaw function, discuss your symptoms, and explain the available treatment options. Whether you’re dealing with mild discomfort or more severe TMJ problems, we will work with you to create a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

Our office is conveniently located in La Jolla, CA, and we proudly serve patients from San Diego and the surrounding communities, including Del Mar. We are dedicated to ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality of care and achieve the relief they deserve.


Schedule Your TMJ Treatment Consultation Today

If you’re experiencing jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or any other symptoms of TMJ disorder, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact La Jolla Dental Image today at (858) 202-0481 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Wali Hamidy. Our goal is to provide effective, personalized treatment that improves your oral health and restores your comfort. New patients are always welcome, and we look forward to helping you find relief from TMJ disorder and live a pain-free life.

By choosing La Jolla Dental Image for your TMJ disorder treatment, you’re placing your trust in an experienced team committed to delivering the best possible results for each patient. Don’t let TMJ problems affect your quality of life—take the first step toward relief today.

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