TMJ/JAW PAIN TREATMENT for Beverly Crest, Los Angeles
TMJ treatment at the Orthospaceship near Beverly Crest, Los Angeles takes a different approach than traditional orthodontics. We go beyond just aligning the teeth and specialize in giving patients a proper bite that aligns the TM joint. Our goal with every patient is TMJ pain relief from temporomandibular joint disorders AND a stunning smile.
Your Los Angeles TMJ Specialists
Our Orthodontists serving Beverly Crest, Los Angeles provide TMJ pain relief through our unique and comprehensive approach
What makes our approach to temporomandibular joint disorder not only unique, but more importantly successful and stable, is that we address the problem at the source. By accurately diagnosing and treating the cause of TMJ disorder, rather than just the symptoms, we have been able to achieve permanent solutions for facial chronic pain for thousands of people.
Start living pain free and schedule your consultation with the best TMJ specialist in Los Angeles today.
Board Certified Orthodontists Dr. Chantal Hakim and Dr. F. Isaac Hakim offer the highest quality TMJ treatment for Beverly Crest, Los Angeles.
TMJ/JAW PAIN TREATMENT
What is TMJ Disorder?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a common condition that causes pain and problems with chewing, opening, clicking noises with your jaw, and ear pain. TMJ disorder is not a disease but rather a group of symptoms that are caused by an abnormality in the way the temporomandibular joints function.
TMJ Disorders may also be referred to as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) , TMJ syndrome or temporomandibular joint syndrome.
It can cause mild to extreme pain. Typical symptoms are jaw pain or joint pain, neck pain, and facial pain. Reducing stress, smoking cessation, and good oral hygiene are the first steps to managing TMJ. When lifestyle strategies fail and pain becomes intolerable, surgery may be needed by patients to alleviate their symptoms.
The ability to diagnose a TMJ diagnosis has advanced over the years, but is not always clear-cut. The diagnostic criteria for detecting the condition are not standardized. Therefore, it is important to see a TMJ specialist life Dr. Hakim at the Orthospaceship near Los Angeles.
What Causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?
TMJ disorders may run in families or can be caused by an injury to the jaw. TMJ pain can also be caused by stress, teeth grinding, clenching of the teeth, or an unbalanced bite that causes a grinding motion between the upper and lower teeth.
Chronic muscle spasms, misalignment of the jaw, and misalignment of the teeth can cause TMJ disorders. TMJ is a common problem in Los Angeles.
Aging causes the jaw joint to shrink, causing pain and sometimes making it difficult to open the mouth. Depression, anxiety, and stress can cause muscle spasms in the jaw muscles, which may worsen pain.
Other causes of temporomandibular joint disorders include wear and tear of the TMJ joint, an overbite, an underbite, grinding your teeth, limited jaw movement, and clenching your jaw.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Jaw pain
Chronic pain is the most common symptom of TMJ, and it can range from mild to severe enough to interfere with your ability to sleep, eat, and work.
Headaches
TMD pain can radiate from your jaw to your temples and up behind your eyes.
Neck Pain
As the jaw joint muscles tighten, they can also pull down on the muscles in your neck, resulting in muscle pain.
Earaches
When jaw misalignment causes stiffness and swelling in your temporomandibular joints, it can also cause stiffness in your jaw muscles that run up behind your ears.
Stiffness
The muscles in your jaw and neck are usually flexible, but TMJ can cause them to become stiff and sore, making it difficult to open your jaw fully and to turn your head from side to side.
Limited Mouth Opening
Many people with TMJ have a reduced ability to open their mouths, which can interfere with eating, brushing your teeth, and taking care of your teeth and gums.
Painful clicking and popping noises when opening and closing your jaw
People who have TMJ may feel an audible click when they open their mouths or have a sensation of pain shooting from their jaw when they chew or yawn.
Difficulty chewing
TMD can cause pain in your jaw muscles and joints, making chewing difficult.
Difficulty swallowing
TMJ pain can spread down through your neck and into your shoulders and chest, causing shortness of breath and making swallowing difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TMJ?
“TMJ” stands for Temporomandibular Joint, which is a fancy way of referring to two joints, on each side of your head. They connect your jaw to the bones in your skull right in front of your ears.
The jaw joints are the busiest ones in your body. They work all day opening and closing your mouth as you eat, speak, sing, yawn, etc. If you grind your teeth, they also work nights. The first step in fast and effective treatment and pain relief at the Orthospaceship near Los Angeles is to evaluate the position and health of your jaw joints.
Your jaw joints are delicate and complex. They are the only joints in your body that rotate and slide, while held together by your lower jaw.
A less common term used to describe TMJ and jaw pains is TMD (Temporomandibular Disease). Generally, TMD or TMJ is used to describe any problems caused due to a poor bite.
Why does my jaw joint hurt?
Sometimes an uneven bite, injuries, missing or worn teeth, crowding and other conditions upset the way the jaw and the chewing muscles work together. This may cause headaches, face, jaw, neck and shoulder pain and other problems with your joints.
At the Orthospaceship near Los Angeles, Dr. Hakim will comprehensively evaluate you for abnormalities and discrepancies in your bite by accurately diagnosing the cause of your pain.
What are other signs of TMJ disorders?
Other common TMJ symptoms are:
- Feeling that your bite is “off”
- Teeth grinding or clenching leading to tooth pain
- Worn down or cracked teeth
- Receding gums
- Swelling
- Twitching, tired muscles
- Trouble chewing
- Clicking, popping or grating sounds when moving your lower jaw
- Sore teeth
- Ear pain, hearing problems and ringing in the ears
Connection Between TMJ and other Health Issues
TMJ problems are often more frequent in females than males. These problems can also be found in many people with upper jaw retrusion more commonly referred to as an overbite. The retruded jaw can cause sleep issues as the airways are obstructed. In some cases we find some TMJ patients may require jaw surgery. Our doctors will check for airway and sleep apnea conditions during a visit to our Los Angeles office to diagnose TMJ symptoms.
What is the best treatment for TMJ Disorder?
Dr. Hakim’s vast experience with TMJ patients enables anyone near Los Angeles to receive an accurate diagnosis. The doctor may recommend treatment options consisting of orthodontic treatment or surgical procedures which are exceptionally endorsed for successful treatment.
At home relief of TMJ symptoms include consuming soft foods, maintaining a relaxed position, relaxing your chin on the fingers, and the use of cold ice packs on the tm joint.
Dr. F. Isaac Hakim, your TMJ treatment specialist for Beverly Crest, Los Angeles, CA.
Can TMJ be permanently fixed?
There are many “pros” to getting treatment. After getting temporomandibular joint treatment, your new bite position enables you to experience improved chewing and biting, overall oral appearance, and a better jaw structure. Other benefits include reduced painful headaches and toothaches, and ease of movement while talking, yawning and chewing.
The only “con” to TMJ treatment is that while thousands of TMJ patients have permanent relief, it can not be guaranteed. Each case is unique, but your TMJ specialists at the Orthospaceship in Southern California have an incredible amount of experience and always strive for ideal TMJ treatment for every patient.
Conveniently Located TMJ Treatment for Beverly Crest, Los Angeles
The Orthospaceship proudly serves the following Beverly Crest, Los Angeles, CA zip codes:
90210
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE ORTHOSPACESHIP
Head southwest on Hillcrest Dr toward N Beverly Dr
Turn left onto N Beverly Dr
Turn right to stay on N Beverly Dr
Turn left onto N Rexford Dr
Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Lexington Rd
Continue onto N Alpine Dr
Turn left onto Sunset Blvd
Turn left onto Doheny Rd
Destination will be on the right