TMJ treatment in Los Angeles, CA
At Leith K Shawaf DDS in Los Angeles, CA, this patient guide explains TMJ treatment options, what causes jaw joint problems, and how care plans are tailored to relieve pain and improve function. Patients seeking TMJ treatment in Los Angeles, CA can use this overview to explore symptoms, diagnosis, and conservative therapies within neuromuscular dentistry.
TMJ disorders explained
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the skull and works with muscles and teeth to let you chew, speak, and yawn. When the joint, muscles, or bite are not in harmony, the condition is often called temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Causes may include a misaligned bite, clenching or grinding (bruxism), muscle tension, arthritis, past injury, or habits that strain the jaw.
Common signs that prompt people to seek care include:
- Jaw pain or soreness near the ears, cheeks, or temples.
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds with jaw movement.
- Headaches, facial pain, ear fullness, or neck and shoulder discomfort.
- Limited opening, jaw locking, or the jaw shifting to one side.
- Tooth wear, chipped edges, or sensitivity from nighttime grinding.
Neuromuscular dentistry evaluates how the teeth, muscles, and joints work together. A bite alignment evaluation, muscle palpation, and jaw movement assessments help identify the sources of strain and shape a plan for relief.
How TMJ treatment can help you
TMJ therapy aims to reduce pain, stabilize the bite, and support healthy function. When care is well planned, many patients notice benefits of TMJ therapy such as:
- Pain relief for jaw joints, chewing muscles, and related headaches.
- Improved jaw movement with fewer episodes of locking or stiffness.
- Protection of teeth from grinding damage with an occlusal splint or night guard for TMJ.
- Reduced clenching during sleep and more comfortable mornings.
- Lower risk of long-term joint wear or flare-ups.
The TMJ treatment process
Care typically starts with a detailed conversation about symptoms, medical history, and daily habits, followed by a thorough exam of the teeth, muscles, and joints. Imaging may be recommended when needed to assess the joints or supporting structures.
Neuromuscular dentistry may incorporate tests to better understand jaw function, such as recording jaw movements or relaxing overactive muscles before taking bite records. From there, a step-by-step plan often includes conservative care first:
- Self-care strategies: Short-term soft diet, warm compresses, gentle stretching, posture awareness, and stress reduction.
- Medications as needed: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants as directed.
- Oral appliances: A custom occlusal splint or night guard that helps align the bite, reduce muscle strain, and limit grinding.
- Therapeutic exercises: Guided jaw relaxation and range-of-motion routines that support healthy muscle activity.
- Bite adjustments when appropriate: Minor refinements to improve how teeth meet and decrease strain on joints and muscles.
Some cases benefit from additional therapies such as physical therapy, targeted trigger-point care, or, when indicated, orthodontic or restorative treatments to establish a stable bite. Surgery is rarely the first choice and is reserved for specific joint conditions that do not respond to conservative options.
What to expect
Most treatment plans progress in phases. Many patients feel early relief from pain within a few weeks of consistent self-care and appliance use, while comprehensive bite stabilization can take several months. Wearing an appliance as instructed, tracking symptom changes, and attending follow-up visits help refine the plan and support lasting results.
During care, it is common to need small adjustments to an appliance or exercise routine. Mild jaw fatigue can occur as muscles adapt, but this usually improves with time. Seek prompt attention if pain worsens, the jaw locks, or you notice significant changes in your bite.