If the joints of your jaw are misaligned or do not function properly, they can cause a number of dental and overall health problems, as well as significant discomfort. Drs. Terence Lau and Casey Lau offer TMJ treatments to help you regain proper jaw function and alleviate your discomfort. Please call Mid-Valley Dental Care at (818) 886-3500 to learn more about our treatment options for the TMJ in Northridge, California, and to set up your next appointment with our caring dentists.
Your TMJ is the temporomandibular joint that connects the lower jaw to the facial structure. If it becomes stressed, damaged, or misaligned, it can cause significant discomfort to the jaw and other areas of the head. This is known as a TMJ disorder, or TMD. It can result from a variety of factors, including bruxism, a physical blow to the face, or arthritis.
You may have a TMJ disorder if you suffer from symptoms such as:
- Pain when chewing
- A stiff or locking jaw joint
- Grinding or popping in the jaw joint
- Frequent headaches
- The inability to open your mouth fully
- Pain in your ears, neck, or should
- Frequent headaches
Dr. Terence Lau, Dr. Casey Lau, and our team are highly experienced in treating jaw joint problems and helping you find a solution to your discomfort. When you visit our office, we will diagnose the cause of your TMJ disorder and discuss your treatment options. Each TMJ disorder is unique, and no single treatment plan benefits everyone. When planning your treatment, we take into account the cause, severity of the condition, and your lifestyle preferences.
Some potential treatment options include:
- Jaw & facial relaxation exercises: Many patients benefit from physical therapy exercises that release tension and/or strengthen the jaw muscles. These exercises can be performed in office and at home.
- Lifestyle changes: Certain lifestyle changes can reduce your TMJ discomfort, such as not chewing gum, reducing stress or anxiety, stretching your jaw daily, taking smaller bites of food, releasing tension from your head and neck, and treating an existing bruxism condition.
- Restorative dental care: TMJ issues may arise as a result of a bad bite or missing teeth. If your smile has been weakened or is not fully functional, we encourage you to visit our dentists to determine if you would benefit from orthodontics, dentures, or dental implants.
- Night guard or mouth guard: An oral appliance can hold the jaw in proper position to alleviate discomfort and stress. Night guards will also cushion the teeth and jaws while you sleep to prevent the teeth from grinding or clenching.
- Corrective jaw surgery: A severely bad bite may only be treatable through surgery. Also known as orthognathic surgery, corrective jaw surgery readjusts the bite to improve the alignment of the teeth and jaws. It can also improve the appearance of facial structure.
Drs. Terence and Casey Lau will thoroughly review the details of your condition and work with you to create a treatment plan that best improves your conditions and meets your preferences. Contact our office today to learn more and schedule your consultation.