What is TMJ disorder?
TMJ is the abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint. These joints connect the lower jaw to the skull and allow the jaw to move.
When the teeth, facial muscles, and temporomandibular joints are out of alignment, the painful symptoms arise of TMJ disorder.
Common symptoms of TMJ disorder may include jaw pain, difficulty opening and closing the mouth, clicking, cracking or popping sounds, headaches and even tooth pain.
Dr. Vashi is very experienced in treating patients with TMJ disorder, and has completed many hours of additional training on the subject.
Working with the muscles, nerves and joints of your face and jaw, Dr. Vashi puts all of these parts in alignment again. When your jaw, muscles and teeth are in proper alignment, the painful symptoms of TMJ are relieved.
Call us at (626) 768-3130 to schedule your appointment or click here to request an appointment online.
What are the signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder?
Many people suffer from TMJ problems without realizing that the jaw joint is the cause. Some of the signs of TMJ disorder include:
- Headaches, often misdiagnosed as migraines.
- Sore jaw muscles and joints, especially right after waking up in the morning.
- Shoulder, neck or back pain.
- Numbness in arms and fingers.
- Clicking and/or popping sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth.
- Chewing surfaces are flat and/or worn down through the tooth enamel. This exposes the second, soft and yellow layer of the tooth.
- Incisal edges of teeth are worn and sensitive to cold or tooth brushing.
- Loose or broken teeth, crowns or bridges for no particularly obvious reason.
- Facial pain.
- Grinding or clenching teeth.
- Ringing ears.
Competent & accurate TMJ diagnoses
Dr. Vashi uses hi-tech to diagnose and treat your TMJ.
When you come in for TMJ treatment, Dr. Vashi will perform a thorough examination to diagnose and treat your TMJ.
In your exam, Dr. Vashi will check your jaw as well as the state of your teeth and gums to locate any signs of mal-occlusion (lack of alignment of your teeth and jaw bones). He will determine the ideal position for your jaw when the muscles are relaxed and comfortable.
Based on these results, Dr. Vashi can develop an individual treatment plan for you to get your jaw into proper alignment, which will greatly relieve your TMJ symptoms.
With our Special Internet Offer, you can get this thorough TMJ diagnosis for only $49. Call us today!
Call us at (626) 768-3130 to schedule your appointment or click here to request an appointment online.
Non-surgical treatment options for TMJ
Because TMJ is caused by a bad bite, Dr. Vashi will first stabilize your bite. In many cases this can be done by using a customized mouthguard, a temporary plastic device that fits over your teeth.
Wearing a mouthguard can retrain muscles to hold the jaw in its proper position. Other patients must wear a similar appliance while they sleep called a nightguard. Once your bite is stabilized, long-term management can begin.
Long-term treatment for TMJ may include:
- Jaw stretching and relaxing exercises you can do at home.
- Tooth reconstruction. This is used for those with collapsed bites, when missing teeth are not replaced or where excessive enamel wear has already occurred. Teeth reconstruction involves restoring the teeth to the correct size, height and shape in order for the jaws to line up properly. This relieves TMJ pain and creates a beautiful smile.
- Invisalign can be used to correct and straighten crowded and misaligned teeth in many cases.
All of these solutions to permanently correct the bite and relieve TMJ have been used with success.
Call us at (626) 768-3130 to schedule your appointment or click here to request an appointment online.
