TMJ/TMD Treatment
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Playa District Dental
Erik Ligans, DDS
Cosmetic Dentist located in Los Angeles, CA
Up to 10 million Americans experience temporomandibular joint (TMJ/TMD) disorders, a group of conditions characterized by jaw pain and headaches. If you have symptoms of TMJ/TMD, it’s vital to seek treatment. Dr. E (Erik Ligans, DDS), and the team at Playa District Dental, provide a wide range of TMJ/TMD treatments, including Botox®, full mouth reconstruction, and nightguard appliances. To make an appointment at the practice in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, call the office or book online today.
TMJ/TMD Treatment Q & A
What is TMJ/TMD treatment?
TMJ/TMD treatment is a group of minimally invasive procedures that relieve the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders.
Your temporomandibular joints are on either side of your face, located below your ears. They act like hinges, allowing you to bite, chew, and speak. If your temporomandibular joints become inflamed due to wear-and-tear or an underlying medical issue, it can affect your quality of life.
TMJ/TMD treatment provides a safe and effective way to reduce pain and improve your jaw’s mobility.
When should I consider TMJ/TMD treatment?
Make an appointment with Dr. E and the team at Playa District Dental if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Facial swelling
- Tooth pain
As TMJ/TMD gets worse, you might also experience a popping or clicking sensation when you open your mouth to bite, chew, or speak.
What happens during a TMJ/TMD consultation?
At Playa District Dental, Dr. E. and the team perform TMJ/TMD consultations on-site.
Your provider reviews your dental records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, if they’re worse when you eat chewy foods, and if you’ve tried at-home treatment like ice or over-the-counter pain medication.
Next, your Playa District Dental provider conducts an oral exam. They press on your jaw to pinpoint the source of your pain and look at your jaw and neck for bruising, redness, or swelling. Your provider also tests your jaw’s range of motion and orders X-rays to get a closer look at your TMJ/TMD joints.
What are the types of TMJ/TMD treatment?
At Playa District Dental, Dr. E. and the team offer several types of TMJ/TMD treatment, including:
Botox®
Botox is an injectable solution that contains a safe version of botulinum toxin. When Botox enters your body, it causes the muscles around your TMJ/TMD joints to relax, relieving pain, inflammation, and tension for several months.
Nightguard appliance
If you experience TMJ/TMD symptoms due to teeth grinding (bruxism), your provider might recommend a custom nightguard. A nightguard is an oral appliance that fits snugly over your bottom teeth. It relieves tension on your jaw, prevents damage to your teeth, and helps you get a better night’s sleep.
Full mouth reconstruction
If you experience chronic TMJ/TMD due to oral trauma or a structural abnormality, like a misaligned jaw, Dr. E. and the team might recommend full mouth reconstruction. Full mouth reconstruction uses oral surgery or other treatments, like orthodontics, to improve the alignment of your teeth and jaw.
To explore the benefits of TMJ/TMD treatment, make an appointment at Playa District Dental by calling the office or booking online today.
