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TMJ and TMJD Treatment in Irvine, CA

What is TMJ/TMD?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a result of problems with the jaw joint, jaw, and surround- ing facial muscles. A thin disc of cartilage sits between the jaw and the temporal bone at the joint, allowing the joint to move smoothly. TMJ problems are often caused by bite problems, such as overbite, that cause this cartilage disc or the jaw to become dislocated. TMJ disorders can be the source of a great amount of pain and discomfort. To learn more about TMJ disorders, we welcome you to browse our website and contact our Irvine, California dental office!

Causes of TMD

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can be caused by a variety of issues. Injury to the jaw, TMJ (temporomandibular joint), or muscles of the head and neck can lead to TMD. TMD can also be caused by:
  • Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ
  • Grinding or clenching of the teeth
  • Dislocation of the soft cartilage disc between the ball and socket in the TMJ
  • Stress, which can lead to teeth clenching and tightened muscles
  • Trauma to the head and jaw
Upon close examination and consultation with you, our dentist, Dr. Yanagi, may be able to identify the cause for your TMJ disorder. If you suffer from pain and discomfort due to a TMJ disorder, please contact our Irvine, California dental office today!

Symptoms of TMD

TMD (temporomandibular joint disorders) can cause a number of symptoms and result in a significant amount of pain and discomfort. Common symptoms include:
  • A locked jaw
  • Dizziness and fainting
  • Difficult, painful chewing
  • Pain in the face, jaw joint area, in or around the ear, or neck and shoulders, especially when you chew, speak, or open your mouth
  • Difficulty closing the teeth together
  • Swelling in the face
  • Headaches
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when you open and close your mouth
  • Limited ability to open the mouth wide
If you suffer from one or more of these signs and symptoms, you may be experiencing the effects of a TMJ disorder. Please contact us at Glenn T. Yanagi, DDS today to begin treating these symptoms!

TMD Treatment Irvine CA

If you suffer from pain and discomfort from a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, our dentist and dental team at Glenn T. Yanagi, DDS, look forward to helping you find relief and comfort. Your TMD treatment will most likely be divided into two stages:

Our First Step is to alleviate discomfort! Dr. Yanagi uses the TENS unit; Dr. Yanagi will apply painless electrical currents to the muscles surrounding the jaw, head, neck, and shoulders to relax them.

After about an hour of treatment, the jaw will relax, providing immediate relief and potentially allowing patients to experience this relaxation for the first time in years. Dr. Yanagi will measure and record this relaxed jaw position, which serves as the desired target for subsequent treatments.

The Second Step involves retraining the muscles to maintain a natural, relaxed jaw position. Dr. Yanagi may create an orthotic for patients to wear until the muscles adjust to the new position.

In addition, dental restorative work such as porcelain crowns, dental bonding, dental implants, or full mouth rehabilitation may be necessary to improve the patient’s bite and alleviate pain. Using innovative technology during the diagnosis and treatment process, Yanagi Dental’s expert dentists can customize TMJ treatment to meet each patient’s unique needs and relieve pain.