TMJ Treatment at Our Poway Dental Office

TMJ, which stands for temporomandibular joint, is crucial as it connects your lower jaw to your skull. Disorders in this joint can cause pain in the jaw, ears, and face, among other symptoms such as jaw locking, clicking sounds, or restricted movement.

Understanding TMJ Disorder and Its Causes

TMJ disorders involve complications with the joint’s cartilage or the small disk that cushions the joint movement, which may slip out of alignment or erode. Conditions such as arthritis can also affect the cartilage, and trauma to the joint might lead to TMJ disorders. Persistent teeth clenching or grinding further exacerbates these issues, adding pressure to the joint.

Diagnosing TMJ Disorders

Diagnosing TMJ disorders involves a combination of physical exams, X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. Dr. Abadan assesses the jaw’s range of motion, listens for sounds during jaw movement, and checks for pain or tenderness around the jaw to help diagnose the condition accurately.

TMJ Treatment Options

While many TMJ disorders are manageable with non-surgical treatments, severe cases may require more intensive interventions. Initially, Dr. Abadan may recommend conservative approaches such as:

If these methods do not alleviate the problem, further treatments such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or even surgical options may be considered to repair or replace the joint.

Get Relief from TMJ Pain

If you’re experiencing ongoing jaw pain or other symptoms of a TMJ disorder, don’t hesitate to contact our Poway office for a consultation with Dr. Abadan. She will discuss your treatment options and create a tailored plan to alleviate your discomfort and restore the function of your jaw joint.