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TMJ Therapy – Huntington Beach, CA

Find Relief from Persistent Jaw Pain

Woman with TMD

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) affects an estimated 5 – 12 percent of the population. Sadly, though, many people live with the symptoms for years before they seek treatment. If you have been coping with persistent jaw pain, contact our office to schedule a checkup with Dr. Arditti, your dentist in Huntington Beach. She’ll help you determine the cause of your discomfort and get you on the path to pain relief.

What Is TMD?

TMJ illustration

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to the rest of your skull. It is a unique and complex joint that helps you eat and speak. TMD is a term that refers to any of a number of problems that can occur with the TMJ. Although TMD occurs more often in women than in men, it can affect either gender. Often, the cause of TMD remains a mystery. In other cases, though, it is connected to:

  • A misaligned bite. When the teeth do not rest properly together, the jaw is put under extra stress.
  • Jaw damage. A traumatic injury or arthritis can cause the TMJ to function at less than its best.
  • Daily habits. Excessive gum chewing or poor posture may lead to TMD.
  • A stressful lifestyle. A high level of stress can cause muscle tension throughout the body, including in the muscles that control the TMJ.

Signs and Symptoms of TMD

Man with headache

Jaw pain is one of the telltale signs of TMD, but it isn’t that only indicator that something is wrong. In fact, TMD can have so many different symptoms that doctors often misdiagnose it. It’s possible you’re suffering from TMD if you are experiencing any of the following:

  • The sensation of lockjaw
  • Clicking or popping in the jaw
  • Difficulty chewing and swallowing
  • Frequent headaches or migraines
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Dizziness and vertigo
  • Ringing in the ears or other hearing issues
  • Aching facial pain
  • Cognitive difficulties (“brain fog”)

How to Find Relief

Smiling woman

The best way to treat TMD often depends on the problem that is causing it. For example, if a stressful lifestyle is causing you to grind your teeth and putting excessive pressure on your TMD, facial massage and stress management may be just what you need to heal. A custom nightguard from Dr. Arditti can also help prevent nighttime teeth grinding and help your jaw to relax.

If a misaligned bite is causing your TMD, you may need orthodontic treatment. Dr. Arditti is a certified Invisalign provider. She can design a treatment plan to gently reposition your teeth and help you achieve a more comfortable, more functional bite.

When you visit Dr. Arditti for a checkup, she’ll examine your TMJ and evaluate the factors that may be causing you pain. From there, she’ll be able to recommend the type of TMJ therapy in Huntington Beach that is best for your unique circumstances. Hopefully, it won’t be long before you’re on the road to recovery from the pain and hassle of TMD!