TMJ Disorder Treatment in Pasadena, CA

Jaw pain that comes and goes, a clicking or popping sound when you open your mouth, headaches that seem to have no clear cause, or a jaw that occasionally locks in one position are all signs that something is off with your temporomandibular joint. At Prestige Dental, we see patients with these symptoms regularly, and experienced Pasadena dentist Dr. Bouzoghlanian has helped many Pasadena patients find lasting relief.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the hinge directly in front of the ear on either side of the head where your upper and lower jaw connect. When that joint is not working properly, it leads to a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, sometimes called myofascial pain dysfunction or Costen's syndrome.

TMJ disorder falls under a group of complex problems with many possible causes, which is one reason it is often misdiagnosed or overlooked. The joint controls how your jaw moves during chewing, speaking, and swallowing, so when it’s not functioning correctly, the effects can show up in unexpected ways throughout the head, neck, and face. Our dentist in Pasadena, Dr. Bouzoghlanian, is highly proficient and experienced with the diagnosis and management of TMJ problems.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder can present differently from one patient to the next. Common symptoms include:

• A clicking or popping sound when opening or closing the mouth
• Pain when chewing or speaking
• Limited ability to open the mouth fully
• The jaw locking in an open or closed position
• Chronic headaches or migraines
• Ear pain or a feeling of fullness in the ears
• Dizziness
• Tooth sensitivity not explained by decay or damage
• Pain in the neck, shoulders, or jaw muscles
• Jaw deviating , shifting, or deflecting to one side during opening

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, scheduling a TMJ evaluation at our Pasadena dental office is a good first step. Many patients who have lived with these symptoms for years find that they are far more treatable than they expected.

Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder in Pasadena

Fortunately, there are effective treatment options for TMJ disorder, and in most cases surgery is not necessary. Depending on what we find during your evaluation, TMJ treatment at Prestige Dental in Pasadena may include:

• Custom occlusal guard (night guard):
  a precisely fitted appliance that protects the teeth, stabilizes the jaw joint, and reduces the clenching and grinding that often worsen TMJ symptoms overnight. Our dentist in Pasadena, Dr. Bouzoghlanian, works with highly experienced local dental labs to custom make and fit a guard that will work best for your TMj condition.
• Bite therapy:
  occlusal adjustments to address bite imbalances that may be contributing to jaw stress.
• Medications:
  prescribed prescribed by our Pasadena dentist as appropriate to address inflammation or muscle tension.
• Relaxation and joint techniques:
  Dr. Bouzoghlanian and the team can walk you through specific methods to increase joint flexibility, reduce muscle strain and tension, and reduce harmful habits like grinding and clenching.
• Referral for further care:
  in severe cases where conservative treatment is not sufficient, Dr. B will coordinate with the appropriate specialist.

What to Expect at Your TMJ Evaluation at Prestige Dental

Your first visit for TMJ concerns at Prestige Dental in Pasadena is a thorough, unhurried evaluation. Experienced Pasadena dentist Dr. Bouzoghlanian will examine your jaw movement, assess your bite alignment, check for muscle tenderness, and take a detailed history of your symptoms, including when they started, what makes them better or worse, and whether other providers have evaluated the issue before.

From there, Dr. B will walk you through his findings and lay out a clear treatment plan before anything is scheduled. There is no pressure to move faster than you are comfortable with, and every step is explained in plain language.

Who Is a Good Candidate for TMJ Treatment?

If you are experiencing ongoing jaw pain, clicking, stiffness, or any of the symptoms listed above, you are likely a good candidate for a TMJ evaluation in our Pasadena dental office. The condition is common, affects both adults and younger patients, and often goes unrecognized for years simply because the symptoms overlap with other issues. Our skilled dentist in Pasadena, Dr. Bouzoghlanian, will determine the best course of care based on your specific situation, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall dental health.

Call (626) 577-2017 or request a consultation online