TMJ Therapy – Costa Mesa, CA

What Is TMJ Syndrome?

This particular disease primarily affects the jaw muscles and nerves of the temporomandibular joint. These are the important parts of your jaw; it helps you open and close your mouth. This is especially important for performing tasks that take no thought like eating, speaking, yawning, sneezing, and whatever else involves moving your jaw up and down. Each part of the jaw is affected – lower and upper portions included. Problems that keep your jaw and its respective muscles and nerves from operating properly and without pain can be pointed directly to an agonizing TMJ disorder.

TMJ Syndrome Risks

There are plenty of risks when it comes to TMJ syndrome. Some patients are at risk more than others and it’s important to know how:

• Straining in the neck and other deformities caused by poor posture in the neck area and back muscles
• Unwanted stress to where your muscles and jaw are clenching and feeling more tense than normal
• Patients who are suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases and other conditions
• Patients with misaligned teeth and previous jaw trauma
• Women between the ages of 18-44

TMJ Disorder Symptoms

The pain associated with TMJ disorder can be outright unbearable. Common symptoms include the following:

• Painful chewing
• Jaw clicking/popping
• Swelling of the face
• Inflammation of the nerves
• Severe headaches
• Teeth grinding
• Jaw dislocation

TMJ/TMD Treatment Options

We offer TMJ therapy (TMD therapy) in our office, but also want you to be aware of some at-home remedies that could help you in the long run. Our dental staff wants your jaw to be in the best shape it possibly can. If you’re suffering from the possible symptoms of TMJ, give these recommendations a try to see if you notice any differences in how your jaw feels:

• Eat soft food that's easy on your mouth
• Stay away from chewing gum and resist the temptation to bite your nails
• Apply pressure to the pain-inflicted area with a heat pack
• Relaxation techniques can help your jaw immensely with activities like meditation

If symptoms are so severe that nothing you have tried has worked, it's time to see Dr. Jorgenson for further TMJ treatment. He will help you correct any alignment issues causing the painful symptoms. You will sit with Dr. Jorgenson for a one-on-one consultation to discuss what treatment options are best for you before hashing out a plan to restore your jaw's health. Dr. Jorgenson will either fit you for a special orthodontic appliance or begin laser therapy sessions to rid you of the pain from TMJ disorder. TMJ laser therapy sessions are state-of-the-art and industry leading at 15 minute intravels for up to 6 sessions.

We pride ourselves on providing compassionate care for you and your family. We're happy to extend TMJ/TMD therapy to patients in and around Costa Mesa, CA, including Irvine, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and beyond.