TMJ and Orofacial Pain

Advanced TMJ Treatment: Jaw Pain Relief Without Surgery

“Through many years of treating thousands of patients, I have found that much of their facial pain, general unwellness, and discomfort comes from an imbalance of their bite and jaw muscles. My practice continues to evolve from general and family dentistry into more advanced treatments for facial pain as I incorporate more technology in our diagnostics and treatment. I’ve discovered how much these simple non-invasive tools can bring relief. There is hope for patients with facial pain!”

– Dr. Dave De Rosier

Advanced Non-Invasive Treatments for TMJ

Why nonsurgical treatments are effective

Many people are afraid to go to the dentist, fearing that their dental or jaw pain might lead to invasive treatments like tooth extraction or surgery. In reality, most patients can be successfully treated with conservative, non-invasive approaches. At Point Loma Comprehensive Dental, we focus on treatments that relieve TMJ pain and improve comfort while minimizing the need for surgical intervention.

Understanding TMJ Disorder

What is TMJ/TMD and what are its symptoms and causes?

Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. TMJ symptoms can vary widely, including chronic pain and stiffness in the jaw muscles, facial discomfort, headaches, neck aches, and shoulder pain. TMJ is also known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).

Basically, TMJ and TMD cause difficulty in opening and closing the jaw, leading to pain with eating, speaking, and swallowing significantly disrupting one’s day-to-day function and well-being.

Teeth grinding, jaw misalignment, and arthritis can be both causes and symptoms of this disorder. Other factors that can contribute to TMJ disorder include stress, poor posture, and misaligned teeth.

Most practitioners diagnose TMJ dysfunction through a general dental checkup or a physical examination, and may then suggest further imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs for a detailed look at the jaw joints and surrounding structures. However, a simpler approach awaits you at Point Loma Comprehensive Dental.

Innovative, Non-invasive Diagnostic Tools for Jaw Pain Relief

Patients needing TMJ treatment in the San Diego area benefit from the latest nonsurgical treatment options at Point Loma Comprehensive Dental. Our practice utilizes advanced tools like the M-Scan, T-Scan, and MLS (Multiwave Locked System) cold laser.

M-Scan

The M-Scan uses electromyography to measure the forces of the major muscles (masseter muscles) that close your jaws. The M-Scan also allows Dr. Mobasseri and Dr. De Rosier to determine if there is a significant imbalance between the right and left sides of the jaw and to assess whether a non-invasive appliance could help reposition the bite.

T-Scan

The T-Scan, a digital bite analysis tool, is another valuable asset. As Dr. De Rosier noted, “It’s essentially digital carbon paper that records tooth contacts and forces, helping us identify bite imbalances and providing precise data for adjusting appliances, dental restorations, and teeth.”

MLS Cold Laser

Another non-invasive and innovative tool is the MLS cold laser, which has proven to be a game-changer in treating temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This technology helps reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and speed up cellular healing within the muscles. Even a 15–20 minute session can relieve pain in the facial muscles and jaw joints and improve jaw movement.

As Dr. De Rosier emphasized, “I’m spending more and more of my time using the cold laser, and I have been referred by many patients for evaluation and treatment.” The combination of advanced diagnostic tools and innovative treatments has allowed Dr. Mobasseri and Dr. De Rosier to effectively address the causes of TMJ pain and bring significant relief to his patients.

What is TMJ disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint between your jaw and the skull. When issues occur in the TMJ, they can lead to a variety of painful symptoms that often require a multi-faceted approach to treatment.

The causes of TMJ disorders (referred to as TMD) are diverse and can include jaw injury, teeth grinding or clenching (also called bruxism), arthritis in the jaw joint, malocclusion (misalignment of teeth), and stress.

Certain habits, like using teeth as tools, poor posture, chewing on non-food items, excessive gum chewing, taking large bites of food, and teeth clenching or grinding, can exacerbate the condition.

Close-up of a cheerful woman with long brown hair and a radiant smile, representing relief and confidence – TMJ Specialist San Diego

Symptoms of TMJ

TMJ symptoms vary widely among individuals, but common symptoms include:

jaw pain
facial pain
shoulder and neck pain
stiffness in the jaw
difficulty opening or closing the mouth
restricted jaw movement
jaw popping or clicking
headaches and migraines
ear pain
toothaches
tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
changes in how the teeth fit together

If you are looking for a TMJ dentist in San Diego, the compassionate TMJ treatment team at Point Loma Comprehensive Dental can help ease temporomandibular joint disorder and its associated symptoms.

Dr. Mobasseri and Dr. De Rosier have a great deal of experience with TMJ treatment and bite therapy, and are two of the best TMJ dentist in San Diego. They can identify the cause of your jaw joint pain and offer non-surgical treatment options to protect your teeth, realign your bite, and alleviate pain associated with TMJ disorder.

TMJ and Sleep Apnea

Temporomandibular joint disorders and sleep apnea can be interrelated, and in fact, sleep apnea is a common symptom of a TMJ disorder.

Sleep apnea is the disruption of one’s breathing while asleep, and because TMJ affects the jaw and jaw muscles, the two conditions can exacerbate one another.

Sleep apnea can worsen TMJ disorders by prompting the brain to signal the jaw muscles to contract in an effort to stabilize the airway, leading to repeated clenching. This nighttime bruxism can cause wear on the teeth and joints, exacerbating TMJ symptoms such as jaw pain, tightness, and migraines.

Moreover, the effort to correct airway obstructions by pushing the lower jaw forward during sleep can result in jaw clicking and added stress on the TMJ, further linking the conditions.

The association between TMJ disorders and obstructive sleep apnea is significant, although research continues to explore the depth of this relationship.

It’s suggested that those at high risk of sleep disorders or displaying key symptoms (such as loud snoring and daytime sleepiness) also have a higher likelihood of developing TMJ issues. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common thread between the two disorders, indicating a possible shared risk factor or symptomatic overlap.

What Causes TMJ Flare-ups?

For those already prone to TMJ issues, flare-ups can be caused by a variety of physical and mental factors:

Stress and tension can cause the muscles in the jaw to tighten, leading to discomfort and pain in TMJ.
Trauma to the jaw or head can cause inflammation in the TMJ, leading to flare-ups.
Clenching or grinding the teeth (bruxism) can put extra strain on the TMJ and lead to discomfort, such as a sore jaw.
Arthritis in the TMJ can cause inflammation and pain.
If the jaw is misaligned or the upper and lower teeth are not properly aligned, it can cause strain on the TMJ and lead to flare-ups.
Poor posture can cause tension in the muscles around the TMJ, leading to discomfort.

It’s essential to note that the cause of TMJ flare-ups can vary from person to person. To determine the specific cause and the best treatment plan, it is necessary to contact our TMJ specialist in San Diego for an appointment.

What is the best doctor to see for TMJ?

If you are experiencing pain related to your jaw movement, you should see a dentist. TMJ specialist San Diego, or San Diego area dentists like Dr. Mobasseri and Dr. De Rosier don’t just treat oral health but are trained in the anatomy and function of the jaw, jaw joints, teeth, and surrounding structures.

Through a thorough evaluation of your bite and jaw alignment, Dr. Mobasseri and Dr. De Rosier can determine if any issues with your teeth or jaw may contribute to your TMJ pain. Bite therapy solutions can often alleviate pain, allowing many patients to find relief while avoiding invasive surgery.

Before seeing your primary care doctor for TMJ pain, schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Mobasseri and Dr. De Rosier, who have extensive experience in bite therapy and TMJ and can find an effective treatment that allows you to live pain-free.

The Benefits of Choosing Point Loma Comprehensive Dental for TMJ Treatment

Personalized treatment plans and compassionate care

Dr. Mobasseri’s and Dr. De Rosier’s practice is built on empathy and a deep understanding of how TMJ pain can affect every aspect of a patient’s life. From the first consultation, Dr. Mobasseri and Dr. De Rosier take the time to thoroughly understand the source of the patient’s pain and how it has impacted their daily life.

This personalized approach allows our doctors to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses the patient’s unique needs. For example, Dr. Mobasseri and Dr. De Rosier design custom dental appliances that fit over the upper or lower teeth to prevent them from touching and alleviate the effects of clenching or grinding.

The use of advanced technology in diagnostics and treatment is another reason why patients choose Point Loma Comprehensive Dental for TMJ care. Dr. Mobasseri and Dr. De Rosier’s commitment to staying at the forefront of dental technology ensures that their patients receive the most effective non-invasive treatments available.

With their extensive experience treating thousands of patients in the San Diego area, Dr. Mobasseri and Dr. De Rosier can quickly assess what is needed to relieve TMD symptoms and bring about faster recovery and relief from chronic pain.

Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief

If you’re struggling with TMJ pain, Dr. Mobasseri, Dr. De Rosier, and and the team at Point Loma Comprehensive Dental are here to help. With our advanced technology and compassionate care, we’ll work with you to find the most effective treatment for your needs.

To set up an appointment, please call our office at 619-222-7400 or use our online contact form. You’ll be glad you did!

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