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TMJ Treatment in San Francisco, CA

Pointing to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on a model school
Skoulas DDS offers TMJ treatment in San Francisco, CA. For more information or to make an appointment, please call our office at 415-757-0110.

What is TMJ Treatment?

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, is an increasingly common dental condition that causes myofascial and muscle pain in the jaw joint, face, neck, and shoulder.

Patients who have TMJ often experience a negative impact on their quality of life, as the condition makes it challenging to eat, sleep, and relax.

Causes of TMJ

TMJ disorders sometimes have no clear cause. Strained jaw joints may cause TMJ pain. Overusing the surrounding muscles may be a problem, sometimes stemming from bruxism (teeth grinding).

Neck, jaw, or head trauma can cause TMJ, along with arthritis and disk displacement. Physicians associate certain medical conditions like fibromyalgia with an increased risk.

Types of Treatment Offered

Management Techniques

Dentists can manage most cases of TMJ conservatively. Techniques include relaxation, massage, and stretching exercises.

In addition to seeking professional dental care, a patient can alleviate some symptoms using self-care methods:

  • Relaxing the jaw and developing the habit of resting with the teeth apart
  • Ice packs
  • Eating soft foods
  • Avoiding chewing gum
  • Avoiding opening the mouth too wide
  • Getting regular exercise
  • Wearing a dentist-prescribed night guard (not an over-the-counter sports guard)

Botox for TMJ

Dentists may also use Botox to relieve the symptoms of TMJ. The injected medication relaxes muscles through minimizing the overuse of the facial muscles.  This can relieve pain, tenderness, or soreness muscularly.

Custom Oral Appliances

If a patient's TMJ pain does not respond to the above treatments, Dr. Skoulas works with trusted local professionals who can dive deeper into the cause of the TMJ pain.  She can then create a custom oral appliance based on the diagnosis.

Surgery

In severe cases, patients may need surgery on the jaw joints.

Signs You Need TMJ Treatment

  • Frequent headaches
  • Pain in the shoulders, neck, or back
  • Facial swelling
  • Pain in the jaw joint
  • Pain in the ear
  • Pain in the face
  • Jaw locking
  • Unable to fully open the mouth without pain

Why Choose Skoulas DDS?

We provide high-quality dental care in an elegant but relaxed setting. Our office staff is friendly and communicative, and we offer many dental services under one roof. Our award-winning care brings patients from all over the surrounding area.

Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment

Can TMJ treatment stop my headaches?
Headaches have many causes. Stress frequently causes teeth clenching, leading to excessive TMJ joint pressure. Headaches, pain, and muscle spasms may result. Stopping the cycle created by teeth clenching can help with TMJ-related headaches.
How does a dentist diagnose TMJ?
The dentist will perform a complete exam to check for swelling around the jaw joint. This involves a clinical in-person exam, as well as a radiographic exam. They may take X-rays or CT scans to evaluate joint damage and irritation.
Can untreated TMJ affect my overall health?
TMJ negatively impacts your quality of life. It can limit your eating habits, change your body posture, cause premature tooth wear, compromise your airways, cause muscle soreness, and have many other effects on your general health.

Call Skoulas DDS

If you believe you have TMJ, don't wait to seek treatment. The problem can compound itself over time, so early treatment presents a significant advantage. Call our office at 415-757-0110 to schedule a diagnostic appointment and start treatment.

Schedule your appointment today!

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Skoulas DDS - The SF Cosmetic Dentist

450 Sutter Street, Suite #1616
San Francisco, CA 94108

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