Reliable TMJ Treatment in San Diego, CA
Are you tired of enduring unbearable headaches?
Do you suffer from chronic fatigue?
Does your jaw click or pop when you chew?
These symptoms are not normal. Nor are they a sign of aging or natural “wear and tear.” They are commonly associated with a disorder known as TMD, which involves the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the treatment of TMJ disorders, which may lead to the following symptoms:
- Jaw pain/clicking
- Limited movement/inability to open the mouth
- Serious migraines/headaches
- Ringing/stuffy ears
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Pain in the lower neck area that radiates all the way to the back
- Sleep disorders
Advances in TMJ therapy have made it possible to treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD) with conservative and effective therapies.
TMD is often undiagnosed because there is no specialist for TMD. For example, an endodontist is a specialist for root canal treatment, a periodontist is a specialist for the gums, and an orthodontist is a specialist for braces. Often, several doctors would see patients for TMD; ENT for the ear symptoms, dentist for the jaw, general physician for the neck and body aches/fatigue, and often even a neurologist for headaches/migraines, all giving their own treatment plans separately. This can result in some symptoms improving, other symptoms getting worse, or symptoms not improving at all. Usually by the time Dr. Friedman sees patients for TMD, they have spent thousands of dollars, seen several different doctors, been given several different options, and often been put on medication, which all results in frustration, confusion, and pure disgust. Always be careful when seeing a doctor for TMD and making decisions concerning treatment and the money involved.
Dr. Friedman had a family member several years ago with all the above symptoms, eventually hindering her daily activities and zest for life. For this reason, Scripps Ranch dentist Dr. Friedman has attended several years of educational courses focused on TMD, keeping himself abreast with the quickly advancing field of neuromuscular dentistry. Dr. Friedman utilizes his extensive training in TMD and Orthodontics to present a detailed and comprehensive plan of action for pain and the symptoms often associated with the disorder. The treatment of TMJs can provide physical relief of pain, as well as cosmetic enhancements to jaw alignments, which are most noticeable in a patient’s side profile and chin placement; this is often referred to as “full mouth reconstruction.” After just three months of treatment, most patients experience relief from headaches and TMJ-related pain.
TMJ is an acronym that is commonly used to reference the temporomandibular joints, which are the joints that connect your jawbone to the rest of your skull. Patients who have a misaligned bite or anatomical defects often place an increased amount of stress on these joints, resulting in chronic pain and discomfort. Dr. Friedman and his team at MOD Squad Dental are able to diagnose and treat this condition, providing you with lasting relief. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact our office.
Many cases of TMD go undiagnosed because patients are often unsure of who to visit in order to address the issue and aren’t aware of the common signs. If you notice any of the following symptoms, we may be able to offer you relief:
- Jaw tenderness and pain.
- Lockjaw that occurs when you open your mouth.
- Earaches that radiate from the TMJ.
- Pain in the jaw joints.
- Difficulty chewing food.
- General facial discomfort.
- Clicking or popping when you move your jaw, accompanied with pain.
At MOD Squad Dental, we can examine your facial and oral structure to determine the root cause of your jaw dysfunction. Some common possible reasons why our TMJ patients experience chronic discomfort include:
- Arthritis
- Trauma
- Dislocation
- Bite misalignment
- Teeth grinding
Once we’re able to determine the cause, we can then develop a treatment plan. For patients with bite misalignment, we may suggest Invisalign orthodontic treatment. We also offer oral appliances that help shift your jaw into alignment and ease your pain and occlusal adjustments. The best way to learn how these treatments can help you is to schedule a consultation today.
In addition to seeking out treatment, you can help reduce the strain on your jaw joints by following some of these easy, at-home tips:
- Switch to a softer diet.
- Avoid chewing gum and biting your nails.
- Practice stretching and massaging your jaw joints.
- Apply a warm or cool compress to the affected area to reduce pain.
- Protect your jawbone and facial muscles from grinding and clenching.
Our team will be more than happy to provide you with some additional tricks to help tackle the discomfort associated with TMD.
After our examination, we’ll be able to determine which TMJ therapy options will best suit your needs. From there, we can develop a customized treatment plan and discuss the cost with you. Our team is more than happy to file dental insurance claims for patients, and we also offer additional financing through CareCredit as well for your convenience.
“April 2003 I was in a pedestrian vs vehicle accident. I, the pedestrian, took out the windshield with the left back part of my head. Ever since then I struggled with severe jaw, face, head and ear pain known as TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder). At times it affected my ability to speak, eat and function. I watched my mom go thru two horrendous jaw surgeries and refused to do the same. I came to the decision that I would just live in pain for the rest of my life. It was until I was referred to Dr. Friedman that I realized there are other options besides face peeling, jaw breaking surgery. At age 33 Dr. Friedman diagnosed me with an arthritic left jaw joint and possible old undiagnosed injury to the jaw on top of the TMD.
It was decided that treatment would be splint therapy. He was able to lift my jaw off away from bone on bone creating a space where over time tissue would grow and cushion the joint. Within a month I was already relieved of so much pain. As time passed I noticed my jaw structure looking more symmetrical and normal. I can now eat, smile and live with no pain. Words cannot even begin to express how Dr. Friedman has changed my life.
The office holds high standards of cleanliness, is well organized, personable, and runs like a well-oiled machine. Dr. Friedman’s wife, Jessica, is amazing! She explains procedures in my terms so I can fully understand both medical and financial ends before anything is done. His life altering work coupled with the above and beyond customer service of the staff makes MOD Squad the total package. You guys are outstanding and deserve endless stars!!”