TMJ Treatment
Headaches, clicking, and pain in the jaw can affect your quality of life.
They may also be a sign of TMJ disorder and treatment can help relieve your symptoms.
Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen in Fountain Valley, CA, uses advanced training and technology to diagnose and treat the effects of TMD.
Understanding the Difference Between TMJ and TMD
TMJ
People often use the term TMJ to describe the disorder. However, TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. These joints connect the lower jaw to your skull.
TMD
TMD, also known as temporomandibular disorder or TMJ disorder, is the disorder or condition that affects the TMJs.
Symptoms of TMD
Temporomandibular disorder includes a variety of possible symptoms that involve the TMJ. Symptoms of TMD include:
- Stiffness and pain in the jaw
- Headaches
- Clicking sounds in the jaw
- Popping in the ears
- Teeth grinding
- Restricted jaw movement
- Jaw clenching
- Tension and pain in the neck, face, and shoulders
- Toothaches
- Earaches
- Difficulty sleeping
When left untreated, issues with the TMJs can affect your overall quality of life, causing disturbances in your sleep and concentration. TMD can also cause excessive wear on your teeth and degeneration of the jaw joints.
Your Headaches Could Be Caused by TMD Our Fountain Valley, CA, Dental Practice Can Help
Issues with the temporomandibular joint are often overlooked as a cause of chronic headaches as they are often blamed on stress and other conditions. However, problems with the TMJ can contribute to chronic headaches, and some patients often don't realize they are a TMD symptom. If you suffer from recurring headaches and migraines, Dr. Mortensen can examine your mouth, teeth, and jaw to determine if your headaches are a symptom of TMJ disorder.
Think your headaches could be TMD? Contact us today.
Causes of TMD
The most common cause of TMJ disorders is trauma or an injury to the jaw and surrounding jaw joints and tissue. However, patients may experience TMD due to issues such as:
Misaligned Bite
Orthodontic issues such as a misaligned bite can be the culprit of TMD. As you try to compensate or realign your bite to eat and speak, this causes additional strain on the joints.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can be major contributors to temporomandibular disorders. Patients who are stressed or anxious often report bruxism, which is characterized as jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Bruxism puts added stress on your temporomandibular joints and teeth.
Health Conditions
Certain health-related issues such as arthritis, infections, and autoimmune conditions can put you at a higher risk for developing TMJ disorders. Genetics can also play a factor in your risk of developing TMD.
Hear From Happy Fountain Valley, CA, Patients
Clinton Rosen
2022
Great staff and wonderful dentist who really took the time to explain to me my options. Dr. Mortensen really put me at ease.
View on Googlemarie-helene luebbers
2022
Dr Mortensen had been my dentist for... 30 years???!! The best dentist I ever had. Also, his office is very friendly. I highly recommend him.
View on GoogleYou Don't Have to Live With TMJ Pain Call Our Fountain Valley Dental Practice Today
Issues and pain with the temporomandibular joint can affect your quality of life and lead to further oral health concerns. Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen and his team are here to help get you the relief you need and deserve.
Dr. Mortensen has over 40 years of experience in the field of dentistry and trained at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute. He can treat your TMD to help ease and eliminate your symptoms. Contact us today using our online form or call our dental practice in Fountain Valley, CA, to schedule a consultation.
(714) 964-4183
Why Choose Our Fountain Valley Practice for TMD Diagnosis and Treatment?
Over 40 Years of Experience
Issues with the TMJ can be difficult to diagnose and are often misdiagnosed. This means you need a dentist with the experience and skills to accurately identify and treat your TMD, relieving your pain and preserving your teeth and jaw joints.
Advanced Technology
Dr. Mortensen uses advanced technology, such as digital X-rays and 3D imaging. This gives him an unparalleled view of your teeth, bones, and joints, allowing him to accurately diagnose his patients and provide effective long-lasting relief.
Call us today to schedule your consultation and get relief from painful TMD.
"I put my full trust in them..."
Joyce Allen
2022
I am a person who hates absolutely hates to go to the dentist. However I saw Dr Mortenson today with his stuff and I have to say I have truly never met a better group of people for the office staff is all amazing and friendly and kind and Dr Mortenson himself makes you feel like you’ve known him forever and he’s very wise. I put my full trust in them and I’m so looking forward to To having the rest of my dental work done. I cannot believe I’m actually writing this! Lol I’ve never looked forward to going to the dentist, However I’m not terrified of Dr Mortenson!
View on GoogleGinny Johnson
2021
You will love this practice: such competence, accommodation, superb client service, pleasant atmosphere and the most splendid staff working with a remarkable, experienced and talented dentist. Make an appointment - you won't regret it, and, on the contrary, you will be so pleased!
View on GoogleTMD Diagnosis and Treatment
During your consultation at our Fountain Valley, CA, dental practice, your dentist will discuss your symptoms and examine your mouth and jaw to determine your physiologic rest position. Using digital X-rays and advanced imaging technology, Dr. Mortensen will carefully map your temporomandibular joints.
Once your physiologic rest position is determined, your dentist will use the images of your mouth, teeth, and TMJs to develop a personalized treatment plan. This treatment plan is completely customized to your needs and may include:
Neuromuscular Dentistry
Dr. Mortensen may use neuromuscular dentistry to treat TMD. Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on correcting a misaligned jaw and relaxing the muscles in the jaw to ease the stress and strain on the joints.
Splint Therapy
Splint therapy works by using custom splits to reposition your jaw. This relieves stress and tension on the joints, prevents teeth grinding, and moves your jaw to a more comfortable position. These custom splints are usually worn at night but can be worn during the day as well.
Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatments such as traditional braces or clear aligners work by realigning your bite. Orthodontic treatment can provide you with TMJ pain relief as it relieves stress on the TMJs and prevents wear on your teeth.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications can not only help relieve the pain associated with TMD, but also the inflammation that is often a symptom of TMD. By reducing inflammation and pain, tension is often relieved, which can put further stress on your TMJs.
Surgery
Minimally invasive techniques are the first line of treatment before other approaches and treatments are considered. Dr. Mortensen will only recommend surgery if it is absolutely needed or if non-invasive therapy such as splints and orthodontic work fails.
Have questions about TMD treatment? We have answers!
Take a Closer Look at the Effects of TMD
TMJ disorder can create tension in the neck, head, and face, leading to headaches and other symptoms.
