TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint—the hinge that lets your jaw open, close, and move smoothly. When the joint or nearby muscles don’t work together as they should, the condition is called temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMJ problems can lead to jaw pain, clicking or locking, headaches, ear discomfort, facial tightness, and sometimes ringing in the ears. Common triggers include clenching, grinding, bite imbalance, injury, arthritis, and daily stress.
Our dentists and TMJ-focused providers review how your bite fits together, how your jaw moves, and how the surrounding muscles respond. When helpful, we coordinate with your physician, ENT, or physical therapist to rule out other causes. Most TMJ concerns respond well to non-surgical care such as custom night guards, guided jaw exercises, and bite adjustments. More advanced treatments are considered only when needed.
We perform a detailed exam using muscle palpation, range-of-motion checks, digital impressions, and 3D imaging. Watching how your jaw moves helps us plan care that fits your symptoms and bite.

Conservative care such as custom splints and night guards, guided jaw exercises, and posture support can reduce jaw strain and protect your teeth—often without surgery.
Jaw discomfort often links to daily habits and muscle tension. We offer guidance on posture, jaw use, and lifestyle factors, and coordinate care with physical therapists when helpful.

Local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation help you stay relaxed during procedures such as splint adjustments or injections. Your comfort matters at every visit.
Our patients are at the heart of everything we do. Read their stories and discover how compassionate care and trusted dentistry have made a difference in their smiles.
The temporomandibular joint supports speaking, eating, and facial movement. When it doesn’t work as it should, discomfort may extend beyond the jaw and show up as headaches, facial tension, ear symptoms, neck strain, or tooth wear. Over time, these issues can interfere with sleep, meals, and daily comfort. Addressing TMJ concerns helps protect the joint, reduce strain on teeth, and support steadier jaw function.
Between visits, gentle jaw use and daily habits can support progress. This may include avoiding hard or chewy foods, using warm compresses, and keeping good posture during work or screen use. Wearing your custom night guard as directed is important if clenching or grinding occurs.
If your jaw suddenly locks, pain increases with chewing or speaking, or swelling appears near the ear, contact us right away. Same-day evaluations are available for sudden flare-ups or jaw injuries, and we coordinate care with specialists when needed.

Find quick answers to the most common questions our patients ask.
TMJ is the temporomandibular joint that connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint or the surrounding muscles don’t function properly, it’s called temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Symptoms may include jaw pain, clicking, stiffness, headaches, or difficulty opening your mouth.
TMJ issues can cause jaw pain, clicking or popping, headaches, facial tension, ear discomfort, neck strain, and tooth wear. Symptoms may worsen with chewing, stress, or clenching.
Yes. The jaw joint sits close to the ear and shares nerve pathways with the head and neck. TMJ disorders commonly cause ear pain, pressure, ringing in the ears, and tension headaches.
Common causes include clenching or grinding teeth, bite imbalance, muscle tension, arthritis, injury, poor posture, and chronic stress. Many patients have more than one contributing factor.
Diagnosis involves reviewing symptoms, checking jaw movement, evaluating the bite, examining jaw muscles, and using digital imaging when needed. This helps identify whether the issue is muscle-related, joint-related, or both.
Most TMJ concerns respond well to non-surgical care such as custom night guards, jaw exercises, bite adjustments, posture guidance, and short-term medication. Surgery is rarely needed.
TMJ treatment is typically comfortable and non-invasive. You may feel mild soreness as muscles adjust, but most patients tolerate treatment well. Sedation options are available if needed.
Many patients notice improvement within a few weeks. Full symptom relief may take several months depending on severity, consistency with care, and contributing habits like clenching or stress.
Symptoms can return if clenching, grinding, or stress continues. Wearing your night guard, following exercises, and attending routine checkups help maintain long-term results.
Coverage varies by plan. Many dental plans cover exams, imaging, and night guards. Medical insurance may cover certain treatments when medically necessary. Our team verifies benefits before care begins.
You should seek care if jaw pain, clicking, headaches, or locking interfere with eating, speaking, or sleep. Early evaluation helps prevent symptoms from worsening.
You can call (562) 242-1411 — Phones Answered 24/7 or book online at
Book Now to schedule your TMJ evaluation.
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We’re open seven days a week with evening and weekend appointments at multiple locations. Same‑day visits are available so you never have to wait for relief.
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High‑quality dental care should be within reach. We accept most PPO and many HMO plans, offer interest‑free payment plans and have in‑house specials for new patients.
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Hours may vary by location. Please call the office to confirm availability.
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