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TMJ Disorders & Treatments

Temporomandibular joint disorders, often referred to as TMJ or TMD, are a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. At San Francisco Center for TMJ and Sleep Apnea, we're dedicated to helping you understand TMJ and providing effective treatments for the range of symptoms associated with the condition.

Ready to explore care? See our TMJ Treatment in San Francisco page for treatment options, or TMJ Specialist in San Francisco to learn more about Dr. Samadian's approach.

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Find relief and improve your quality of life.

Understanding TMJ and its symptoms is the first step toward finding relief and regaining your quality of life. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms associated with TMJ, don't hesitate to reach out to our team for TMJ treatment in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Our expert team is here to provide the care and support you need to overcome TMJ and achieve lasting comfort and well-being.

Symptoms of TMJ

TMJ disorders can manifest in a variety of ways, leading to discomfort and impacting your daily life. Common symptoms include:

  • Locked jaw: A sensation of the jaw getting stuck in an open or closed position.
  • Limited opening: Difficulty fully opening the mouth due to pain or stiffness.
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching): Unconscious grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep, can lead to tooth damage and headaches.
  • Jaw clicking and popping: Clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw, often accompanied by pain or discomfort.
  • Disc degeneration: The deterioration of the cushioning discs in the jaw joint can lead to joint pain and limited mobility.
  • Jaw tightness: Persistent tension or tightness in the jaw muscles, causing discomfort and pain.
  • Deviation when opening mouth: The jaw deviates or shifts to one side when you try to open your mouth.
  • Ear pain: Pain in or around the ears.
  • Tinnitus: Ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears.
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Dr. Samadian talks about TMJ

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Treatments for TMJ at San Francisco Center for TMJ and Sleep Apnea

Our practice specializes in providing comprehensive treatments for TMJ disorders in San Francisco & the Bay Area. We offer a range of advanced and personalized solutions to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Some of the key treatments we offer include:

Customized treatment plans

We understand that every patient is unique, which is why we create personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific TMJ symptoms.

Orthodontics and MSE

For conditions like limited opening and jaw deviation, we offer advanced orthodontic treatments, including the use of Maxillary Skeletal Expanders (MSE), which can help address upper and lower jaw discrepancies without extensive surgery.

Myofunctional therapy

This therapy focuses on retraining the muscles and tissues around the mouth and throat, helping to reduce symptoms like jaw tightness and bruxism.

Physical therapy

Our in-house physical therapy services can aid in improving jaw function, reducing pain, and enhancing your overall well-being.

Non-surgical solutions

We prioritize minimally invasive and non-surgical treatments whenever possible to ensure your comfort and recovery.

Comprehensive care

Our practice offers a holistic approach to TMJ treatment, addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and psychological aspects of TMJ disorders.

Orthotics

These devices work to maintain the jaw in the proper skeletal position to stabilize the joint. The vast majority of orthotics made by other dentists are just made to go on the upper or lower teeth and are unable to maintain the correct positioning at night.

CT Scans and TMJD Diagnosis

CT Scans offer valuable insights as part of a comprehensive assessment of TMJ Disorders. An appointment with our team will offer a bespoke plan to diagnose and treat your TMJD symptoms and the root cause of your pain and issues. While diagnosis may involve multiple modalities, including clinical assessments and dental evaluations, a CT Scan can help assess:

  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Anatomy & Joint Integrity: CT scans can provide detailed images of the temporomandibular joint, helping to evaluate the joint's integrity, alignment, and any signs of degeneration or pathology.
  • Soft Tissue Evaluation for Inflammation: CT scans may help identify inflammation or structural issues in the soft tissues surrounding the TMJ, which could contribute to TMJ disorders.
  • 3D Imaging for Treatment Planning: In cases where surgical intervention is considered for sleep apnea or TMJ disorders, CT scans can provide three-dimensional imaging that aids in treatment planning and helps guide surgical procedures.
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What is the recovery time and results?

Most cases of TMJ are fully resolved within 12 weeks of therapy. Less pain, fewer headaches, reduction in ear symptoms, and a better quality of life.

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The following are some TMJ related aliments. 

Facial pain and TMJ

Facial pain, often associated with TMJ, can be mysterious as to its origin. While the exact cause may seem elusive, some theories shed light on its symptoms:

  • Muscle injury or repetitive strain: Activating facial trigger points
  • Psychological stressors and physical strain: Increasing muscle tension along taut bands
  • Postural stressors: Poor body posture leading to prolonged muscle strain
  • Trigger points in the facial muscles can radiate pain to various areas, resembling a headache.

Jaw clicking, locking, and limited opening

TMJ disorders can change how the jaw moves, making it click, catch, lock, or drift to one side while opening. These symptoms may point to joint irritation, disc displacement, muscle guarding, or bite imbalance.

  • Clicking or popping when chewing, yawning, or speaking
  • Jaw locking open or closed, even briefly
  • Limited opening or a jaw that shifts to one side

A focused TMJ evaluation helps identify whether the issue is muscular, joint-related, bite-related, or a combination of factors.

Vertigo and dizziness caused by TMJ

Vertigo, a sensation of dizziness or imbalance, can also be attributed to TMJ:

  • Pressure on the balance organs in the inner ear due to a poorly aligned jaw
  • Misalignment of the vestibular system in the temporal bone, where the jaw attaches
  • Conflicting signals to the brain about balance lead to dizziness

If you're experiencing vertigo, TMJ treatment may offer relief by addressing the underlying cause.

Headache signs and symptoms

We've all experienced headaches, but when they become chronic or severe, TMJ may be a contributing factor. TMJ-related headaches often come with additional signs and symptoms, including:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Light sensitivity (pain in the eyes when looking at lights)
  • Dizziness
  • Vertigo
  • Scalp tenderness
  • Sensation of tightness in the head
  • Pain on one or both sides of your head
  • Throbbing or pulsing headache
  • Blurred vision
  • Lightheadedness
  • Sensitivity to sounds

See our dedicated guide to TMJ headache treatment in San Francisco, or if jaw pain is your main symptom, visit our jaw pain treatment page.

What procedures could be combined in treating TMJ?

Additional treatments, based on the condition of the patient, may include BOTOX, cold laser therapy, functional nasal breathing, chiropractic therapy, physical therapy, and myofunctional therapy – most of which are offered in-house. 

A comprehensive approach to TMJ at the San Francisco Center for TMJ and Sleep Apnea

Understanding TMJ and its diverse symptoms is the first step towards finding relief and enhancing your well-being. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms or suspect TMJ may be a factor, don't hesitate to contact the San Francisco Center for TMJ and Sleep Apnea. Our expert team is here to provide you with the care and support you need to overcome TMJ-related symptoms and achieve lasting comfort and well-being. Schedule an appointment today and let us help you on your journey to relief and improved quality of life.

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TMJ questions

What is TMJ?

How do I know if I have a TMJ disorder?

What causes TMJ disorders?

Will a TMJ disorder go away on its own?

When should I see a TMJ specialist?

What is TMJ?

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint — the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. When people say they "have TMJ," they usually mean a temporomandibular disorder (TMD): pain or dysfunction affecting that joint and the muscles that move the jaw. It can involve the joint, the surrounding muscles, or both.

How do I know if I have a TMJ disorder?

Common signs include jaw pain or tenderness, clicking or popping when you open or close, discomfort chewing, jaw locking, and related headaches, earaches, or facial pain. Only a clinical evaluation can confirm whether these symptoms stem from a temporomandibular disorder, so persistent symptoms are worth having assessed.

What causes TMJ disorders?

TMJ disorders often have more than one contributing factor, such as teeth grinding or clenching, a misaligned bite, stress-related muscle tension, past injury to the jaw, or arthritis in the joint. Identifying the underlying cause is central to choosing the right treatment.

Will a TMJ disorder go away on its own?

Mild, short-lived jaw discomfort sometimes eases with rest and self-care. Symptoms that are persistent, recurring, or worsening are less likely to resolve on their own and are worth evaluating, since addressing the underlying cause earlier can help prevent the strain from progressing.

When should I see a TMJ specialist?

Consider an evaluation if jaw pain, clicking, locking, or related headaches persist for more than a few weeks, interfere with eating or sleep, or keep returning. A focused evaluation can identify what is driving the symptoms and outline conservative, non-surgical options.

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