TMJ treatment in San Diego, CA
Jaw pain, headaches, and clicking joints can make everyday tasks difficult. At Raymond E. Carpenter DDS in San Diego, CA, TMJ treatment uses a specialized dentistry approach to evaluate the jaw joints, muscles, and bite together. This page explains common causes, treatment options, and what to expect if you seek care for temporomandibular joint disorder, often called TMD.
TMJ disorder care explained
The temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw to the skull. When the bite does not align, or when muscles overwork due to clenching or grinding, the joints can become strained. Symptoms may include jaw soreness, morning headaches, ear fullness, clicking or popping, limited opening, and facial pain. TMJ disorder is a group of problems rather than one single disease.
Specialized dentistry looks at how the teeth, joints, and muscles work as a system. The goal is to find a relaxed, stable jaw position and support it with therapy. This may involve measuring muscle activity, assessing how the teeth meet, and reviewing joint health with imaging when needed. By guiding the jaw into a physiologic rest position, many patients experience jaw pain relief and improved function.
How TMJ treatment can help you
- reduce jaw, face, and neck pain linked to muscle strain
- improve chewing comfort and jaw range of motion
- lessen tension headaches and tenderness near the temples
- decrease joint noises like clicking or popping
- protect teeth from wear caused by clenching and grinding
- promote a more balanced bite alignment for long-term stability
Most people begin with conservative therapies such as an occlusal splint (stabilization appliance), guided muscle relaxation, and targeted bite adjustments. These options aim to calm inflammation and restore a stable jaw position before considering advanced care.
Step-by-step TMJ treatment guide
Assessment and diagnosis
- medical and dental history focused on pain triggers, sleep, and habits
- jaw exam to check joint sounds, tenderness, and range of motion
- bite evaluation to see how upper and lower teeth meet during chewing
- imaging or scans when joint health needs closer review
Initial therapies
- custom splint or night guard to support a relaxed jaw position and protect teeth
- muscle deprogramming and relaxation techniques; some offices use gentle TENS to reduce muscle tension
- home care such as moist heat or cold packs, a soft diet during flares, and targeted jaw stretches
- behavior guidance to reduce daytime clenching and improve posture
Bite refinement and stabilization
- minor bite adjustments to remove high spots that overload the joints
- orthodontic tooth movement if alignment changes are needed for stable function
- restorative dentistry when worn or missing teeth prevent a balanced bite
Surgery is rarely the first option. It is considered only when conservative care does not resolve structural joint problems and when imaging supports that need.
Your visit and what to expect
Most patients start with a consultation and exam. If a splint is recommended, impressions or digital scans are taken. Once the appliance is ready, you will receive instructions on when to wear it, how to clean it, and how to track symptoms. Follow-up visits help fine-tune the appliance and monitor progress.
Relief may begin within weeks, but complex cases can take several months. It is common to pair splint therapy with gentle stretches, stress reduction, and sleep hygiene. Temporary soreness can occur as muscles adapt. Report any bite changes, increased pain, or joint locking promptly so adjustments can be made.
Self-care tips during treatment
- limit wide yawning and hard, chewy foods during flare-ups
- avoid gum and nail biting that overwork jaw muscles
- use heat for muscle tightness and cold for acute joint pain
- practice tongue-up, teeth-apart rest posture to reduce clenching
- prioritize sleep and manage stress, which often reduces symptoms