TMJ/TMD Therapy – Pleasant Hill, CA
Is Your Pain Caused
by TMJ Disorder?
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) attaches the lower jaw to your skull and allows you to make the necessary movements for talking, chewing, and yawning. It’s a very complex joint, which is why it’s prone to stress and injury. Even the smallest problem with the TMJ can lead to a painful disorder and a decrease in your quality of life. As soon as you think you might be experiencing TMJ disorder, get in touch with Dr. Lavino today to set up an appointment.
Why Choose Sebastian S. Lavino
for TMJ/TMD Therapy?
- Convenient In-House Financing
- Super Friendly Dentist and Team
- Expertly Made Occlusal Splints
Diagnosis & Treatment
We can observe the range of motion in your jaw, feel your TMJ when you open and close your mouth, and check for sites of pain or discomfort throughout your face to diagnose TMJ disorder. We’ll likely need to take a panoramic X-ray to examine the teeth and jaw in full detail. After we’ve narrowed down the factors that are contributing to your TMJ disorder, we will put together a treatment plan to address them accordingly.
Equilibration/ Occlusal Adjustments
While some TMJ disorders are caused by injuries and overuse of the jaw joints, oftentimes the root of the problem lies in the alignment of the teeth. If the upper and lower arches don’t meet evenly all around, it can put undue strain on the TMJ. To correct the problem, we can identify the teeth in question and adjust them as needed (by removing small amounts of enamel) until they come together correctly.
Occlusal Splints
An occlusal splint is designed to correct the resting position of the jaw to reduce the strain on the TMJ. It also separates the upper and lower rows of teeth to prevent the damage associated with teeth grinding. Your occlusal splint will be custom made based off impressions of your mouth, ensuring that it fits comfortably and yields the best results. The length of time you’ll have to wear an occlusal splint for depends on the nature and severity of your TMJ disorder.