When jaw pain disrupts your ability to eat, speak, or sleep comfortably, every moment becomes a reminder of the discomfort affecting your daily routine. TMJ disorder transforms simple activities like chewing breakfast or engaging in conversation into sources of pain and frustration that millions of Americans face daily.
Newport Beach dentist Dr. Laura Sharbash provides comprehensive TMJ treatment solutions designed to address both the symptoms and underlying causes of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Through advanced diagnostic techniques and personalized treatment approaches, we help patients restore comfortable jaw function and reclaim their quality of life.
TMJ disorder affects the temporomandibular joint connecting your jawbone to your skull on both sides of your head. This sophisticated joint functions like a sliding hinge, enabling the complex movements necessary for speaking, chewing, and yawning. When inflammation, injury, or dysfunction occurs within this joint system, it creates significant pain and functional limitations affecting your daily activities.
The temporomandibular joint ranks among the most frequently used joints in your body, working continuously throughout each day. Problems with this joint can extend beyond jaw function, often causing headaches, ear pain, and neck discomfort. Many patients don’t realize their various symptoms stem from a single source, leading them to seek treatment from multiple doctors before discovering the root cause lies in TMJ dysfunction.
TMJ disorder presents with a wide range of symptoms affecting both jaw function and the surrounding areas. Understanding these symptoms helps patients recognize when professional treatment becomes necessary for their comfort and health.
Jaw pain or tenderness, particularly around the joint area, represents the most common symptom patients experience. Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth often accompany this discomfort. Difficulty chewing or pain while eating can make mealtimes stressful and limit dietary choices. Jaw locking in open or closed positions creates immediate concern and functional problems.
Persistent headaches or migraines frequently develop as jaw muscles remain tense and overworked. Ear pain, fullness, or ringing sounds occur due to the proximity of the temporomandibular joint to ear structures. Facial pain or swelling can extend across the cheek and temple areas. Neck and shoulder tension develops as patients unconsciously adjust their posture to minimize jaw discomfort.
Several factors contribute to TMJ disorder development, often working together to create jaw joint problems requiring professional intervention.
Teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, or jaw clenching, particularly during sleep, represents a primary cause of TMJ symptoms. According to the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute, more than 70% of dentists noticed signs of teeth grinding and clenching in their patients, with an increase of nearly 10% over the previous year.
Direct trauma or injury to the jaw, head, or neck can damage the temporomandibular joint structure. Arthritis affecting the jaw joint creates inflammation and movement restrictions. Chronic stress leading to muscle tension affects jaw positioning and function throughout the day. Poor posture while working at computers or using mobile devices creates strain on neck and jaw alignment.
Dr. Sharbash offers multiple effective treatment approaches for TMJ disorder, ranging from conservative therapies to advanced interventions. Treatment selection depends on symptom severity, underlying causes, and individual patient preferences and needs.
Night guards represent the first line of treatment for many TMJ cases, particularly when teeth grinding or clenching contributes to symptoms. These custom-fitted appliances provide multiple benefits for jaw joint health and patient comfort.
Custom night guards protect teeth from grinding damage while reducing muscle tension in the jaw area. They help maintain proper jaw alignment during sleep and provide cushioning for the temporomandibular joint. Unlike over-the-counter options, custom appliances fit precisely, allowing for proper breathing and comfort throughout the night.
For patients with severe muscle tension and pain, Botox injection therapy offers significant relief through targeted muscle relaxation. This advanced treatment approach addresses the root cause of muscle-related TMJ symptoms with precision and effectiveness.
Botox works by relaxing overactive jaw muscles, reducing muscle spasms and associated tension throughout the affected area. Patients typically experience decreased pain and inflammation along with improved jaw function and range of motion. Botox for TMJ proves particularly effective for patients who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments.
The treatment involves precise injections into the masseter and temporalis muscles, providing targeted relief without affecting other facial functions. Results typically become apparent within several days and can provide relief lasting several months.
Sometimes TMJ disorder stems from bite misalignment or dental issues contributing to jaw dysfunction. Clear aligner therapy may be recommended to correct bite issues contributing to TMJ symptoms. A comprehensive orthodontic evaluation helps determine whether alignment problems contribute to jaw joint dysfunction.
Dr. Laura Sharbash brings extensive credentials and experience to TMJ treatment with a comprehensive, patient-centered approach. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Sharbash combines advanced training with personalized care to achieve optimal results.
Our practice offers custom night guards fabricated in-office using precise impressions for maximum effectiveness. Advanced Botox therapy provides cutting-edge treatment for muscle-related TMJ symptoms when traditional approaches prove insufficient. State-of-the-art diagnostic technology ensures accurate assessment and treatment planning tailored to individual needs.
We maintain a comprehensive approach addressing not just symptoms but the underlying causes of jaw dysfunction. Located in Newport Beach, our practice provides convenient access to advanced TMJ treatment for patients throughout Orange County seeking relief from temporomandibular joint disorders.
Don’t let TMJ disorder continue limiting your daily comfort and activities when effective treatment options are available. Professional intervention can provide the comprehensive relief you need to return to normal jaw function and improved quality of life without ongoing pain or restrictions.
Dr. Laura Sharbash combines her extensive training as a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry with advanced techniques in TMJ management to deliver personalized treatment solutions. Her credentials include being one of only 10 dentists featured in AGD Impact’s “Dentists to Watch” and certification in advanced facial injectables, providing patients with access to the most current and effective treatment approaches available. Contact our Newport Beach office today to schedule your comprehensive TMJ evaluation and begin your journey toward lasting relief.
