TMJ & TMD Treatment for Jaw Pain Relief in Los Angeles

If you experience ongoing jaw pain, discomfort near your ear, clicking or popping sounds, or restricted jaw movement, you may be suffering from TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder). Many people mistakenly use the term TMJ when referring to this condition, but TMJ actually stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the jaw joint itself. Since everyone has a TMJ (two, in fact!), but not everyone has TMD, it’s important to differentiate between the two.

Expert TMD Treatment at Studio Smiles

Diagnosing TMJ-related issues can be complex, but the good news is that most cases can be treated with conservative, non-invasive remedies. At Studio Smiles in Los Angeles, our experienced team takes a comprehensive approach to identifying the root cause of your jaw pain and creating a personalized treatment plan to help relieve discomfort and restore function.

Understanding the TMJ & Causes of TMD

The TMJ is a highly complex joint, connecting your lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull. It allows movement in three dimensions, enabling you to chew, speak, and open/close your mouth. TMD can arise when any part of the joint, cushioning disk, or surrounding muscles become dysfunctional or inflamed.

Common causes of TMD include:

  • Inflammation and arthritis of the jaw joint
  • Muscle tension or spasms caused by clenching or grinding (bruxism)
  • Jaw injuries or misalignment
  • Stress-related habits (such as jaw clenching)
  • Underlying medical conditions such as fibromyalgia

Signs & Symptoms of TMD

  • Clicking or Popping Sounds – A shifting joint disk may cause noticeable clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing your mouth. While this is common and not always a concern, clicking combined with pain or limited jaw function could indicate TMD.
  • Muscle Pain – Soreness in the cheeks (masseter muscles) and temples (temporalis muscles) is a common sign of TMD. If you wake up with jaw stiffness or soreness, you may be clenching or grinding your teeth at night. We can create a custom night guard to reduce pressure on your jaw joints and help relieve discomfort.
  • Joint Pain & Arthritis – If the jaw joints themselves become inflamed, TMD-related arthritis can cause persistent pain and stiffness. While arthritis cannot be cured, medications and therapies can help manage the symptoms effectively.

Relieving TMJ Pain

After a thorough examination and diagnosis, we will design a customized treatment plan to reduce pain and improve jaw function. Some effective self-care and treatment options include:

  • Temporary dietary adjustments – Eating softer foods to reduce stress on the jaw
  • Ice & moist heat therapy – To relieve soreness and inflammation
  • Gentle jaw exercises & stretching – To relax muscles and improve mobility
  • Anti-inflammatory medications & muscle relaxants – To ease discomfort
  • Custom Night Guards – To prevent grinding and clenching, reducing muscle strain

Advanced Treatment Options for Severe TMD Cases

For persistent or severe TMD cases, additional treatments may be necessary, such as:

  • Orthodontics – To realign the bite and improve jaw function
  • Dental restorations (bridges/crowns) – To correct bite imbalances
  • Cortisone injections or joint lavage – To reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility
  • Minimally invasive procedures – In rare cases, targeted surgical interventions may be considered

However, major surgery is rarely needed for TMD, as conservative, reversible treatments are highly effective in most cases.

Find Relief for TMJ & TMD Pain at Studio Smiles

If you are experiencing jaw pain, stiffness, or clicking sounds, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Our team at Studio Smiles is here to help you find relief and restore comfort to your daily life.

Call us today at (323) 634-9333 to schedule your TMD consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free smile!