Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Is Holiday Stress Aggravating Your TMJ?

Dr. Farnad TMJ Stress

During the holidays, TMJ patients often feel increased painful TMJ symptoms. Unfortunately, as stress increases so does TMJ pain, such as: jaw pain, poor jaw mobility, headaches, and migraines. Sometimes, these symptoms are due to continuos clenching or grinding. Typically, TMJ patients have a tendency to clench or grind in their sleep. However, stressful situations can also trigger these habits during the day. Although the holidays are beautiful time of year, filled with lots of family time and food, they can also be a very stressful time for everyone, making TMJ pain worse for TMJ sufferers.

The TMJ Doctor, Dr. Farnad, specializes in TMJ treatment in Los Angeles. He is internationally recognized for his individualized treatment for TMJ patients. Dr. Farnad understands that every person suffering from TMJ experiences TMJ symptoms in a different way, which is why it is so important that patients undergo treatment specifically designed to manage their symptoms and more importantly the source of the pain.

If you or someone you know is suffering from TMJ pain, it is very important that they see a TMJ specialist. If left untreated, TMJ can lead to gum disease, broken teeth, and permanent damage to the temporomandibular joint. To learn more about the treatment options specifically designed to treat your individual TMJ symptoms, call The TMJ Doctor, Dr. Farnad.


To schedule a consultation call us at (310)276-5300 or toll free (855)276-5300
421 N. Rodeo Dr. Ste T8
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Dr. Fariborz Farnad is a TMJ specialist located in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. Treating patients throughout Los Angeles, including Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, Orange County, Long Beach, Downey, Irvine, Northridge, Cerritos, Santa Barbara, Encino.


Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Headaches and Jaw Pain and Splints, Oh My!

TMJ can be an overwhelming, frustrating, and sometimes scary disorder. Much like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, your world can feel like it's flipped upside down when you're experiencing TMJ pain.

PHOTO CREDIT: SUPRIJONO SUHARJOTO/ISTOCK
Each day, we speak to so many patients who have limited jaw mobility, have difficulty chewing or talking, suffer from mild to severe headaches, and have neck, shoulder, and even lower back pain. People are often shocked by the fact that their jaw muscle can have such a tremendous impact on their lives.

We have some patients that are professional singers, violinists, and other musicians that delay recording and often feel depressed by their inability to preform. Others feel burdened by TMJ because it limits their ability to socialize because they are uncomfortable talking and going out to eat with friends or family. Other patients feel frustrated because they have been slipping with a splint, night-guard, or orthotic device and have not had any relief (to read more about splint therapy and why it may not be working click here: http://thetmjdoctor.blogspot.com/2013/09/splint-therapy-for-tmj.html).

With so many different symptoms and treatment options it's no wonder that TMJ can be an overwhelming diagnosis. We want to help you down your path to treatment and TMJ pain relief.

People do not always associate headaches and earaches with jaw pain but many times those symptoms correlate directly with TMJ/TMD. Frequently, these are symptoms of malocclusion which means that the jaw is not balanced and the stress of this imbalance can lead to jaw pain. Dr. Farnad has been successfully treating TMJ for over two decades and has the ability to tailor treatment plans specifically to each patient's individual symptoms. It is so important to understand that no two people experience TMJ in the same way. This knowledge allows you choose a doctor that recognizes your individuality as a patient.

Many times patients experience some symptoms and not others. Many patients have told us that they cannot believe their headaches are from TMJ because they do not experience clicking or popping sounds coming from their jaw. Other patients tell us they hear sounds coming from their jaw but have no other symptoms and chances are, these two patients will need a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause and the solution for their TMJ.

If you are experiencing:

- Facial pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Neck pain
- Grind your teeth
- Hear clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw
- Have a difficult time opening, closing, or moving your mouth
- Have earaches

You should consult a doctor to discuss treatment options. Often times, people are afraid of going to the dentist. However, the appropriate specialist can significantly decrease your jaw pain, even remove pain completely! We hope even if your nervous about navigating the TMJ treatment path, you will visit Dr. Farnad to get a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.

To schedule a consultation call us at (310)276-5300 or toll free (855)276-5300
421 N. Rodeo Dr. Ste T8
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Dr. Fariborz Farnad is a TMJ specialist located in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. Treating patients throughout Los Angeles, including Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, Orange County, Long Beach, Downey, Irvine, Northridge, Cerritos, Santa Barbara, Encino.



Monday, November 4, 2013

TMJ Exercises

A lot of our patients ask us what can they do at home to help with their TMJ. We have compiled a few exercises that should help with your TMJ. If these cause more pain, do not continue, call our office for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Farnad.

1.  Hold your tongue on the roof of your mouth and move your jaw slowly up and down. Try not to let your mouth move from side to side. You want to increase your jaw joint strength.

2.  Follow this link for some great exercises with images: http://www.wikihow.com/Cure-TMJ-with-Jaw-Exercises

3. The most important exercise is relaxation. We cannot stress this enough. In fact, we shouldn't stress, we should relax! Seriously, deep and slow breathing can really help you relax when you are experiencing TMJ pain. A lot of our patients who do yoga feel that their TMJ symptoms are helped. You can also try long walks and meditation.

4. Sleepy? Yawning may sound nice but support your chin when you feel the need to yawn. Guide your chin with your hand to relieve jaw joint pressure.

5. Avoid chewing gum. Some people think constantly moving the joint muscles will help. Instead, this can further damage and cause pain.

6. Heat the area with a warm towel. This can reduce pain and inflammation. If heat does not work, you can try the same thing with ice. Do not ice for longer than 15 minutes at a time.

Remember, a lot of these exercises work best for mild TMJ symptoms. If any of these worsen your symptoms or do not alleviate your pain we sincerely suggest seeing a specialist. Our Beverly Hills Office is here to support you in finding the correct TMJ treatment.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Farnad, call (310)276-5300.
Have questions? The TMJ Doctor is happy to answer them, just email dr.fariborzfarnad@gmail.com

421 N. Rodeo Dr. #T8
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310)276-5300

TMJ Specialist for Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas

Monday, October 28, 2013

Are Your Headaches Caused by TMJ Disorder?

Millions of Americans suffer from headaches. Each year, more people are misdiagnosed and the source of their headaches remains undetected. Frequently, a jaw joint disorder or jaw alignment is the culprit of constant neck pain and chronic headaches. If you are experiencing headaches more than once a month you may be experiencing TMJ symptoms.

People who suffer from chronic headaches and migraines are often surprised to find relief in TMJ treatments. TMJ remedies work for these patients because numerous migraine symptoms are the same as TMJ symptoms. Some identical symptoms include: resistance to over-the-counter medications, neck pain, sensitivity to light, dizziness, tension in the head, jaw, shoulders, and neck.

So how do you know if you have TMJ?

Statistically, most TMJ sufferers are female and their TMJ symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as migraines. Their painful symptoms are sometimes masked but the source of the pain is not treated because it is not diagnosed properly. The pain TMJ sufferers experience often begins in the jaw joint, neck, ear, temple area, and shoulders. Over time, the actual jaw joint can collect debris and damage may occur. Other symptoms, such as muscle stiffness can limit a person's range of motion in the jaw. When this occurs, people often describe their TMJ as "locked jaw". This can be accompanied by a clicking or popping sound or even lead to hearing problems.

Migraines and headaches related to TMJ are typically moderate to severe in pain and people experience severe pain around the entire head, neck, or behind the eyes, around the jaw joint and ears. If you occasionally experience one of these symptoms you do not need to panic. However, if you frequently feel these symptoms, once or more times a month then you should seek proper medical attention to address your potential TMJ.

When you see Dr. Farnad for your TMJ consultation, he will review your migraine and headache history, in addition to a full medical evaluation. At this time, he will also create a treatment plan specifically designed to treat the actual problem, not just mask the symptoms. There are numerous affective TMJ treatments that will greatly reduce your migraine and headache pain.


To schedule your consultation with Dr. Farnad, call (310)276-5300.
Have questions? The TMJ Doctor is happy to answer them, just email dr.fariborzfarnad@gmail.com

421 N. Rodeo Dr. #T8
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310)276-5300

TMJ Specialist for Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Who Should I See for TMJ?

We are often asked, "who should I see to treat my TMJ" or "why should I see an Oral Surgeon for TMJ?"

We are here to tell you why seeing an Oral Surgeon/DMD is so important. As soon as you feel TMJ/TMD symptoms, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon should be consulted immediately. An oral surgeon specializes specifically in the jaw, teeth, and mouth. Although your general dentist may be able to diagnosis TMJ/TMD disorders, they do not typically have the ability to provide a comprehensive treatment plan like an oral surgeon.

TMJ symptoms are unique to each individual and every patient needs a treatment plan created specifically for their symptoms and TMJ disorder. An oral surgeon can offer conservative dental treatments, such as a splint or Botox, to medically necessary surgery. Oftentimes, an oral surgeon can provide you with  prescription anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate pain. They can provide non-invassive surgical procedures like arthrocentesis and arthroscopic surgery, which washes the joint and removes debris to stop painful TMJ symptoms.

In our office, Dr. Farnad reviews your entire medical history and does a comprehensive evaluation of your jaw and joints. Using state-of-the-art technology in the office, Dr. Farnad takes a CT image and explains in detail where the pain is coming from and will create a treatment plan specifically for you. Just like there is no one else in the world like you, there is no one else with identical TMJ symptoms. Seeing an oral surgeon who understands your condition is vital in proper treatment.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Farnad, call (310)276-5300.
Have questions? The TMJ Doctor is happy to answer them, just email dr.fariborzfarnad@gmail.com

421 N. Rodeo Dr. #T8
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310)276-5300
www.thetmjdoctor.com
www.facebook.com/bhcomfs

TMJ Specialist for Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas







Monday, September 30, 2013

Dr. Oz Talks About TMJ

Today we found a great article on Dr. Oz's website about grinding and of course we love sharing these articles with you! 

Some key points mentioned in the article are:

1. If you experience tightening or pain in the jaw, headaches, your teeth feel worn down, your fillings are breaking or broken, your gums are injured, or you make grinding sounds while sleeping, you should see a dentist immediately.

2. Custom nightguards made by your dentist can relieve some pain and can prevent further grinding or bruxism. However, as mentioned in our previous posts, nightguards or splints are not for everyone. An oral surgeon will be able to give you a better grasp on your individual needs.

3. Botox injections can relieve over-active muscles or spasms occurring in the jaw, head, and neck. 

4. Relaxation is very important, massage therapy and physical therapy can alleviate jaw pain. \

5. Increase your intake of Vitamin B and Vitamin C to stop depression and anxiety. This will help calm you down and hopefully decrease your grinding/bruxism. 

6. Get active! Release your tension through excercise.

Most importantly, if you are in pain call us for a consultation so we can provide you with the treatment plan that is created just for you, because your TMJ symptoms are unique just like you! 

Dr. Farnad
Los Angeles TMJ Specialist
www.thetmjdoctor.com
www.facebook.com/bhcomfs

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Splint Therapy for TMJ

Is Splint Therapy Your Friend or Your Foe?

Did you know that splint therapy is the most popular and most misused treatment of TMJ? For some a splint is their friend, however, for many people a splint does not relieve pain or TMJ symptoms.

TMJ Disorders are usually accompanied with other problems such as muscle contractions, headaches, and jaw pain. Splints themselves cannot relieve this type of pain and physical therapy is often a helpful treatment.

So why do we use splint therapy? It stabilizes the relationship between the jaw and the joint, or in medical terminology the condyle-fossa and the joint.

Some things you may want to ask your dentist, is what type of splint he/she uses? Hard splints are preferable because they do not move the teeth. Upper splints are also preferred because they provide full arch support and anterior guidance. They are effective in relieving muscle soreness because of the change in teeth contact proprioception. Unfortunately, 15% of patients will resume para-functioning, meaning they will return to old habits of grinding.

Rotational appliances can also be used and can be an effective treatment for Bruxism, grinding, and clenching. These appliances can alter muscular proprioception. These splints are used on the upper teeth, are made of hard acrylic, and should be in conjunction with physical therapy.

Rotational splints are broken up into two categories: Type A and Type B. That doesn't mean different personality types receive different guards. However, they do address different jaw behavioral tendencies. Type A splints are night guards, they are Bruxism(grinding) appliances, and are best for occlusal interference cases. Type B are rotational, are thicker, better for deep bites and assist in restoring proper vertical dimension. These should be worn day, night, and during meals. Type B appliances are used long term over a course of 6-9 months.

There are also Type C splints which are used as a re-positioning appliance. This appliance decreases adverse loading forces in osteoarthritis or other arthritic disorders with decreased joint space. Much like Type B, these are worn during meals and worn day and night. However, this splint is only worn as long as needed and then you have to switch back to an A or B splint.

The TMJ A,B,C's are not for every patient because as previously mentioned, 15% go back to grinding and clenching and they can still experience their painful TMJ symptoms. More importantly, splints only address some TMJ symptoms and causes. This means numerous patients are given treatment that will not address their individual TMJ. For example, if the disc is not properly aligned or their is too much scar tissue and debris around the joint a splint is not going to alleviate the painful TMJ symptoms the individual is experiencing. Instead, there are other treatments that will be of greater assistance and value, such as arthrocentesis and arthroscopy.

For more information about what TMJ treatment is right for you, call our office for a consultation 
(310)276-5300 or toll free (866)DOC-4TMJ. 





Dr. Fariborz Farnad, DMD
421 N. Rodeo Dr. Ste T8
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
www.thetmjdoctor.com



Monday, September 9, 2013

Is Your Clicking or Popping Jaw Common?

Do you experience a popping, grating, or clicking sound? The good news is you're not alone! Many people have minor jaw joint problems. Not everyone who experiences occasional clicking or popping sounds has TMJ.

The proper word for a popping, clicking, or grating sound around the jaw joint is Crepitus. A study released by Dr. Woelfel, discussed in Woelfel's Dental Anatomy, conducted from 1970 to 1986, studying over 1000 jaws of dental and hygiene students to determine how common jaw popping/crepitus was. Dr. Woelfel examined each student. He discovered that over 60% of students had no popping or clicking when they opened their mouth fully and under 40% of students had clicking or popping when they opened their mouth. By the sounds of this study, clicking and popping is pretty common!

What do these sounds mean? It means if the clicking and popping is really disruptive, constant, or painful then you should see a professional for proper TMJ diagnosis and treatment. There are numerous forms of conservative treatments that you can do at home. To learn more about what you can do at home, see our last post: http://thetmjdoctor.blogspot.com/2013/08/tips-tricks-for-tmj.html or visit our website: http://www.thetmjdoctor.com/#!life-with-tmj/cwcs.

To schedule a consultation call us at (310)276-5300 or toll free (855)276-5300
421 N. Rodeo Dr. Ste T8
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Monday, August 26, 2013

TMJ Home Remedies

We use our jaw for almost everything! You need to be able to talk, chew, yawn, and laugh with comfort and ease. Total relaxation of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles is difficult for patients with TMJ pain. Holding the jaw muscles and joints in a relaxed position is, however, very manageable with practice. Regular attempts to relax the jaw muscles, and avoidance of activities that would overwork the area, will be helpful to reduce the pain and prevent additional strain to the area.

Here are some tips and tricks to reducing your TMJ pain and symptoms:

1. Apply moist heat for 20 min 2-4 times each day to the painful area. You can microwave a wet towel for 1-2 minutes or until the towel is warm or you can wrap the moist towel around a hot water bottle to keep it warm longer. You can also try applying ice wrapped in a thin washcloth for 10 minutes 2-4 times per day. Only apply ice until you first feel some numbness. Do not ice for more than 15 minutes. Heat or ice can reduce joint or muscle pain and relax the muscles.

2. Eat softer food, avoid hard foods like french bread, bagels, and chips. Avoid very chewy foods, such as steak and candy. Cut fruit and steamed vegetables into small pieces and chew with your back teeth rather than biting with your front teeth. Please do not chew gum.

3. Your new mantra is: Tongue up and teeth apart. Your teeth should never touch (except lightly for swallowing). We suggest you closely monitor your jaw position during the day, while you're awake, so that you maintain your jaw in a relaxed,comfortable position. This involves placing the tongue lightly on the top of your mouth behind your upper teeth, allowing the teeth to come apart and relaxing the jaw muscles.

4. Avoid caffeine. We know it hurts to put that cup of coffee down, but your TMJ probably hurts more! Caffeine is a "muscle contractor"drug and can make your muscles tighter. Caffeine you should avoid includes coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate. Decaffeinated coffee has half as much caffeine as regular, so try switching until you can kick the habit. 

5. Chew your food on both sides at the same time to reduce strain on one side.

6. Avoid clenching your teeth, grinding your teeth (bruxism), teeth touching or resting teeth together, biting cheeks, tongue or lip, biting pens, pencils, or other objects, gum chewing, tongue pushing against the teeth, jaw tensing or other habits.

7. Avoid resting your jaw on your hand.

8. Try avoid opening your mouth for extended period of times, prolonged yawning and dental treatments, until the pain is reduced.

9. Avoid sleeping on your stomach since this puts adverse forces on the jaw and neck muscles.

10. Use anti-inflammatory and pain medications like Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Asprin (without caffeine) to reduce joint and muscle pain.

11. Try yoga, meditation, or even acupuncture to reduce stress. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and unwind. Just be careful when you are working out. Try not to grind your teeth, clench your jaw, and avoid sports/movement that could allow you to be hit in the face.

If these tips and tricks do not help in reducing TMJ/Jaw pain and symptoms then we recommend being treated by a TMJ specialist. Call our office at (310)276-5300 or call toll free (866)DOC-4TMJ and schedule your consultation. 

For more information about TMJ symptoms and jaw pain, visit www.thetmjdoctor.com, to learn more about Dr. Farnad, our office, and how we can help improve your life and reduce your TMJ pain. 

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

BOTOX for TMJ?

Many of our patients suffer from tremendous TMJ pain and we want to offer them minimally invasive solutions that really work. Botox has been made famous for preventing and minimizing wrinkles. However, one of its greatest and lesser known attributes is that it is an effective treatment for TMJ.

First, you need to be properly assessed for TMJ by a doctor that truly understands jaw mobility and TMJ dysfunction.  Not only do you want to see someone with expertise in TMJ but in using Botox for treating TMJ specifically.

Botox treatment for TMJ takes about 10-20 minutes, depending on how much the patient needs for their individual symptoms. The number of treatments depends on how each patient reacts to the Botox, which lasts about 3-4 months. Many people feel better after 3 treatments because the muscle gets smaller and allows the patient to break habits, such as grinding and repetitive clenching. Often times, Botox is an excellent way to manage painful flair ups and chronic pain without having a surgical procedure.

Much like any other medical procedure, Botox does have risks and benefits. However, it is very safe and the most common side effects are temporary bruising, numbness, slight swelling, and redness. Any potential risks and side effects are minimal and do not last very long.

To see if Botox is the right type of treatment for your TMJ or jaw pain, contact our office for a complimentary TMJ consulation. Dr. Farnad has a holistic approach to treating TMJ. He will review your entire medical health history, discuss your current sleeping habits, stress levels, and overall health. After proper diagnosis, he will determine how many units of Botox will effectively treat your TMJ and jaw pain. Not only will Dr. Farnad call you the evening of your procedure to check in on you, but he will want to see you one to two weeks afterwards to attentively follow your treatment, ensuring the best results and care.

To schedule your consultation, call our office at (310)276-5300.

This video is a wonderful demonstration of what Botox can do to help your TMJ symptoms:



To schedule a consultation call us at (310)276-5300 or toll free (855)276-5300
421 N. Rodeo Dr. Ste T8
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
www.thetmjdoctor.com
www.bhcomfs.com


Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Welcome to The TMJ Doctor's Blog!



We understand how frustrating TMJ can be for our patients. Sometimes, it's not only physical aspect but the emotional component of TMJ/TMD that makes it a particular difficult disorder. Our hope is to provide our patient's with a place to discuss their symptoms while learning new and relevant information about their TMJ and jaw pain. Our mission is to help our patients, and others suffering from TMJ, live a more pain free, stress free, and healthful life. 

Thank you for checking out our blog, we would love to hear your thoughts along the way! 

To schedule a consultation call us at (310)276-5300 or toll free (855)276-5300
421 N. Rodeo Dr. Ste T8
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
www.thetmjdoctor.com
www.bhcomfs.com