Many of our patients either one of both of the following questions:
1. Have my braces or orthodontic treatments created my TMJ/TMD problem?
2. Will braces or orthodontics correct my TMJ/TMD problem?
Unfortunately, for many people braces and orthodontics can cause TMJ/ TMD or general jaw pain. Altering the position of the teeth can directly affect the way that you bite down and utilize the muscles in your jaw.
If you need braces or orthodontic treatment for aesthetic purposes or otherwise, do not be afraid that you will start having TMJ symptoms. It's important that you find an orthodontist that understands TMJ and its relationship to the teeth. If you need assistance selecting a specialist, our office is happy to help you. Dr. Farnad works with multiple orthodontists to ensure that our patients are properly taken care of. The TMJ Doctor understands that each specialist you see for your dental needs must be on the same page regarding your treatment.
As we have mentioned before, splints, orthotics (oral), bite plates, mouth guards, are not always the solution for TMJ, it is vital if you are experiencing TMJ pain in relation to your orthodontic treatment that you alert your orthodontist and seek treatment for your TMJ. Unfortunately, these things happen all the time and the best thing you can do is relax (we don't want the stress to make your TMJ worse) and find a specialist to find a solution for your TMJ pain.
Dr. Farnad has been a TMJ/TMD specialist for over 20 years. He is internationally recognized for his comprehensive treatment and care. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Farnad, The TMJ Doctor, please give us a call at (310)276-5300.
Showing posts with label jaw pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jaw pain. Show all posts
Monday, March 31, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Migraines or TMJ?
It is very common for people who suffer from frequent migraines to have Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD/TMJ). Many times, people seek treatment from neurologists and due to a lack of dental training, the neurologist may not realize that these painful headaches are caused by TMJ. Obviously, dentists typically do not have neurology training so it is very important to understand your symptoms so you can see the correct doctor.
TMJ Symptoms
- Increased pain when chewing
- Increased pain when speaking
- Feel pain around your jaw joints
- Feel like your jaw is "locked"
- Difficulty opening your mouth very wide, or opening at all
Many patients with TMJ have a tendency to clench their jaw, grind their teeth, and cannot relax their jaw at night. Stress can increase pain and we suggest these exercises to decrease pain: http://www.thetmjdoctor.blogspot.com/2013/11/tmj-exercises.html
Although it may sound strange to visit a dentist for your headaches, Dr. Farnad is an oral surgeon who specializes in treating TMJ. His individualized treatment plans and unparalleled treatment has made him a leader in TMJ.
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.
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.
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.
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| PHOTO CREDIT: SUPRIJONO SUHARJOTO/ISTOCK |
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, 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!
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
For more information about this article: http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/gerald-p-curatola-dds/are-you-grinder
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.
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
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