Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Therapy in Simi Valley
Jaw pain that flares when you chew, a joint that clicks or catches when you open wide, or headaches that seem to start near your ears are all signs worth taking seriously. At 805 Dentistry, we have a strong focus on TMJ treatment, and we welcome patients from Simi Valley who want clear answers about what is happening with their jaw and a practical plan to address it. You do not need a referral to see us. Our Thousand Oaks office brings evaluation, imaging, and treatment together under one roof.
The temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw to your skull, one on each side of your face. They work every time you talk, chew, swallow, or yawn. When the joints, the surrounding muscles, or the way your teeth come together are not working in harmony, the result is often called a TMJ disorder or TMD. TMJ/TMD therapy is the care we provide to evaluate these problems and help ease the symptoms that come with them.
Our team treats a wide range of jaw-related concerns. These include jaw clicking, locking, or limited movement, along with headaches that appear to be connected to the jaw. We also see chronic facial pain and persistent pain with no identified dental cause. Many Simi Valley patients come to us after months of wondering whether a sore tooth, a tension headache, or an aching ear might actually be coming from the jaw. Sorting that out is where our care begins.
TMJ symptoms can overlap with dental, sinus, and muscle problems, so a careful diagnosis matters. We provide CBCT imaging along with 2D and 3D dental imaging. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist evaluates TMJ imaging. This lets us look closely at the joint and surrounding structures rather than guessing based on symptoms alone.
Because we also have a general dentist, specialists, and an on-site dental lab on our team, we can look at your jaw in the context of your whole mouth. That includes your bite, your teeth, and signs of clenching or grinding. Simi Valley families who already visit us for cleanings, exams, or other care appreciate being able to raise jaw concerns with a team that knows their dental history.
Am I a good candidate for TMJ therapy?
If you have ongoing jaw discomfort, joint noises, or trouble opening and closing your mouth comfortably, you may be a good candidate for an evaluation. The best way to know for sure is to come in so we can examine your jaw and talk through your symptoms.
Patients we commonly see include:
- Adults who wake up with a sore jaw or tired facial muscles
- People whose jaw clicks, pops, or occasionally locks
- Patients with headaches that seem connected to the jaw
- Anyone with chronic facial pain or tooth-area pain that has no clear dental cause
- People who clench or grind and want to protect their teeth and joints
Some patients also have concerns about their sleep. Because sleep apnea treatment is another major focus of our practice, we can talk with you about how your sleep, breathing, and jaw comfort may relate to one another.
What happens during TMJ treatment?
Treatment starts with a conversation and an exam, followed by imaging when it would help, and then a plan built around what we find. We explain our findings in plain language so you understand the source of your discomfort and your options.
Depending on your needs, your plan may draw on services we provide in-house. These include a custom night guard to reduce the strain of nighttime clenching and grinding, and restorative or orthodontic care when your bite plays a role. Our on-site dental lab supports custom appliances and restorations. For patients who feel anxious about dental visits, we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia through our board-certified dental anesthesiologist.
What should I expect after my visit?
After your visit, you will go home with clear guidance for caring for your jaw and any appliance we provide. We will also schedule follow-up visits so we can check how you are doing. TMJ concerns often call for ongoing attention, and we adjust your care based on how you respond.
If you receive a night guard, we will show you how to wear it, clean it, and store it. Bring it to your regular checkups so we can confirm it still fits well. If symptoms change or flare up between appointments, let us know. We offer emergency dental appointments when something cannot wait.
How can I pay for TMJ therapy?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients. Financing is also available to help make care more manageable. Our team will review your coverage and costs with you before treatment so there are no surprises.
Benefits for jaw-related care vary from plan to plan, so we encourage you to bring your insurance information to your first visit. Simi Valley patients can then decide on next steps with a full picture of their options. When you are ready, contact our office to schedule a TMJ evaluation with Dr. Dar Radfar and our team.