Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Therapy in Calabasas
A jaw that clicks when you bite into a sandwich, a dull ache near your ear that shows up every morning, or a mouth that won't open quite as wide as it used to can all point to the same source: the temporomandibular joint. For patients in Calabasas who have been living with these symptoms, we offer Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Therapy focused on finding out why your jaw hurts and what can help. Dr. Dar Radfar and our team at 805 Dentistry in Thousand Oaks place a strong emphasis on TMJ care, and we're glad to welcome neighbors from Calabasas who want answers.
Your temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw to your skull, one on each side of your face just in front of your ears. They work every time you talk, chew, yawn, or swallow. When the joint, the surrounding muscles, or the way your teeth come together stops working smoothly, the result is often called TMD, or temporomandibular disorder. Many people simply call it "TMJ."
Symptoms vary widely from person to person. Some Calabasas patients notice jaw clicking, popping, or locking. Others feel limited movement, tension headaches, or a persistent facial ache that a dentist couldn't trace to any particular tooth. Because these signs overlap with other conditions, a careful evaluation matters. Our office includes orofacial pain care that treats TMJ disorders, chronic facial pain, and jaw-related headaches, so we can look at the whole picture rather than a single symptom.
Many people put off care because they assume jaw pain is something they just have to tolerate. Others worry that treatment will be complicated. We understand both concerns, and our goal is to explain what we find in plain language so you can decide with confidence.
The aim of TMJ therapy is to understand what is driving your discomfort and then address it in a way that fits your life. When treatment is tailored to the cause, patients often find it easier to manage day-to-day symptoms such as morning soreness or difficulty chewing. We never promise a specific result, but we do promise a thoughtful, unhurried approach.
Who is a good candidate for TMJ therapy?
If jaw or facial discomfort is interfering with eating, speaking, sleeping, or concentrating, you may be a good candidate for an evaluation. You don't need a referral to see us for orofacial pain, so Calabasas patients can schedule directly.
TMJ therapy may be worth exploring if you experience jaw clicking or locking, limited opening, headaches that seem connected to your jaw, or ongoing pain with no identified dental cause. Because our practice also has a strong focus on sleep apnea treatment, we pay attention to how nighttime habits and sleep may relate to the symptoms you describe. We see patients of all ages, so this care is available to adults and families alike.
What happens during TMJ treatment at our office?
Treatment begins with listening and a thorough examination, followed by a plan built around your specific findings. We'll ask when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect your routine.
Our office provides CBCT imaging and 2D and 3D dental imaging, and a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist on our team evaluates TMJ imaging. That means detailed views of the joint can be taken and interpreted under one roof, saving you trips between offices. Here's what you can generally expect:
- A conversation about your symptoms, health history, and daily habits
- An examination of your jaw movement, muscles, and bite
- Imaging when appropriate, including 3D scans of the joint
- A clear explanation of findings and recommended options
- A personalized plan, which may include a custom night guard made for your mouth
Because our office has an on-site dental lab, certain appliances can be crafted close to home. If dental anxiety makes appointments difficult, we offer sedation options, including nitrous, oral sedation, and IV sedation, with a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff.
How do I care for my jaw afterward, and how can I pay for treatment?
Aftercare depends on your plan, and we'll give you specific instructions before you leave. If you receive an oral appliance, we'll explain how and when to wear it, how to keep it clean, and what to watch for.
Follow-up visits let us see how you're responding and adjust your care as needed. If something changes between visits, let us know. We also offer emergency dental appointments when urgent issues arise, which can be reassuring for Calabasas families who want a dependable practice nearby.
On the financial side, we accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients. Financing is available for those who prefer to spread out costs. Our team can review your coverage with you before treatment begins so there are no surprises.
If your jaw has been sending you signals, there's no need to keep guessing. Reach out to 805 Dentistry, and let's work together toward a more comfortable jaw.