Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Therapy in Newbury Park
You wake up with a dull ache along your jaw, and by mid-morning a headache has settled in near your temples. Maybe your jaw clicks when you bite into a sandwich, or it feels stiff and hard to open wide after a stressful week. For many of our Newbury Park neighbors, these everyday frustrations point to the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull. At 805 Dentistry, TMJ care is one of our strongest areas of focus, and we help patients understand what's happening and what they can do about it.
Temporomandibular joint disorders, often called TMJ or TMD, describe problems affecting the jaw joints and the muscles that control chewing and speaking. Because you use these joints constantly, even mild irritation can show up in surprising ways. Common examples include jaw clicking or popping, a jaw that locks or won't open fully, and headaches that seem to start in the jaw. Some patients also describe ongoing facial pain or tooth discomfort with no clear dental cause.
TMJ therapy is the process of evaluating these symptoms, identifying what is contributing to them, and building a plan to ease strain on the joint. Our office includes orofacial pain care that treats TMJ disorders, jaw-related headaches, limited jaw movement, and chronic facial pain. We also have oral and maxillofacial radiology on hand, including CBCT imaging and evaluation of TMJ imaging, so we can look closely at the joint itself.
Patients from Newbury Park often tell us they've lived with jaw discomfort for years, assuming it was something they had to accept. Our goal is to give you a clear explanation and a practical path forward, with all your care coordinated under one roof. As a family practice led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS, we see patients of all ages and can address related dental needs at the same time.
Here's what our approach is designed to offer:
- A thorough evaluation of jaw clicking, locking, or limited movement
- Assessment of headaches and facial pain that may be linked to the jaw
- Advanced 2D and 3D imaging interpreted by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist
- Custom night mouth guards made with support from our on-site dental lab
- Coordination with our sleep apnea care, since jaw and sleep concerns can overlap
- No referral needed to schedule a visit
Am I a candidate for TMJ therapy?
You may be a good candidate if you have recurring jaw pain, clicking, stiffness, or headaches that seem tied to clenching or chewing. You don't need a diagnosis beforehand. Many people simply notice that something feels off and want answers.
TMJ concerns can affect a wide range of people. Some clench their teeth during busy workdays, while others grind at night without realizing it until a partner mentions the sound. Some patients have pain that dentists elsewhere couldn't trace to a specific tooth. Because our orofacial pain services accept patients without a referral, Newbury Park residents can contact us directly and start with a consultation.
What happens during TMJ therapy?
TMJ therapy begins with a careful conversation and examination so we understand your symptoms before recommending anything. We'll ask when the discomfort occurs, what makes it better or worse, and whether you've noticed clicking, locking, or headaches. Then we examine how your jaw moves, how your teeth come together, and how the surrounding muscles respond.
When imaging will help, we can take CBCT or other 2D and 3D scans in our office, and our radiologist evaluates the TMJ images in detail. From there, we explain what we found in plain language and outline options that fit your situation. For many patients, a custom night guard is part of the plan to help reduce the effects of nighttime clenching or grinding. If sleep-related breathing concerns come up, we can discuss our sleep apnea care as well.
Aftercare focuses on consistency and follow-up. If you receive a night guard, we'll show you how to wear it, clean it, and store it. We'll also schedule check-ins to see how you're feeling and adjust your plan as needed. If you have dental anxiety, our team includes a board-certified dental anesthesiologist, and we offer options such as nitrous oxide and oral sedation when appropriate.
How can I pay for TMJ therapy?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, welcome self-pay patients, and offer financing. Our team is happy to review your coverage with you before treatment so you know what to expect.
Because each TMJ plan is personalized, costs vary depending on the evaluation, imaging, and treatment you need. We'll walk you through the details during your visit and help you explore financing if spreading out payments would make care easier. For Newbury Park families who want jaw care, routine checkups, and other dental services in one familiar office, 805 Dentistry is ready to help. Give us a call to schedule your TMJ consultation.