Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Therapy in Westlake Village
If your jaw clicks when you chew, locks partway open when you yawn, or aches by the end of a workday, the problem may be the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. At 805 Dentistry, we evaluate and treat temporomandibular joint disorders for patients throughout the Conejo Valley, including many families in Westlake Village. TMJ care is one of our main areas of focus, alongside sleep apnea treatment. If you have been living with jaw pain or facial discomfort that no one has been able to explain, we can help you find out what is going on.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge just in front of each ear. It lets your jaw open, close, and slide side to side. When the joint or the muscles around it are not working the way they should, the condition is called a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMJ/TMD therapy is the process of identifying what is causing those symptoms and building a treatment plan to address them.
TMD does not look the same in every patient. We treat jaw clicking, locking, and limited movement. We also evaluate headaches that may be related to the jaw, chronic facial pain, and persistent pain that has no identified dental cause. That last group matters. Some patients have had their teeth checked repeatedly and been told everything looks fine, yet the pain continues. For these patients, the source is often the joint or the surrounding muscles rather than a tooth.
Many of our Westlake Village patients come to us for routine cleanings and exams. Being able to address jaw pain in the same office where the family already receives care keeps things simple. Our practice offers orofacial pain care, oral and maxillofacial radiology, and general dentistry under one roof, so you do not have to coordinate between several separate offices to get answers.
You also do not need a referral to schedule a TMJ evaluation with us. If you live in Westlake Village and your jaw has been bothering you, you can contact our office directly. Dr. Dar Radfar leads our team and will be part of your care from the first visit.
Who is a good candidate for TMJ therapy?
You may be a good candidate if jaw symptoms are affecting your comfort, sleep, eating, or daily routine. Patients often come to us with one or more of the following concerns:
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- A jaw that locks or catches, or that will not open fully
- Headaches that seem to start around the jaw or temples
- Ongoing facial pain without a clear cause
- Tooth or jaw pain that dental exams have not been able to explain
Because our practice has a strong focus on both TMJ and sleep apnea, we look at the bigger picture of how your jaw functions, during the day and at night. We see adults as well as younger patients. Each evaluation is tailored to the person in the chair rather than following a one-size-fits-all checklist.
What happens during a TMJ evaluation and treatment?
Your visit starts with a conversation and a hands-on exam, followed by imaging if the joint needs a closer look. We will ask when your symptoms began, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect your life. We then check how your jaw opens and moves and look for sounds or areas of tenderness.
Imaging can reveal details an exam cannot. Our team includes a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist who evaluates TMJ imaging. We provide both 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT scans, which create a three-dimensional view of the joint and surrounding structures. Once we understand the cause, we explain your options in plain terms. Treatment may include a custom night guard or other approaches suited to your diagnosis. We will not recommend anything until we have discussed it with you.
What should I expect after TMJ treatment begins?
Expect follow-up visits so we can see how your jaw is responding and adjust your plan if needed. TMD often develops over time, and managing it is usually an ongoing process rather than a single appointment.
If you receive an oral appliance, we will show you how to wear it and keep it clean. Bring it with you to follow-up appointments so we can check the fit. Let us know about any changes in your symptoms between visits, whether they are better or worse. That information helps us refine your care. Westlake Village patients can also schedule regular dental exams and cleanings at the same office, which makes it easy to keep everything on track.
How can I pay for TMJ therapy?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we also welcome self-pay patients. Coverage for TMJ care varies from plan to plan. Our team can review your benefits with you before treatment so you know what to expect.
For patients who want to spread out the cost, financing is available. We are happy to go over these options at your consultation so cost does not stand in the way of addressing your jaw pain. If you live in Westlake Village and are ready for answers, contact 805 Dentistry to schedule your TMJ evaluation.