Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Therapy in Woodland Hills
Clenching through a stressful commute, waking up with a sore jaw, or hearing a click every time you bite into a sandwich can turn ordinary moments into something you brace for. When your jaw joint isn't working comfortably, it affects eating, talking, sleeping, and even how your head feels by the end of the day. At 805 Dentistry, we treat temporomandibular joint problems as a core part of our care. Many patients from Woodland Hills choose our office because they can get an evaluation, imaging, and treatment planning under one roof.
The temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw to your skull, one on each side of your face. When the joints, surrounding muscles, or the way your teeth come together cause pain or limited movement, the condition is often called TMD (temporomandibular disorder). People commonly use "TMJ" for both the joint and the problem. TMJ/TMD therapy is care aimed at understanding what is driving your symptoms and addressing them in a way that fits your situation.
Our practice, led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS, has a strong focus on TMJ treatment. Our team includes orofacial pain care and a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist, so we can look at jaw problems from more than one angle instead of guessing. You don't need a referral to see us for jaw or facial pain.
Patients come to us for different reasons, and each one shapes how we approach care. Some notice jaw clicking, locking, or limited movement. They might find it hard to open wide, or feel the jaw catch partway through a yawn. Others struggle with jaw-related headaches that seem to start near the temples or ears and linger through the day.
Another group has persistent pain with no identified dental cause. They may have had their teeth checked and been told nothing is wrong, yet the ache continues. We also see patients with chronic facial pain and those who grind or clench at night. Because we also provide sleep apnea treatment, we can consider how nighttime habits and sleep may connect to what you feel during the day.
Who is a good candidate for TMJ therapy?
You may be a good candidate if jaw pain, clicking, locking, or facial discomfort keeps coming back or interferes with daily life. It doesn't matter whether symptoms started recently or have been building for years. An evaluation is the right first step if over-the-counter fixes or simply waiting it out hasn't helped.
We see children and adults, so families in Woodland Hills can bring several members to the same office. If dental anxiety has kept you from getting care, we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff. Options include nitrous, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia when appropriate.
What happens during a TMJ evaluation and treatment?
Your visit starts with a conversation about your symptoms, followed by a hands-on exam of your jaw, muscles, and bite. From there, we decide whether imaging would help clarify what's happening.
- Symptom review: when pain occurs, what triggers it, and how it affects eating, sleep, and headaches
- Clinical exam: jaw movement, joint sounds, muscle tenderness, and how your teeth meet
- Imaging when needed: 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT, with TMJ imaging evaluated by our board-certified radiologist
- Treatment planning: a plan based on your findings, which may include options such as a custom night mouth guard
Having imaging and interpretation in the same practice means fewer handoffs between offices. That is especially practical if you're traveling from Woodland Hills and want to make the most of each appointment. We walk you through what we found and why we're recommending a particular approach before anything begins.
What should I expect after treatment starts?
Expect follow-up visits so we can see how your jaw is responding and adjust your plan if needed. TMJ care is often a process rather than a single appointment, and your feedback helps guide the next steps.
If you receive an appliance such as a night guard, wear it as directed and bring it to your follow-ups so we can check the fit. Tell us about any changes in pain, headaches, or jaw movement between visits, whether they're improvements or new concerns. That way we can respond quickly.
How can I pay for TMJ therapy?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients. Financing is also available. Our team can review your options with you before treatment so you know what to plan for.
Coverage for jaw-related care varies by plan, so we encourage you to bring your insurance information to your first visit. If you live in Woodland Hills and have been putting off jaw pain because of cost or uncertainty, contact our office to schedule an evaluation and talk through the payment approach that works for you.