Services
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Therapy
We treat jaw clicking, locking, limited movement, and jaw-related headaches with TMJ therapy, accepting patients without referral.
Why choose us
Benefits of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ/TMD) Therapy
Relief From Jaw Pain
We treat TMJ disorders and chronic facial pain so everyday talking and chewing can feel easier.
Help for Clicking Jaws
Our team addresses jaw clicking, locking, and limited movement that can disrupt your day.
Headache Evaluation
We evaluate headaches that may be connected to your jaw to help uncover what is driving them.
Advanced TMJ Imaging
We offer CBCT and 3D imaging, reviewed by our board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist, for a clearer view of your jaw joint.
No Referral Needed
You can book with us directly, and we accept all major PPO plans, self-pay patients, and financing.
You wake up with a dull ache in front of your ear, your jaw clicks every time you bite into a sandwich, and by mid-afternoon a tension headache has settled in behind your eyes. Maybe your jaw briefly caught when you yawned, or a friend mentioned that you grind your teeth at night. These experiences are common, and they often point to a problem with the temporomandibular joint. At 805 Dentistry in Thousand Oaks, TMJ treatment is one of our areas of focus, and we help patients understand what is happening in their jaw and what can be done about it.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. You use it every time you talk, chew, swallow, or yawn. When the joint, the surrounding muscles, or the way your teeth come together stops working smoothly, the result is called a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). People often use "TMJ" to describe the condition itself, but it technically refers to the joint.
TMJ/TMD therapy is care aimed at finding the source of jaw pain and dysfunction and easing it. Our team evaluates and treats TMJ disorders, jaw clicking, locking, and limited movement. We also evaluate jaw-related headaches and see patients with chronic facial pain or persistent pain that has no identified dental cause. That last group matters. Many people have had their teeth checked, been told everything looks fine, and still hurt. That is exactly the kind of situation we look into.
Patients come to us with a wide range of concerns. These are some signs that a jaw evaluation may be worthwhile:
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you open or close your mouth
- A jaw that locks, catches, or will not open fully
- Soreness in the jaw muscles, especially in the morning
- Headaches that seem to start around the temples or jaw
- Facial pain that lingers without a clear cause
- Signs of clenching or grinding, such as worn teeth
Some patients notice symptoms only during stressful periods. Others have lived with discomfort for years and assumed it was normal. Both are worth discussing with us. We treat both children and adults, so families can bring in a teenager with jaw clicking or a parent with ongoing facial pain to the same office.
Do I need a referral to be seen for TMJ problems?
No. You do not need a referral to be seen for TMJ concerns. You can call us directly and schedule an evaluation. This is helpful if you are unsure whether your pain is dental, muscular, or related to the joint itself.
Because jaw pain can overlap with other issues, getting a clear picture is important. Our office provides CBCT imaging along with 2D and 3D dental imaging, and we have a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist on staff who evaluates TMJ imaging. When imaging is appropriate, these detailed views help us look at the joint and surrounding structures more closely than a standard X-ray alone. Having this capability under one roof means fewer trips to outside facilities.
How does TMJ therapy fit with my other dental care?
TMJ therapy at our office is coordinated with the rest of your dental care, so your jaw, teeth, and bite are considered together. We describe ourselves as a one-stop shop for the whole family's dental needs, and that approach carries over to TMJ care.
For example, clenching and grinding often go hand in hand with jaw discomfort, and we offer night mouth guards as part of our services. Jaw issues and sleep can also be connected. Sleep apnea treatment is the other major focus of our practice, alongside TMJ care, so we are attentive to how nighttime habits and breathing may relate to what you feel during the day. If your evaluation points to related needs, such as worn teeth, bite concerns, or orthodontic questions, those services are available here too. Patients who feel anxious about dental visits can ask about our sedation options, which include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation.
What should I know about aftercare and results?
TMJ care is usually an ongoing process rather than a one-time fix, and results vary from person to person. Your plan depends on what is causing your symptoms. That is why we take time to understand your history before recommending anything.
Follow-up visits give us a chance to check how your jaw is responding and adjust your care as needed. If you are given an appliance such as a night guard, wearing it as directed and bringing it to your appointments helps us keep it fitting properly. Between visits, pay attention to patterns. Note when your pain is worse, what foods bother you, and whether stress or poor sleep seems to play a role. Sharing those details helps us fine-tune your care.
How can I pay for TMJ treatment?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients. Coverage for TMJ-related care varies by plan, so our team can help you understand your options before treatment begins. Financing is also available for patients who would like to spread out the cost of their care.
Dr. Dar Radfar and our team see patients from Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, Calabasas, and nearby communities. If jaw pain, clicking, or headaches have been part of your daily routine, you do not have to keep guessing about the cause. Call 805 Dentistry to schedule your evaluation. We look forward to helping you feel more comfortable.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Evaluation and Imaging
We listen to your symptoms, examine your jaw, and use imaging as needed to understand the source of your discomfort.
- 2
Personalized Treatment
We create a TMJ therapy plan tailored to your symptoms, comfort, and daily routine.
- 3
Ongoing Support
We follow up to track your progress and adjust your care so your relief can last.