Find treatment from a TMJ dentist in Pasadena, CA

The temporomandibular joint is where your jaw and skull connect. It acts like a hinge to allow your mouth to open or close. TMJ disorders can cause pain and locking in one or both of your jaw joints. Left untreated, they can also cause migraines, neck and shoulder pain, and sometimes pain throughout your body.

Luckily, you do not have to live with TMJ disorders. A proactive treatment plan can address the root cause of your jaw issues that can reduce your flare-ups, and in many cases, completely cure you. If you need a TMJ dentist in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Marchack can help.

TMJ has many causes

The exact cause of your TMJ is not always clear. Sometimes it can be caused by trauma to your mouth or from arthritis or genetic factors. It is often associated with bruxism, although not everyone that grinds their teeth will develop TMJ.

One of the most common causes of TMJ is the loss of one or more molars. Missing teeth create an imbalance in your jaw that causes your teeth to shift and change your mouth’s shape. This adds a lot of stress on your mouth that can be difficult to relieve without intervention from a dentist.

When to seek help for TMJ

In some cases, TMJ will clear up on its own. If you suffer from persistent pain in your jaw, continually have difficulty chewing, or if you have trouble opening or closing your mouth completely, you should contact a TMJ dentist in Pasadena, CA as soon as possible.

TMJ disorders symptoms may include:

• Sore or tender jaw
• Aching ear pain
• Painful chewing
• Locked or painful jaw joint

Treatment for TMJ

Dr. Marchack will focus on a treatment that addresses the underlying issues causing your pain. During your appointment, he will use digital imaging devices to assess your joint’s health and study the alignment and occlusion of your jaw.

He may need to replace missing teeth, adjust existing dental restorations, or recommend an orthodontist in cases where you need significant bite adjustment. If you have bruxism, he can craft an oral appliance to reduce clenching and grinding while you sleep to reduce stress on your jaw.

Pain killers only treat the symptoms, not the problem. Contact us today at 855.770.3737 to schedule an appointment and get relief that lasts.