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TMJ Treatment · San Diego
Jaw pain, clicking, popping, or morning headaches can all point to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction. We assess the likely cause, explain what we can address in-office, and refer you to the right specialist when the problem needs more than a dentist.
Hablamos español. Nói tiếng Việt.
TMJ dysfunction has multiple possible causes — teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw misalignment, stress, arthritis, or a combination. We tell you upfront which part of your problem is dental and which may need an MD, PT, or specialist.
A custom-fit nightguard is often the first-line treatment when TMJ symptoms are driven by nighttime grinding or clenching. We make them in-office with impressions, and they fit far better than over-the-counter options.
A high filling or misaligned bite can cause or worsen jaw pain. We check the bite carefully and make minor adjustments when there is a clear trigger — but we do not recommend extensive elective bite work without a strong clinical rationale.
We start with the least invasive option that is likely to help. We do not push expensive or irreversible treatments without explaining the evidence and your alternatives.
Our front desk and clinical team speaks Vietnamese and Spanish. If you prefer to discuss your jaw symptoms in your preferred language, we can accommodate that.
Common signs
Many of these symptoms overlap with other conditions, which is why an exam matters — we help identify whether the source is dental.
Pain on one or both sides of the jaw, especially in the joint area in front of the ear. Can be dull, aching, or sharp.
A clicking or popping sound when you open or close your jaw. Often harmless on its own, but worth evaluating if it is accompanied by pain or limited opening.
A sensation of the jaw locking or catching, or being unable to open as wide as you used to. Can happen when waking up or after eating.
Headaches that start at the temples or cheeks, especially on waking, are often related to nighttime grinding or clenching. A nightguard can help protect your teeth and reduce muscle strain.
Significant wear on the biting surfaces of your teeth — particularly the front teeth — is a strong sign of bruxism. We check for this during routine exams.
The temporomandibular joint sits just in front of the ear canal. TMJ inflammation can cause ear-adjacent pain, ringing, or a plugged sensation. An exam helps confirm whether the source is dental.
Treatment options
We start with the simplest effective treatment. Irreversible or expensive options come only when conservative care has not resolved the problem and the evidence supports it.
A hard or soft custom appliance worn while sleeping that creates a protective barrier between upper and lower teeth, reduces grinding forces, and helps relax overworked jaw muscles. First-line treatment for bruxism-related TMJ symptoms.
When a specific high filling or uneven contact is causing the jaw to close in an off position, a minor reshaping of that surface can remove the trigger. We are conservative about this — we only adjust when there is a clear, identifiable cause.
Jaw muscles, posture, and the joint capsule itself sometimes need physical therapy, an oral medicine specialist, or an oral surgeon. We tell you honestly when we have reached the limit of what dentistry alone can address.
Soft-food diet adjustments, heat or cold application, and jaw-resting habits can significantly reduce TMJ symptoms while other treatment takes effect. We walk you through practical steps at your visit.
Jaw pain or morning headaches?
Book an evaluation — we check your bite, jaw muscles, and teeth and tell you honestly what is going on.
Our office is at 5296 University Ave in City Heights, right next to Vien Dong Supermarket. We see patients for TMJ evaluation and nightguards from City Heights, North Park, Normal Heights, Kearny Mesa, College Area, and across San Diego County.
Common Questions
Conservative, honest TMJ evaluation and treatment at our City Heights office. Bilingual staff, no-pressure approach, clear cost guidance.
5296 University Ave, Suite I · San Diego, CA · Next to Vien Dong Supermarket