TMJ Specialist

Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp

General and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Orinda, CA

Did you know that according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research between 5-12% of adults in the United States are dealing with TMJ issues? Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp located in Orinda, California offers valuable solutions for TMJ and the uncomfortable symptoms that often come with it. You deserve to find relief from your jaw pain, neck pain, headaches, and other symptoms of TMJ. Call the friendly office staff or schedule online today.

925-478-3237

TMJ Q & A

What is TMJ?

TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) involves problems with your temporomandibular joint. Your jaw hinge joint connects your skull to your jawbone and allows you to chew food, yawn, and talk.

TMJ can affect either both sides or just one side of your face and it’s often uncomfortable or painful. TMJ can last for many years or it can be temporary.

What causes TMJ?

It isn’t clear what causes TMJ and several factors might play a role, such as:

  • Trauma, accident, or injury to your jaw, head, or neck (whiplash)
  • Stress that tightens the facial muscles and the jaw through teeth grinding and clenching
  • Inflammation from a number of medical conditions, such as arthritis

Teeth grinding and clenching usually happens at night while you sleep due to stress and anxiety, so you might not even be aware of it.

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

The main symptoms of TMJ are moderate to severe pain, soreness, and discomfort in the jaw hinge joint and the surrounding area.

You might also experience other TMJ symptoms, such as:

  • Grating, popping, or clicking sounds when you move your jaw
  • Tenderness or pain in the shoulders and neck
  • Toothaches
  • Swelling in your face around your jaw area
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Difficulty when trying to open your mouth wide
  • Locked jaw
  • Tenderness or pain in the hinge joint
  • Dizziness, earaches, and headaches

You might also have ringing in your ears (tinnitus) and trouble hearing.

How is TMJ treated?

Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp provides various treatments for TMJ, depending on the severity and cause. Before recommending treatments, your dentist assesses your jaw joints for pain and tenderness and listens for popping, clicking, or grating sounds. Your provider takes time to evaluate your bite and the functioning of your jaw.

The Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp team might recommend a nightguard or splint to prevent teeth clenching and grinding. Other treatments, such as healthy lifestyle changes and medications (usually anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants) may also be recommended.

Dental work might be necessary in some cases. It usually involves replacing missing teeth or dental treatments like braces, caps, or bridges that work to correct your bite and balance your biting surfaces.

Don’t just deal with the persistent pain and discomfort of TMJ when there are highly effective solutions available at Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. For more information, call the office or schedule an appointment online.

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See what our patients have to say about us!
"Dr. Ellis is sensitive to my fear of dental work. Staff is very caring and puts me at ease. I would recommend Dr. Ellis to anyone but especially those who have had bad experiences in the past."

Kathryn M

Kathryn M

"Dr. Ellis and her staff are very conservative and professional with their work. Best dental experience I’ve ever had! Karen in front desk respected my needs for flexible scheduling, Andy the assistant made me feel comfortable in the operative chair when taking my x-rays. Dr. Ellis’ approach to my needs was very personalized. 10/10 recommend !!"

Jose B

Jose B

"I value Dr. Ellis so much that I continue to return to her even though I have moved far away from the Bay Area. A great dentist is hard to find!"

Sandra

Sandra