TMJ/TMD Therapy

What is TMJ therapy?

TMJ therapy is the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder, often called TMD. The temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of your ears. When these joints and the muscles around them are strained or out of balance, you may feel jaw pain, clicking or popping, or trouble opening and closing your mouth.

At Harmony Dental Care in West Covina, TMJ therapy begins with a thorough evaluation. Dr. Khaef looks at the jaw joints, the chewing muscles, your bite, the wear patterns on your teeth, and your medical history. The goal is to find out what is causing your symptoms, so treatment can address the source instead of only covering the pain.

Who does TMJ therapy help?

TMJ disorders can come from several sources. Common contributors include teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), an injury to the jaw or head, arthritis in the jaw joint, a bite that is misaligned, and ongoing stress that keeps the jaw muscles tight. Many patients have more than one of these factors at the same time.

You may benefit from a TMJ evaluation if you notice any of the following:

• Jaw pain or tenderness, especially in the morning
• Clicking or popping when you open or close your mouth
• Pain or fatigue while chewing
• Your jaw locks in an open or closed position
• Facial pain, ear pain, or a feeling of fullness in the ear
• Headaches, especially near the temples
• Tension in the neck and shoulders

Many of these symptoms also appear with other conditions, so a dental exam is an important first step. Your dentist will tell you what they find and explain which options make sense for your situation.

Patients from Valinda, Irwindale, and South San Jose Hills come to our West Covina office for TMJ care. If you are in the area and your jaw is bothering you, you are welcome to schedule a visit.

What to expect at your TMJ visit

Your first visit focuses on understanding your symptoms and examining your jaw. Your dentist will ask when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and whether you clench or grind your teeth, especially during sleep. They will check how far your jaw opens, listen for clicking, feel the jaw muscles, and look at your teeth for wear.

Harmony Dental Care uses digital tools to support the evaluation. These include digital X-rays, 3D CBCT imaging to view the jaw joints, and digital scanning and impressions. Digital records help your dentist compare findings over time and plan any custom appliance accurately.

If an appliance is needed, the process usually includes a fitting and a few follow-up visits. Your dentist adjusts the appliance so it sits comfortably and works as intended. Local anesthetic, numbing gel, warm blankets, and noise-canceling headphones are available during visits if you would like extra comfort.

Our TMJ treatment approach

We start with the most conservative options and move to more involved steps only when they are needed. Treatment may include:

• Custom TMJ splints. These are precisely fitted oral appliances. They help position the jaw, reduce strain on the muscles, and protect teeth from grinding.
• Bite equilibration. Your dentist makes careful adjustments to how your teeth contact each other. This can reduce bite interferences that add strain to the jaw joints.
• Physical therapy coordination. When muscle rehabilitation or stretching would help, we refer you to a physical therapist or an orofacial pain specialist. We help coordinate that care with your dental treatment.
• Lifestyle changes. Your dentist can offer guidance on stress management, jaw relaxation techniques, diet changes, and daily habits that reduce symptoms.

Most TMJ cases can be managed without surgery. Your dentist will explain the options that fit your findings and answer your questions before you decide on a plan.

Recovery and aftercare

TMJ therapy is ongoing care, and results build over time. Most patients use a custom appliance nightly for a period set by their dentist, then return for checks so the fit and bite can be adjusted. Your dentist may ask you to keep a simple symptom log between visits. Noting pain, clicking, or headaches helps show whether the plan is working.

If you are referred to physical therapy, following the stretching and strengthening exercises your therapist gives you is an important part of care. Lifestyle steps such as softer foods during flare-ups, avoiding long periods of jaw clenching, and relaxing the jaw during the day can also help.

Tell us if your symptoms change, if the appliance feels uncomfortable, or if your jaw locks. Those changes are important to know about and can be discussed at your next visit or sooner.

Cost, insurance, and payment

The cost of TMJ therapy depends on the type of care your dentist recommends. A simple bite guard to stop nighttime grinding is different from a more advanced neuromuscular orthotic that is designed to change how the jaw sits. Your dentist will review the options with you before any treatment begins.

Whether your plan helps pay for TMJ care depends on your specific coverage. TMJ care can sit between dental and medical benefits, so your plan rules matter. We do not promise what any plan will cover. Instead, our team can help you understand your benefits and handle the claims process.

Harmony Dental Care accepts PPO and Indemnity plans, Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, Smile California, and CalOptima, along with most major dental insurance plans. Our office also offers a free insurance eligibility check before your visit, so you know what to expect for your benefits.

If you do not have insurance, our $59 new patient special includes a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, and a professional cleaning. For larger treatment plans, we offer flexible financing with monthly payment plans for elective and major procedures. Payment options include CareCredit, Sunbit, Alpheon, credit cards, and our in-house membership plan. Ask about the option that fits your budget during your visit.

Why patients choose Harmony Dental Care

• Thorough diagnosis. We evaluate your jaw joints, muscles, bite, wear patterns, and medical history to find all the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

• Conservative first. Splints, physical therapy referrals, and lifestyle changes come before more advanced steps.

• Connected care. TMJ treatment works alongside our bruxism and headache care, so the grinding, bite, and jaw are addressed together.

• Digital technology. 3D CBCT imaging, digital X-rays, and digital scanning support accurate evaluation and custom appliance design.

• Experienced team. Dr. Khaef leads TMJ diagnosis and treatment, and Dr. Nguyen, a DMD, also works with patients on jaw and bite concerns.

• Office hours. We are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

• Personal attention. Our practice was built on the idea of treating every patient like family.

How to book a TMJ evaluation in West Covina

If your jaw hurts, clicks, or locks, or if you are having trouble chewing, call us at (626) 858-3305 during our weekday hours. You can also book online. New patients of all ages are welcome. If you are new to our office, ask about the $59 new patient special, which includes a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, and a professional cleaning for patients without insurance.

When you call, you can ask us to check your insurance benefits before your visit. Bring a list of your symptoms, any medications you take, and any dental or medical records related to your jaw or headaches. This helps your dentist understand your history from the start.

Read more: TMJ and jaw pain: when to see a dentist.