TMJ Therapy in Orange, CA

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the place where your jaw attaches to your skull to enable you to open and close your jaw smoothly. Sometimes the joint is damaged or injured, leading to a debilitating condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder or dysfunction (TMD). If you're having pain or hearing sounds whenever you open your jaw, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Patrick Yoshikane to see if you have TMD. At his private practice, Patrick Yoshikane, D.D.S. in Orange, CA, Dr. Yoshikane utilizes the Tekscan occlusal analysis system to diagnose TMD, using the information provided to create a treatment plan that relieves painful symptoms. Your treatment will be dependent on the cause of your TMD and your particular condition, but a few choices are oral appliances (night or mouth guards), bite adjustment, dental restorations, and more.

TMD may be caused by an injury to the jaw, years of teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching, or misalignment of the teeth (dental malocclusion). Other conditions that may cause TMD include arthritis or a tumor in the TMJ. Sometimes the cause of TMD is unclear, but if you're having symptoms, Dr. Yoshikane can diagnose and care for your TMJ. Some of the most typical signs of TMD are tenderness or pain at the temporomandibular joint, involuntary contractions in your face muscles, feeling like your jaw is rigid or stuck, and frequent headaches that begin in front of your ears. Another sign is hearing cracking, popping, or clicking when you move your jaw.

To diagnose TMD, Dr. Yoshikane will listen carefully to understand your concerns prior to using Tekscan occlusal analysis to evaluate both your jaw and your bite. Dr. Yoshikane will use Tekscan technology to search for signs of teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and misalignment of your teeth. He will palpate the jaw and lower face for any swelling and tenderness and may request to obtain digital images of your lower head along with an analysis of your bite to search for underlying factors that may determine your therapy approach. Depending on the examination, he will discuss your treatment choices that may incorporate a mouth guard, teeth straightening, or dental restorations (crowns, bridges, and dentures).

Along with treatments to solve the root cause of your TMD, Dr. Yoshikane may suggest different ways to relieve pain and other problems on your own. This may include eating softer foods, not biting your nails or chewing gum, applying heat to your jaw, and relaxation methods. Dr. Yoshikane may also show you exercises to strengthen your jaws or prescribe medication to relax your jaw muscles (and to relieve pain, nervousness, or even inflammation).

You should continue to go to follow-up appointments so Dr. Yoshikane can assess the results from your TMJ treatment. If your therapy isn't working, he might consider another strategy. As soon as your TMD is treated, you should continue to schedule yearly dental examinations at Patrick Yoshikane, D.D.S. to keep your mouth healthy.

Based on your dental insurance coverage, some of your costs may be paid. After talking to your insurance company, we can better calculate your out-of-pocket costs. At your consult, the team of Dr.Yoshikane can go over payment methods, along with financing, to help make your procedure affordable.

Pain in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can make it difficult to eat, talk, and enjoy your life. Since there are lots of potential causes, signs, and remedies to treat temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), make an appointment with Dr. Patrick Yoshikane at his practice in Orange, CA. He will perform a detailed exam with Tekscan prior to making a diagnosis and talking about treatment choices. Get in touch with our staff at Patrick Yoshikane, D.D.S. to learn more and schedule your appointment.