If you’ve ever felt a sharp pain in your jaw when you yawn, struggled to chew your favorite foods, or heard unsettling clicking sounds when you speak, you’re not alone. For many, these frustrating symptoms are more than just occasional discomfort; they could be signs of a temporomandibular joint disorder.
At Nicole Pagonis, DDS, we know how exhausting it can be to live with daily jaw pain and tension. That’s why we’re here not only to treat your symptoms but to truly understand what’s causing them, so you can find lasting relief, reclaim comfort, and feel like yourself again.
What Is a Temporomandibular Joint Disorder in Los Gatos?
Your TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, connects your lower jaw to your skull. You have one on each side of your head in front of your ears, and it’s responsible for helping you eat, yawn, chew, and move your jaw.
When these joints aren’t working correctly, it can lead to TMJ disorder; some of the most common symptoms include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Headaches or earaches
- Clicking or popping sounds
- Trouble opening your mouth
- Pain while chewing
- An uneven bite
Understanding the Causes of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder can have multiple causes, such as:
- Teeth grinding — When you grind your teeth, especially at night, it puts pressure on your jaw joints and the muscles surrounding them. This can lead to pain and inflammation.
- Arthritis — You can get arthritis in your jaw joints, causing inflammation, stiffness, and limited movement.
- Injury — If you sustain a jaw injury from a car accident, sports injury, or a heavy blow, it can damage your temporomandibular joints and contribute to long-term issues.
Available Treatment Options
When you visit our dental office at 14380 Los Gatos Blvd., Suite 104, in Los Gatos, CA, we can discuss the following treatment options:
- A custom nightguard — We can customize an occlusal splint to help prevent teeth grinding or clenching. A nightguard can also protect your teeth.
- Jaw exercises — We can recommend strengthening exercises to improve your jaw mobility and reduce your symptoms.
- Stress management — Because stress can contribute to teeth grinding and jaw tension, we’ll discuss ways to help you manage stressful situations.
Looking for a Los Gatos TMJ Dentist?
If you’re experiencing TMJ disorder symptoms or need TMJ treatment in Los Gatos, CA, we can help! At the dental office of Nicole Pagonis, DDS, we can customize a treatment plan for you to get the relief you deserve.
To schedule a consultation or appointment, please get in touch with a dental team member at (408) 399-3920.