If you have jaw pain or headaches, or if you grind your teeth, contact our dental office. Dr. Nicole Pagonis has treatment options.

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TMJ, TMD, and Bruxism Treatment in Los Gatos, CA

Teeth grinding or clenching, which is also referred to as bruxism, affects many people, and it can have serious consequences. This unconscious habit usually takes place while people are sleeping, and they may not know they are doing it until a sleep partner points it out.

Their dentist might also see undue wear on the teeth as well as bite marks on the insides of the cheeks. Some people suffer unexplained jaw, shoulder, and neck pain, which can be a sign that they are grinding their teeth.

Dr. Nicole Pagonis diagnoses and treats patients with this disorder, and she looks forward to helping you as well.

Diagnosing Bruxism

occlusal guard for bruxism | Dentist Los Gatos CA If you come to our Los Gatos, CA dental office because you suspect a bruxism issue, Dr. Pagonis will look for the following signs:

Uneven wear on the teeth and dental restorations
Highly developed jaw muscles
Bite marks on the inside of the cheeks
Gum recession
Broken or chipped teeth
Craze (vertical) lines or cracks in the teeth

She will also ask you about headaches, migraines, facial soreness, and other pain.

Meet Our Provider:

Nicole E Pagonis, DDS | Dentist Los Gatos CA

Nicole Pagonis DDS

Hello; I am Dr. P and I look forward to meeting you!

I am a native to the South Bay, born and raised and now currently living in Saratoga with my husband and two daughters.

It has always been a dream of mine to give back to my community. After graduating from Saratoga High School, I went on to Cal Poly SLO and then to University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco. I have always had a love for people and interpersonal interactions along with a true intrigue for ...

Treating Bruxism in Los Gatos

We might suggest a sleep study for some patients who come to our dental office with signs of bruxism because teeth grinding is often related to sleep apnea. Often treating sleep apnea alleviates bruxism.

Sometimes relaxation techniques can help stop chronic teeth grinding. We might also recommend an oral appliance to help protect the teeth from the pressure of clenching and grinding.

We can create a custom nightguard to be worn while sleeping. These fit over the upper and lower teeth and create a barrier between the teeth, protecting them from further damage.

TMD and TMJ

Many people use the acronyms TMD and TMJ interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different things. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that hinges the upper and lower jaws, enabling you to open and close your mouth.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) includes chronic conditions that develop as a result of the TMJ being inflamed. TMD is any problem that inhibits the complex system of joints, bones, and jaw muscles from working in harmony. Disorders of the TMJ often materialize as injured or inflamed jaw muscles, jaw joints, and nerves related to chronic orofacial pain.

Treating Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Just as you might develop sore knees or pain in other joints, you can also develop inflammation in the jaw joint. It’s not all that surprising when you consider how often you use the TMJ for chewing, yawning, speaking, and laughing. Once it becomes inflamed, it is difficult to reduce the inflammation because it so seldom rests.

A night guard can also benefit patients with TMD because it can help put the jaw into proper occlusal position, often alleviating the chronic pain. A nightguard can also protect your teeth from wear due to teeth grinding and clenching.

We Can Help Get Rid of Your Chronic Pain in Los Gatos

Contact Nicole E Pagonis DDS for an evaluation to discuss a suspected bruxism habit or issues with the TMJ. Her experience and conscientious approach to dentistry will help you find solutions, so you eliminate your pain and protect your teeth. Call our dental office today to schedule your appointment with our dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the treatment for bruxism?

Bruxism, also known as tooth clenching and grinding, is a common problem that can cause a host of issues like jaw pain, tenderness when chewing, headaches, sensitive teeth, and excessive wear on teeth.

Depending on the cause of your bruxism, there may be a few different solutions we look at to alleviate it:

A night guard - Similar to a retainer, worn at night to protect your teeth from clenching and grinding.
Relaxation techniques - Activities like meditation and yoga that reduce stress.
Orthodontic treatment - Can correct bite misalignment that causes bruxism.
Sleep apnea treatment - Treating your sleep disorder can alleviate bruxism.

Dr. Pagonis takes time to get to the root cause of your tooth clenching and grinding to make the best recommendations for treatment to protect your smile from the damage that bruxism causes. Eliminating bruxism can make chewing and eating more comfortable, reduce painful headaches, and protect your teeth from the damage and wear caused by clenching and grinding your teeth.

If you feel that you or a loved one is suffering from tooth clenching and grinding at night, contact our dental office at (408) 399-3920 for more information about bruxism treatment in Los Gatos, CA.

How is bruxism diagnosed by a dentist or healthcare provider?

Did you know that bruxism is a health issue that affects millions of Americans? If you grind and clench your teeth, whether during the day or at night while you’re sleeping, you may have bruxism. It can cause headaches, face and jaw pain, tooth damage, and sleep issues.

It is believed that stress and tension are the general causes of bruxism, but age, certain medications, and alcohol may contribute to bruxism symptoms as well. So, how does your dentist or healthcare provider diagnose bruxism so you can receive treatment?

Bruxism Diagnosis in Los Gatos

The two best ways to determine whether someone is grinding or clenching their teeth are as follows:

1. Ask your partner – If your partner can hear the sound of your teeth grinding against each other during the night, you likely have bruxism.

2. Pay attention to the symptoms – If you have a broken or chipped tooth, worn tooth enamel, headaches, ringing in your ears, facial pain, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or trouble sleeping, you might have bruxism.

Talk to your Los Gatos dentist to learn more about bruxism diagnosis and treatment.

Do You Need Bruxism Treatment in Los Gatos, CA?

If you’re looking for a dentist in Los Gatos who can diagnose and treat bruxism, look no further than Nicole E. Pagonis, DDS. With the goal of oral health for every patient, our dental team can help you manage your symptoms and enjoy improved quality of life. You can reach our dental office at (408) 399-3920 to schedule an appointment.

Does TMJ disorder ever fully heal?

When you're living with the daily discomfort of jaw pain, tension headaches, or that stubborn clicking every time you eat or speak, it's natural to wonder if relief is truly possible. TMJ disorder can feel like it takes over your life, turning simple moments into constant reminders of discomfort.

At Nicole Pagonis, DDS, in Los Gatos, we want you to know that healing is possible. While every journey is unique, many patients find lasting relief through the right combination of care, lifestyle changes, and support.

Does TMJ Disorder Ever Fully Heal?

The good news is that TMJ can disappear completely in some instances. Custom nightguards, exercises, or lifestyle changes can help if your problems are caused by any of the following:

Stress
Muscle tension
Bruxism (teeth grinding)

However, for more permanent issues, such as arthritis or joint damage, it’s best to focus on long-term management and living comfortably. Either way, our dental team will work with you to find the best treatment plan.

Questions about TMJ Disorder in Los Gatos, CA?

To learn more about treatment options, or if you’re experiencing painful symptoms, we will happily assist you! Our experienced dental team can create a treatment plan to alleviate your pain and restore your oral health.

Please get in touch with our office at (408) 399-3920 to learn more.

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. It acts like a hinge that slides and connects your jawbone to your skull. However, the acronym TMJ (or TMD) is often used to describe the dysfunction of these jaw joints.

Your dentist in 95032 understands that the dysfunction of this joint can be very painful. It can mean a popping sound when you open your mouth or pain when you chew. It can lead to ongoing headaches, neck pain, and even shoulder aches.

Common Causes of TMJ

There are several causes, including:

Bruxism (grinding and clenching your teeth)
Injury
Anatomical anomaly

We provide custom TMJ treatment in Los Gatos, CA to help our patients enjoy an improved life quality. Your dentist wants to relieve your pain and restore your jaw to better function.

Our treatments may include specific exercises or a custom nightguard to prevent nighttime bruxism—a common cause of TMJ. Your dentist provides an exam and shares findings with you before creating a treatment plan that addresses your needs. We also answer your questions and monitor you closely throughout treatment.

For TMJ Treatment, Contact Your Dentist in Los Gatos, CA

Don’t leave TMJ untreated. It can lead to severe jaw joint issues that may eventually require surgery. We want to help you avoid this invasive method. Reach out today for your evaluation.

What is TMD?

TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. An issue with your jaw joint can cause pain and compromise any movement of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.

Your temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to your skull's temporal bones, which are in front of each ear. It lets you move your jaw up and down and side to side, so you can talk, chew, and yawn.

Issues that involve your TMJ (jaw joint) and muscles that control it fall under temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

What Causes TMD?

Various issues cause TMD, and they can involve the joint or the muscles that support it.

Your jaw joint area can get injured—for example, from whiplash or accident. Other causes include:

Arthritis
Grinding your teeth
Stress and anxiety

The Symptoms of TMD

TMD can often be very painful, and each patient has a different symptoms. Every case is different, but for many people, they include:

Pain in your jaw joints, face, neck, and around the ear
Pain when you open or close your mouth
Problems chewing and eating
Issues opening your mouth wide
Clicking noises when you eat or open your mouth
Inflammation on the side of your face

Treating TMD at Nicole E. Pagonis, DDS

At the dental office of Nicole E Pagonis, DDS, we offer solutions to manage your pain and treat your unique symptoms. Your treatment plan might involve a TMJ-friendly diet (soft foods and soups), hot or cold packs, over-the-counter medications, nightguard, or orthodontic treatments.

If you are experiencing tooth pain or other dental issues, you may need emergency dentistry Los Gatos, CA. Never hesitate to contact us, we are always available for you.

Give your dentist in 95032 a call today to schedule your TMD appointment with Dr. Pagonis.

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TMJ, TMD, and Bruxism Technology

Panoramic X-Rays

This type of x-ray shows a flat image of the mouth, with all the teeth and joints in the same picture. This gives Dr. Pagonis another way of identifying dental issues such as emerging wisdom teeth, jaw joint dysfunction, and even cysts or infection.

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