TMJ Treatment in West Hills, CA
If you are experiencing chronic jaw pain, frequent headaches, or difficulty chewing, you may be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder — commonly known as TMJ or TMD. At Anita Rathee DDS, we offer personalized TMJ treatment to help patients in West Hills, CA find lasting relief from jaw pain and the many disruptive symptoms that come with it. Call us today at (818) 348-8898 to schedule your TMJ evaluation.
What Is TMJ Disorder and What Causes It?
The temporomandibular joint — or TMJ — is the sliding hinge joint on each side of your face that connects your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints work in coordination with a complex system of muscles, ligaments, and discs to enable the jaw movements needed for speaking, chewing, yawning, and swallowing. When any component of this system becomes inflamed, misaligned, or damaged, the result is a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder — or TMD — which can produce a wide range of painful and disruptive symptoms that significantly affect daily quality of life.
TMJ disorder can develop from a number of different causes or a combination of contributing factors. Bruxism — the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, particularly during sleep — is one of the most common triggers, as the excessive force it places on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles leads to chronic strain and inflammation over time. A custom night guard is often recommended as part of TMJ treatment to protect the teeth and reduce this strain while sleeping. Other contributing factors include jaw injuries or trauma, arthritis affecting the joint, a misaligned bite, poor posture, stress and anxiety, and the erosion or displacement of the cartilage disc that cushions the joint during movement.
The symptoms of TMJ disorder vary from patient to patient but commonly include persistent pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders, pain in or around the ear, a clicking, popping, or grinding sensation when opening or closing the mouth, difficulty or discomfort when chewing, an aching headache — particularly upon waking — a feeling that the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly, and in more severe cases, episodes where the jaw locks in an open or closed position. Because many of these symptoms overlap with other conditions, an accurate diagnosis by an experienced dental professional is important. At Anita Rathee DDS, we use advanced cone beam 3D imaging and a thorough clinical evaluation to assess the health and alignment of the jaw joint and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment for TMJ disorder at Anita Rathee DDS depends on the severity and underlying cause of your condition and may include one or more of the following approaches. For patients whose TMJ is driven by bruxism, a custom night guard or occlusal splint is often the first line of treatment — relieving pressure on the joint during sleep and helping the jaw muscles relax. Bite adjustment or equilibration may be recommended to address bite imbalances contributing to joint strain. Physical therapy exercises to stretch and strengthen the jaw muscles can also be very effective. In addition, our team may recommend lifestyle modifications such as stress management techniques, avoiding hard or chewy foods during flare-ups, and applying warm compresses to the jaw muscles. For patients whose sleep apnea or snoring may be contributing to jaw strain, we can address these conditions concurrently. Contact Anita Rathee DDS today at (818) 348-8898 or visit our contact page to schedule your TMJ evaluation in West Hills, CA .
Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ Treatment
What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?
Common symptoms of TMJ disorder include persistent jaw pain or tenderness, pain in the face, ear, neck, or shoulders, a clicking, popping, or grinding sound when moving the jaw, difficulty or pain when chewing, chronic headaches — especially upon waking — a feeling of bite misalignment, and occasional jaw locking. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call Anita Rathee DDS at (818) 348-8898 to schedule a TMJ evaluation in West Hills, CA .
What causes TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorder can result from several contributing factors, including teeth grinding or clenching — known as bruxism — jaw injuries or trauma, arthritis in the joint, a misaligned bite, cartilage disc displacement, stress and muscle tension, and poor posture. In many cases, TMJ disorder develops from a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Our team at Anita Rathee DDS will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the specific contributors to your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
How is TMJ disorder diagnosed at Anita Rathee DDS?
At Anita Rathee DDS, we use a comprehensive clinical evaluation combined with advanced cone beam 3D imaging to assess the health, structure, and alignment of your temporomandibular joints. We will also review your symptoms, dental history, and bite relationship to develop a complete picture of your condition. An accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective TMJ treatment, and our team will take the time to thoroughly evaluate all contributing factors before recommending a course of action.
What TMJ treatments does Anita Rathee DDS offer?
Depending on the cause and severity of your TMJ disorder, treatment at Anita Rathee DDS may include a custom night guard or occlusal splint to reduce joint stress during sleep, bite adjustment to correct misalignment contributing to jaw strain, jaw exercises and stretching to strengthen and relax the surrounding muscles, lifestyle modifications including stress management and dietary adjustments, and in appropriate cases, coordination with other healthcare providers for additional support. Our goal is always to provide the least invasive, most effective solution for your specific situation.
Can a night guard help with TMJ pain?
Yes. A custom-fitted night guard from Anita Rathee DDS is one of the most commonly recommended and effective treatments for TMJ disorder related to bruxism. By cushioning the teeth and repositioning the jaw into a more relaxed position during sleep, a night guard significantly reduces the stress placed on the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles — helping to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent further joint damage over time.
Is TMJ disorder permanent?
For many patients, TMJ disorder is a manageable condition that responds well to conservative treatment. With the right combination of therapies — such as a custom night guard, bite adjustment, and jaw exercises — most patients at Anita Rathee DDS experience significant improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms over time. Severe or long-standing cases may require more intensive management, but even these patients typically see meaningful relief with consistent care. Our team will work closely with you to develop a long-term management plan tailored to your needs in West Hills, CA .
How do I schedule a TMJ evaluation at Anita Rathee DDS?
If you are experiencing jaw pain, headaches, clicking or popping in the jaw, or any other symptoms of TMJ disorder, do not wait to seek care. Call Anita Rathee DDS at (818) 348-8898 or visit our contact page to schedule a comprehensive TMJ evaluation in West Hills, CA . Our team will assess your condition, explain your options, and create a personalized treatment plan to help you find the relief you deserve.
