+ 1 415-499-1717
appointments@evosmile.com
750 Las Gallinas Ave, Suite 210
San Rafael, CA 94903
Open Monday - Thursday
Closed Friday - Sunday
Resource: ADA
The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth.
Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side.
Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder also known as TMD.
Possible Causes of TMJ Disorders
Arthritis
Dislocation
Injury
Tooth and jaw alignment
Stress and teeth grinding
What do diagnosis and treatment involve?
Diagnosis is an important step before treatment. Part of the dental examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Depending on the diagnosis, Dr. Ochev may refer you to a physician or another dentist.
There are several treatments for TMJ disorders (TMDs). This step-by-step plan from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research allows you to try simple treatment before moving on to more involved treatment. The NIDCR also recommends a “less is often best” approach in treating TMJ disorders, which includes:
- eating softer foods
- avoiding chewing gum and biting your nails
- modifying the pain with heat packs
- practicing relaxation techniques to control jaw tension, such as meditation or biofeedback
If necessary for your symptoms, the following treatments may be advised:
- exercises to strengthen your jaw muscles
- medications prescribed by Dr. Ochev; for example, muscle relaxants, analgesics, anti-anxiety drugs or anti-inflammatory medications
- a night guard or bite plate to decrease clenching or grinding of teeth
In some cases, Dr. Ochev may recommend fixing an uneven bite by adjusting or reshaping some teeth. Orthodontic treatment may also be recommended. He can suggest the most appropriate therapy based on the suspected cause.
Our Services
$295 Introductory Offer
Our “New Patient Experience” special package is a comprehensive dental exam which includes necessary X-rays, an oral cancer screening, a periodontal exam, a TMJ evaluation, and a regular cleaning*.
This offer is for uninsured new patients only and is not valid with any other offers. To receive this offer, you must mention it when you book your appointment. Some restrictions apply. Please call us at +1 415-499-1717 to find out more.
*Cleaning is scheduled as a separate dental hygiene appointment.
Anytime Offer
Our Invisalign® offer is available to you any time. It includes a free consultation, a down payment match up to $500, free teeth whitening ($350 value), and a low payment plan. This offer is not valid with any other offers. To receive this offer, you must mention it when you book your appointment. Some restrictions apply. Please call us at +1 415-499-1717 to find out more.
This offer is not sponsored by Align Technology, Inc., the makers of Invisalign aligners. Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.