At Southridge Dental Group in Fontana, California, Dr. Merchant, Dr. Hilton, and Dr. Shahnubaryan have years of experience helping our patients alleviate jaw pain and helping them find the treatment they need for their TMJ disorders.
Your TMJ, or temporomandibular joints, hinge your jawbone to the rest of your skull. These complex joints work in synergy with a series of ligaments and muscles which allow you to open your mouth, chew and grind food, and speak. Each ball and socket joint also includes a small disk of cartilage to allow the slip needed to effectively grind food.
The TMJ disorder can manifest itself in various ways, including a persistent dull ache in front of your ears or near your temples, and pain or discomfort when opening and closing your mouth, or biting down and chewing.
Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, can put incredible amounts of tension on jaw muscles and ligaments. This can also cause inflammation in the joints and significantly increase your chances of developing the TMJ disorder. Other potential causes could include a past dislocation in one or both joints, arthritis or general inflammation issues.
Our experienced dentists can help determine the cause of your TMJ disorder. We may recommend jaw and facial relaxation exercises, lifestyle changes, restorative dental treatments, a mouth guard or night guard, or jaw surgery, as needed.
If you have been struggling with TMJ disorder symptoms in Fontana, California, please call Southridge Dental Group at 909-822-9090 to explore your treatment options. Dr. Merchant, Dr. Hilton, and Dr. Shahnubaryan are ready to help you relieve your pain and restore your healthy smile.