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Find relief from jaw pain in San Jose with Dr. Lim’s TMJ treatment—effective care for a healthier, more comfortable bite.
Jaw pain, clicking sounds when you open your mouth, and persistent headaches can turn everyday activities like eating and speaking into uncomfortable challenges. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) affects millions of Americans and significantly impacts your quality of life when left untreated.
At the Center for Advanced Dentistry, we understand how TMJ symptoms can disrupt your daily routine and overall well-being. Our experienced team, led by board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Steve Lim and Dr. Clairis Peréz, provides comprehensive TMJ treatment solutions designed to alleviate pain and restore proper jaw function for patients throughout San Jose and the surrounding areas.
The temporomandibular joint attaches your jawbone to your skull and acts as a hinge that allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side. When this joint becomes damaged or misaligned, it can cause temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly referred to as TMJ or TMD.
This complex joint system includes muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and a small disc that cushions the joint. When any of these components become inflamed, injured, or displaced, it can result in significant discomfort and limited jaw movement. TMJ disorder affects one or both sides of your face and may develop gradually over time or appear suddenly following an injury.
Several factors can contribute to the development of TMJ disorder. Teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, puts extreme pressure on the joint and surrounding muscles, often leading to inflammation and pain. This habit frequently occurs during sleep, making many people unaware they’re causing damage to their jaw joint.
Jaw injuries from accidents, sports injuries, or sudden impacts can damage the joint directly. Arthritis may also affect the temporomandibular joint, causing cartilage breakdown and joint inflammation. Additionally, stress often causes people to unconsciously clench their jaw muscles, creating tension and contributing to TMJ symptoms.
Poor posture, especially forward head posture from prolonged computer use or looking down at mobile devices, can strain the muscles supporting the jaw joint. Certain bite problems or tooth misalignment may also place uneven stress on the joint, leading to dysfunction over time.
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TMJ disorder presents various symptoms that may seem unrelated to jaw problems at first glance. Common signs include jaw pain or tenderness, especially near the ear area, and difficulty or discomfort when chewing, speaking, or opening your mouth wide.
Many patients experience clicking, popping, or grating sounds when moving their jaw, though these sounds aren’t always accompanied by pain. Frequent headaches, particularly upon waking, may indicate nighttime teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Some people notice their jaw gets “stuck” in an open or closed position temporarily.
Facial pain, neck pain, and ear pain or pressure can all stem from TMJ disorder. The interconnected nature of facial muscles and nerves means TMJ problems often cause referred pain in areas that seem unrelated to your jaw joint. Sedation dentistry options are available for patients who experience anxiety about TMJ diagnosis and treatment.
Proper diagnosis forms the foundation of effective TMJ treatment. During your consultation, we conduct an examination of your jaw joint, surrounding muscles, and bite alignment. Our team evaluates your medical history, discusses your symptoms in detail, and performs physical tests to assess jaw movement and identify areas of tenderness.
Advanced diagnostic tools help us understand the extent of your TMJ disorder. Digital imaging may reveal structural problems within the joint, while bite analysis helps identify alignment issues contributing to your symptoms. Dr. Lim’s extensive training in prosthodontics provides invaluable experience in diagnosing complex bite and jaw joint problems.
We also assess your daily habits and lifestyle factors that might contribute to TMJ symptoms. Understanding triggers like stress, sleep patterns, and dietary habits helps us develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Treatment for TMJ disorder differs depending on the severity of your condition and underlying causes. Conservative treatments often provide significant relief for many patients. Custom-made night guards protect your teeth from grinding damage while reducing pressure on the jaw joint during sleep.
Physical therapy exercises help strengthen jaw muscles and improve the range of motion. We provide specific techniques you can perform at home to reduce tension and promote healing. Stress management strategies address one of the common underlying causes of TMJ disorder.
For more severe cases, advanced treatment options may be necessary. Oral surgery procedures can correct structural problems within the joint when conservative treatments prove insufficient. Dr. Lim’s experience with complex dental and jaw reconstruction makes him well-qualified to handle challenging TMJ cases.
Bite correction through orthodontic treatment or dental restorations addresses underlying alignment problems contributing to joint stress. Our state-of-the-art facility has everything you need for your treatment. We make sure all our services work together smoothly to give you continuous care, all in one convenient place.
Many of our patients experience significant improvement in their TMJ symptoms within weeks of beginning treatment. Sarah, a local teacher, struggled with chronic headaches and jaw pain that affected her ability to speak clearly during classes. After receiving a custom night guard and completing a series of jaw exercises, she reported a 90% reduction in her symptoms within two months.
Another patient, Michael, experienced jaw locking that prevented him from opening his mouth fully. Through a combination of physical therapy and bite adjustment, he regained full jaw function and returned to enjoying his favorite foods without pain or limitation.
Long-term success with TMJ treatment often depends on patient compliance with recommended therapies and lifestyle modifications. Our team provides ongoing support and monitoring to ensure your symptoms remain controlled and your jaw joint continues to function properly.
Dr. Steve Lim brings over 25 years of experience and specialized training from Tufts School of Dental Medicine to every TMJ case. As a board-certified prosthodontist, his understanding of bite mechanics and jaw function allows him to identify and address complex TMJ problems that other practitioners might miss.
Dr. Clairis Peréz complements our team with her UCLA School of Dentistry education and commitment to patient comfort. Together, they provide comprehensive care that addresses both the immediate symptoms and underlying causes of TMJ disorder.
Our dental insurance-friendly practice works with many insurance plans to make TMJ treatment accessible and affordable. For patients with severe dental anxiety related to TMJ treatment, IV sedation ensures a comfortable experience throughout your care.
TMJ disorder doesn’t have to control your life or limit your daily activities. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can achieve lasting relief from jaw pain, headaches, and other TMJ symptoms. Dr. Steve Lim and Dr. Clairis Peréz have helped countless patients regain comfortable jaw function and return to pain-free living.
Our team takes a patient-centered approach to TMJ treatment, ensuring you understand your condition and feel confident in your treatment plan. We’re committed to providing the highest quality care in a comfortable, state-of-the-art environment where your well-being is our top priority. Contact our San Jose office today at 408-292-2848 or request an appointment online to begin your journey toward TMJ relief.
Our office is strategically positioned in San Jose, CA, along North Bascom Avenue, offering easy connectivity to major transportation routes and centrally accessible from neighboring communities. The suite is housed within a professional complex with convenient parking options and straightforward building navigation for visitors.