TMD/TMJ Evalutation in Brentwood, CA

At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we recognize that chronic jaw pain, recurring headaches, and “clicking” sounds are more than just minor annoyances—they are often signs of a complex condition known as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is one of the hardest-working joints in your body, acting as a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. When this system of muscles, ligaments, and bones becomes misaligned or inflamed, it can significantly impact your quality of life. Dr. Thuc Luu and our specialized team provide comprehensive TMD evaluations for Brentwood residents, focusing on identifying the root cause of your discomfort to provide lasting relief.

Understanding the Difference: TMJ vs. TMD

It is common to hear these terms used interchangeably, but they refer to different things:

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint): This refers to the actual joint itself. You have two, located just in front of each ear.
TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder): This refers to the cycle of pain and dysfunction involving the joint and the masticatory (chewing) muscles that control it.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, TMD is the second most common orofacial pain after toothaches, affecting between 5% and 12% of the population.

Do You Need a TMJ Evaluation?

Many patients in the East Bay suffer from TMD symptoms without realizing that their dentist can treat them. If you experience any of the following, a professional evaluation is the first step toward recovery:

Jaw Sound: Persistent clicking, popping, or grating noises when opening or closing your mouth.
Limited Mobility: A “locked” jaw or difficulty opening your mouth wide enough to eat or yawn.
Facial Pain: Dull aches in the face, ears, or temples, often mistaken for ear infections or sinus headaches.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Flattened, worn-down, or chipped teeth, often accompanied by a tired jaw in the morning.
Bite Changes: A sudden feeling that your upper and lower teeth no longer “fit” together correctly.

What to Expect During Your TMD Evaluation

At Fairview Dental Brentwood, our diagnostic process is thorough and science-based. We don’t just treat the pain; we analyze the mechanical function of your jaw.

1. Clinical Physical Examination

Dr. Luu will perform a hands-on assessment of your jaw’s range of motion. We measure how many millimeters you can comfortably open and check for “deflection”—where the jaw veers to one side during movement.

Palpation: We gently press on the masseter and temporalis muscles to identify “trigger points” or areas of muscle spasm.
Joint Sound Analysis: Using a stethoscope or digital sensors, we listen for the specific timing of clicks or pops, which helps determine if the internal disc is displaced.

2. Bite (Occlusal) Analysis

We evaluate how your teeth meet. A “malocclusion” (bad bite) can force the jaw muscles to work overtime to compensate, leading to chronic inflammation. We look for signs of heavy wear facets that indicate nighttime clenching or grinding.

3. Advanced Diagnostic Imaging

If a structural issue is suspected, we utilize our in-house 3D CBCT Imaging to view the bony structures of the joint in three dimensions.

What we see: We can identify signs of arthritis, bone-on-bone contact, or structural abnormalities in the condyle (the rounded end of the lower jaw).
Soft Tissue Assessment: If we suspect the cartilage disc is damaged or permanently displaced, we may refer you for an MRI to see the soft tissues that X-rays cannot capture.

Targeted Treatment Paths

Once a diagnosis is reached, our goal is to use the most conservative, non-invasive methods possible.

Custom Oral Appliances (Splints)

The most common and effective treatment is a custom-fabricated Occlusal Splint or Nightguard.

How it works: Unlike store-bought guards, our professional splints are digitally designed to put your jaw in its “muscularly neutral” position. This allows the muscles to relax and prevents the teeth from grinding together.
Trusted Resource: See the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons’ guide on TMJ treatments.

Neuromuscular Re-education and Physical Therapy

In many cases, TMD is caused by posture and habits. We may recommend:

Gentle Jaw Exercises: Specific stretches to improve blood flow and range of motion.
Stress Management: Techniques to reduce daytime clenching related to stress.
Referrals: We work closely with local Brentwood physical therapists who specialize in craniofacial release.

Trigger Point Therapy

For patients with severe muscle knots, we can provide trigger point injections or refer for therapeutic BOTOX® treatments, which temporarily relax the overworked muscles and provide a window for the joint to heal.

The Oral-Systemic Link: Headaches and TMJ

Did you know that many “migraines” are actually tension headaches caused by TMD? When the muscles around your jaw are in a state of constant contraction, they refer pain to the temples and the back of the neck. By stabilizing the jaw joint, many of our patients see a significant reduction in the frequency and intensity of their headaches.

Why Choose Fairview Dental Brentwood for TMJ Care?

Treating TMD requires a deep understanding of the relationship between teeth, muscles, and bone. Dr. Thuc Luu combines clinical expertise with advanced technology to offer:

In-House 3D Imaging: No need to visit a separate radiology center.
Customized Care: Every bite is different, and every splint we create is unique to the patient’s anatomy.
Conservative Approach: We prioritize reversible, non-surgical therapies that allow your body to heal naturally.

Find Relief from Jaw Pain Today

Living with jaw pain can make everyday tasks like eating and speaking a burden. You don’t have to “just live with it.” At Fairview Dental Brentwood, we have the tools and expertise to help you find the source of your pain and get you back to living comfortably.

Contact Fairview Dental Brentwood today at (925) 240-7253 to schedule your comprehensive TMD/TMJ evaluation.