Dr. Nicole G. Nalbandian (DDS, MS)
It is estimated that 60-80% of the US population will experience some form of TMJ pain/dysfunction at some point in their lifetime. This number may be even higher in big cities like Los Angeles where life can often be stressful and fast paced. Fortunately, there are many non-invasive strategies that can be used to fix TMJ problems and prevent future issues from arising.
Table of Contents
What is TMJ?
The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) enables jaw movements such as chewing, yawning, or speaking. Chewing muscles are also involved in those movements, otherwise known as masticatory muscles. If these components do not function together correctly, then it can lead to disorders of TMJ that exhibit symptoms like jaw pain, difficulty opening or closing your jaw, and clicking/popping noises coming from the TMJ when you try to move your jaw.
What are the contributing factors?
TMJ disorders can arise from multiple reasons that usually involve either problems with the joint itself or adjacent muscles. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Misaligned Jaw: If the upper and lower teeth do not properly align, excessive pressure is placed on the jaw joint.
- Grinding teeth or clenching them: This habit creates an excess load on TMJ, resulting in swelling and pain.
- Articular Rheumatism: TMJ pain and limited mobility can be brought about by swelling from rheumatism.
- Mandibular trauma: Hitting your head or face might affect the temporomandibular joint, leading to complications later on.
- Tension: Under stress, one would either clench their jaw or contract facial muscles, thereby overworking the temporomandibular joint.
Not Sure you have TMJ Disorder? Here are some things to look for:
- Have you ever had a history of neck, head, or jaw injuries?
- Do you have a history of arthritis?
- Do your teeth come together comfortably when you bite?
- Do you ever experience a dull achy pain in your jaw?
- Are you prone to tension headaches?
- Do your facial muscles feel tender when you press on them?
- Does it ever feel like your jaw gets locked in an open or closed position throughout the day? Or, do you wake up in the morning feeling like it is tough to open your jaw?
- Does your jaw make clicking or popping sounds when you open/close your mouth?
- Do you have increased sensitivity to cold in your teeth? Or, do you wake up some mornings with pain on one or both sides of your mouth?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, you should be seen for a consultation as soon as possible to be evaluated for TMJ disorder. The longer this condition goes untreated the more ‘chronic’ and difficult to treat it becomes.
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Nalbandian is a general dentist focused on delivering the highest quality cosmetic and restorative dentistry to her patients. She believes that exceptional dental care begins with the doctor-patient relationship and customizing treatment to meet the needs of each individual patient.
In an ever-changing world of dental technology and techniques, Dr. Nalbandian is an avid learner. She is committed to continuing education courses which allow her to offer patients the most advanced care. Her goal is to bridge long-lasting solutions with the most conservative treatment.
Since completing her dental training, Dr. Nalbandian has embraced a rewarding career as an exceptional dental clinician. She has also returned to her alma mater, UCLA School of Dentistry, to teach future generations of dentists and currently serves as a faculty member at the WEST Los Angeles Dental Hygiene program.
Those who know Dr. Nalbandian quickly come to realize that dentistry truly is one of her greatest passions. When she is not in the clinic or teaching, Dr. Nalbandian enjoys practicing yoga and getting outdoors.
How to Prevent and Manage TMJ Disorders
Luckily, there is a lot we can do to help manage TMJ pain and dysfunction using minimally invasive techniques.
- Night guard: A night guard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to treat TMJ disfunction. It protects your teeth and prevents chipping/cracking that can be caused by bruxism.
- Botox: Botox can be an extremely useful therapy to help relax tense muscles and relieve trigger points.
- Hot/Cold therapy: Alternating hot/cold compression helps to ease tension in jaw muscled.
- Relax: It is much easier said than done, however, being able to relax and breathe every once in a while can work wonders when it comes to relieving jaw pain and tension.
Do you want a remedy for TMJ pain? Make an appointment with Dr.Nalbandian today to explore your customized treatment options.
FAQ
Does stress affect teeth clenching and grinding?
Indeed, it does, as stress brings about jaw muscle contractions, leading to TMJ pressure, causing clenching and grinding.
Does clenching and grinding have long term effects on teeth?
Yes, both can lead to chronic effects such as tooth abrasion, sensitivity, cracked teeth, and TMJ disorders.
How does tooth grinding differ from teeth clenching?
Clenching happens when your jaw muscles are in a tightly contracted state causing your teeth to push tightly against each other, while grinding happens when your teeth move repeatedly back and forth across each other. Grinding usually causes an audible sound while clenching does not make any noise but can be equally as damaging to your teeth.
Appointments
Please reach us at [email protected] if you have any questions.
New Patient Exam
1 Hr
Emergency Visit
1 Hr
Consultation
30 Mins
Contact Us
WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU
DR. NICOLE G. NALBANDIAN
Call Us: +1 (818) 262 3043
916 w. Burbank Boulevard, Suite A (BB Dental Care), Burbank, California 91506