TMJ Disorder Evaluation and Treatment at Valley Oral Surgery in Livermore and Dublin, CA

What Is a TMJ Disorder?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. It allows you to speak, chew, and open or close your mouth. A TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, occurs when this joint or the muscles around it stop functioning properly.

Symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds
• Limited jaw movement or locking
• Headaches or facial pain
• Pain while chewing
• Discomfort in the neck, shoulders, or ears

TMJ disorders can range from mild irritation to severe functional impairment, and they may involve the joint itself, surrounding muscles, or both.

What Causes TMJ Problems?

TMJ disorders are multifactorial, meaning they often stem from a combination of structural and behavioral issues.

Common contributing factors include:

• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching (bruxism)
• Misalignment of the bite or jaw (malocclusion)
• Arthritis affecting the jaw joint
• Trauma to the jaw or temporomandibular joint
• Stress-related muscle tension
• Previous dental or orthodontic issues

At Valley Oral Surgery, our first step is a thorough evaluation to determine the likely cause of your TMJ symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options.

How TMJ Disorders Are Diagnosed

Accurate diagnosis is essential for successful management of TMJ disorders.

Our process includes:

• Clinical Examination: We evaluate jaw movement, listen for joint sounds, and assess muscle tenderness or asymmetry.
• 3D Imaging: Using advanced 3D imaging technology, we assess the structure of the joint, disc position, and surrounding bone.
• Medical and Dental History: We review your symptoms, habits (e.g., clenching or grinding), prior trauma, and dental treatments.

Depending on your case, we may collaborate with your general dentist, orthodontist, or physical therapist to coordinate care.

Non-Surgical Management of TMJ Disorders

Most TMJ disorders can be treated conservatively without surgery.

Common non-surgical approaches include:

• Occlusal splints or nightguards: Custom oral appliances worn at night to reduce clenching and grinding
• Physical therapy: Stretching, massage, and muscle relaxation techniques
• Anti-inflammatory medications: To relieve joint inflammation and pain
• Bite adjustment (equilibration): Minor adjustments to your bite to improve jaw alignment
• Behavioral therapy or stress management: To reduce jaw tension and nighttime grinding

We take a stepwise approach to treatment, starting with the least invasive methods and advancing only as needed.

When Is Surgery Considered?

Surgical treatment is considered only when conservative measures fail, or when imaging reveals structural damage to the joint itself — such as a displaced disc, bone deterioration, or ankylosis (joint fusion).

Surgical options may include:

• Arthrocentesis: Flushing the joint with sterile fluid to reduce inflammation and improve movement
• Arthroscopy: Using a small camera to diagnose and treat joint issues
• Open joint surgery: For severe cases with structural damage (less common)

If surgery becomes necessary, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons — Anna Lu, DMD and Jimmy Tung Nguyen, DDS, MD — have advanced training in joint and facial anatomy.

Related Conditions We Treat

• Jaw locking or dislocation
• Facial pain syndromes
• Myofascial pain dysfunction
• Trauma-related TMJ injuries
• Pre-orthodontic or surgical evaluations

TMJ disorders can also occur alongside other oral health issues. We frequently coordinate treatment plans with referring dentists, prosthodontists, and other specialists.