1700 West Gardena Boulevard, Gardena, CA 90247
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TMJ at Peng Dental Care

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What Are TMJ Disorders and What Causes Them?

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often leading to jaw pain, clicking, difficulty chewing, or even locked jaw. These issues can stem from arthritis, injury, or habits like grinding or clenching your teeth. At Peng Dental, we evaluate TMJ symptoms through a detailed exam and patient discussion, then create a personalized treatment plan ranging from custom night guards to bite therapy. If you’re experiencing discomfort or restricted jaw movement, a proper diagnosis can help you find long-term relief.

Why Choose Peng Dental Care for TMJ Disorder Treatment?

At Peng Dental Care, your comfort and well-being come first. We understand how disruptive TMJ disorders can be, and we’re committed to providing a calm, supportive environment with effective, personalized care. Here’s what sets us apart:

Expertise You Can Trust

Dr. Peng brings advanced training and years of experience in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. His comprehensive approach focuses on relieving pain, improving jaw function, and addressing the root causes for long-term relief.

Personalized Treatment Plans

TMJ symptoms vary from patient to patient. That’s why Dr. Peng creates a custom treatment plan tailored to your unique condition—whether it involves oral appliances, bite adjustments, or therapeutic techniques to restore comfort and function.

Comfort You Can Feel

From your first consultation through every step of treatment, Dr. Peng and his friendly team ensure you feel heard, cared for, and confident. We take time to explain your options clearly, so you feel supported on your path to relief.

Major Insurance Providers Accepted

Peng Dental Care accepts most major insurance providers. Dr. Peng is an in-network Delta Dental Premier PPO Provider.

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Reserve your complimentary appointment now and take the exciting first step toward achieving a healthier, more confident smile you’ll love.

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FAQ

TMJ is short for the temporomandibular joint, which is a sliding joint that connects the jawbone and skull. It’s easy to see why both medical professionals and the general public use TMJ instead of the joint’s full name. Both the muscles around the joint and the joint itself can develop issues.

TMJ disorders might cause a number of different symptoms. They may:

  • produce pain or swelling.
  • make it difficult to fully open the mouth.
  • lock the jawbone in place
  • create a clicking or popping sound when chewing.
  • make chewing difficult.
  • These symptoms may range in severity from mildly annoying to excruciating and debilitating.

  • arthritis
  • injury
  • grinding or clenching the jaw

It should be noted that, although some patients who have TMJ disorders grind or clench their teeth, there are many people who grind or clench their teeth, but don’t develop any TMJ disorders.

An appointment with a functional orthodontist for a potential TMJ disorder is a lot like any other dentist or doctor appointment. After a conversation with the patient about their symptoms, the orthodontist will perform an exam of the jaw. They will then provide their diagnosis and recommend a course of treatment if there is a TMJ disorder. They will also, of course, answer any questions that the patient has throughout the appointment.

Not necessarily. With proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, many people find significant relief or complete resolution of symptoms.

Yes, emotional stress can lead to jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism), both of which can aggravate or even trigger TMJ disorders.