Downtown Dental
Menu
Downtown Dental
Call Us: (213) 863-9464
Schedule an Appointment
  • Home
  • About
    • COVID 19 Safety Measures
    • Meet Dr. Mungcal
    • Meet Dr. Tara
    • Meet Dr. Ivan
    • Meet Our Dental Assistants
    • Meet Our Hygienist
    • Meet Our Team
    • Community Projects LA
    • Technology
    • FAQ
    • Blog
    • Dental Videos
    • Los Angeles Dentist
  • Services
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Porcelain Veneers
      • Smile Makeover
      • Teeth Whitening
      • ZOOM! Teeth Whitening
      • Perfect Smile
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign and Insurance
        • Invisalign Timeline
        • Invisalign Cost
        • Invisalign 101
        • Invisalign FAQ
    • Restorative Dentistry
      • Dental Implants
        • Dental Implants Costs
      • Dental Bridges
      • Dental Crowns
        • Crowns in a Day
      • Full Mouth Reconstruction
    • Preventive Dentistry
      • Dental Care
      • Teeth Cleaning
      • Gum Disease
        • Gum Disease Treatment 
        • Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation
        • Deep Teeth Cleaning
        • Laser Dentistry Gum Disease Treatment
        • LANAP Laser Gum Surgery
      • TMJ/TMD Treatment
      • Root Canals
      • Cavity Prevention
      • Tooth-Colored Fillings
    • General Dentistry
      • Family Dentist
      • Sedation Dentistry
      • Smile Dentist
      • Emergency Dentistry
        • Broken Tooth
        • Toothache Pain Relief
        • Wisdom Tooth Extraction
  • Specials
  • Smile Gallery
  • Success Stories
  • Patient Forms
    • Sunbit Financing
    • Proceed Finance
  • Contact Us
Search

31

Jan

Are oral appliances the best treatment for TMJ disorders in Los Angeles?

  • Dr Don Mungcal
  • TMJ
Best treatment for TMJ disorders In Los Angeles, CA

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder is a complex condition, which is known for being difficult to diagnose and treat. Despite the prevalence, it has long been misunderstood, and difficult to treat. Dr. Don Mungcal is at the forefront of a growing movement of dental professionals treating TMJ disorder. Many patients find relief from custom-made oral appliances; however, Dr. Mungcal understands that no single treatment is right for everyone.

The TMJ, commonly called the jaw joint, is capable of exerting considerable force. Yet it is an intricate system, composed of nerves, ligaments, muscles, and other tissues. Like a precision machine, all components must be in exact alignment for optimal functionality. Imbalanced pressure, strain, or damage to any part of the jaw can have far-reaching effects.

The first challenge in treatment of TMJ disorder is obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Physicians often focus on individual symptoms, without recognizing the cause of the problem. For example, TMJ disorder patients may be diagnosed with tinnitus, migraines, or vertigo. However, treatments are unlikely to bring relief without correcting the underlying jaw problem.

Once a diagnosis is achieved, it can still be challenging to find an effective treatment. Dr. Mungcal knows that simply identifying a TMJ disorder is not enough. That would be similar to diagnosing someone with an elbow disorder, without determining if it was strained, sprained, broken, or dislocated. There are several options for treating TMJ disorders, depending on the cause. A few of these include:

  • Oral appliances are an excellent solution for patients who grind their teeth, or suffer from misalignment that strains the joint. Appliances may be used to reposition the jaw, prevent compressing the disc, or interrupt the painful nerve signals. They may be used for quick relief, until procedures such as bite reconstruction can be completed, or long-term solutions.
  • Bite reconstruction may be necessary when the occlusal force (biting pressure) is imbalanced. Misshapen teeth, damaged teeth, or old, poor quality dental work can cause one side of the jaw to absorb the entire impact of biting down or chewing.
  • Orthodontic treatment can help when the problem is caused by misalignment.
  • Simple changes in habits, such as avoiding chewing gum and choosing softer foods, can lessen the symptoms.
  • Analgesics, biologics, or other medication may help bring relief when the condition is caused by degenerative disease. Dr. Mungcal will work with your primary physician, rheumatologist, and other health care providers to deliver customized, coordinated care.

If you have concerns about TMJ disorder, call Downtown Dental at 213-863-9464 and schedule an appointment today.

Share this Article


Back to TMJ Page

Home » Blog » Are oral appliances the best treatment for TMJ disorders in Los Angeles?

  • Dr. Don Mungcal

    Dr. Don Mungcal

  • Dr. Tara Mavadat

    Dr. Tara Mavadat

  • Dr. Ivan Chan

    Dr. Ivan Chan

As the cornerstone and founder of Downtown Dental, Dr. Don Mungcal is a proactive and exceptionally talented dentist who is determined to contribute to the health and wellbeing of his community by attending to their dental care needs.

With over 28 years of experience and service, Dr. Mungcal makes it his responsibility to be the best version of himself by being his patients’ go-to point for any and all dental concerns. In addition to being meticulous in his work ethic, he is also an individual who understands development and change. He updates and informs himself constantly through various continuous educational programs that he undertakes. He also invests in the latest state-of-the-art technology to provide world-class dental services.

Dr. Mungcal graduated from UCLA and the University of the Pacific Dental School and is presently a member of several acclaimed medical associations, including the California Dental Society.

Dr. Tara Mavadat was always passionate about dentistry and is committed to helping patients achieve excellent oral health and beautiful smiles that last long. Having earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry, she focuses on comprehensive general dentistry with an emphasis on preventive dentistry. Her primary goals are to provide comfort and quality as well as exceptional esthetic outcomes to every patient.

Dr. Ivan Chan is enthusiastic about dentistry and his patients' oral health and is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care. He is a highly skilled dentist who received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry.

Dr. Chan has extensive training in general dentistry. He focuses on creating lasting smiles while attempting to prevent gum disease and cavities. He looks forward to assisting you with all your needs while assuring you that your trust is always in good hands, regardless of your needs!

Recent Posts

  • Invisible Braces for Adults in Los Angeles California AreaThe Key Benefits of Invisalign for Adults
    November 1, 2022
  • Teeth Gap Filling Cost Los Angeles CAA Quick Fix for Gapped Teeth with Tooth-Colored Fillings
    May 23, 2022
  • Zoom Teeth Whitening in Los Angeles CA AreaBrighten your smile with the Zoom teeth whitening solutions in Los Angeles, CA
    January 4, 2022
  • Zoom Whitening Treatment in Los Angeles CA AreaDentist in Los Angeles, CA describes the benefits of Zoom whitening treatment
    January 4, 2022
  • Zoom Whitening Treatment in Los Angeles AreaIs Zoom whitening treatment safe for Los Angeles, CA area patients?
    January 4, 2022

Categories

  • All on 4
  • Clear Braces
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Dental Bridges
  • Dental Care
  • Dental Crowns and Bridges
  • Dental Implants
  • Dental Services
  • Denture
  • Featured Articles
  • Gum Disease
  • Invisalign
  • Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Root Canals
  • Sedation
  • Teeth Cleaning
  • Teeth Whitening
  • TMJ
  • Uncategorized
  • Home
  • Contact us
  • Success Stories
  • Site Map
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
Downtown Dental Located at 255 South Grand Avenue Ste 204, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States. Call Us: 213-863-9464. www.downtowndentalla.com
© 2023 Downtown Dental. All rights reserved. Powered by www.ekwa.com
  • Home
  • Call
  • Appointment
  • Treatments
  • Find us
  • Home
  • About
    • COVID 19 Safety Measures
    • Meet Dr. Mungcal
    • Meet Dr. Tara
    • Meet Dr. Ivan
    • Meet Our Dental Assistants
    • Meet Our Hygienist
    • Meet Our Team
    • Community Projects LA
    • Technology
    • FAQ
    • Blog
    • Dental Videos
    • Los Angeles Dentist
  • Services
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Porcelain Veneers
      • Smile Makeover
      • Teeth Whitening
      • ZOOM! Teeth Whitening
      • Perfect Smile
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign and Insurance
        • Invisalign Timeline
        • Invisalign Cost
        • Invisalign 101
        • Invisalign FAQ
    • Restorative Dentistry
      • Dental Implants
        • Dental Implants Costs
      • Dental Bridges
      • Dental Crowns
        • Crowns in a Day
      • Full Mouth Reconstruction
    • Preventive Dentistry
      • Dental Care
      • Teeth Cleaning
      • Gum Disease
        • Gum Disease Treatment 
        • Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation
        • Deep Teeth Cleaning
        • Laser Dentistry Gum Disease Treatment
        • LANAP Laser Gum Surgery
      • TMJ/TMD Treatment
      • Root Canals
      • Cavity Prevention
      • Tooth-Colored Fillings
    • General Dentistry
      • Family Dentist
      • Sedation Dentistry
      • Smile Dentist
      • Emergency Dentistry
        • Broken Tooth
        • Toothache Pain Relief
        • Wisdom Tooth Extraction
  • Specials
  • Smile Gallery
  • Success Stories
  • Patient Forms
    • Sunbit Financing
    • Proceed Finance
  • Newsletter Archive
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Porcelain Veneers
    • Smile Makeover
    • Teeth Whitening
    • ZOOM! Teeth Whitening
    • Perfect Smile
    • Invisalign
      • Invisalign and Insurance
      • Invisalign Timeline
      • Invisalign Cost
      • Invisalign 101
      • Invisalign FAQ
  • Restorative Dentistry
    • Dental Implants
      • Dental Implants Costs
    • Dental Bridges
    • Dental Crowns
      • Crowns in a Day
    • Full Mouth Reconstruction
  • Preventive Dentistry
    • Dental Care
    • Teeth Cleaning
    • Gum Disease
      • Gum Disease Treatment 
      • Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation
      • Deep Teeth Cleaning
      • Laser Dentistry Gum Disease Treatment
      • LANAP Laser Gum Surgery
    • TMJ/TMD Treatment
    • Root Canals
    • Cavity Prevention
    • Tooth-Colored Fillings
  • General Dentistry
    • Family Dentist
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • Smile Dentist
    • Emergency Dentistry
      • Broken Tooth
      • Toothache Pain Relief
      • Wisdom Tooth Extraction