Patients in the Los Angeles, CA area who are faced with conditions such as TMJ disorder (TMD) are often on the lookout for effective diagnosis and treatment for their concerns. TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint that can become problematic for many patients due to dysfunction. This joint hinges the jaw to the skull. When it begins to malfunction, it can cause pain, discomfort, and multiple problems that affect an individual. Dr. Don Mungcal at Downtown Dental in Los Angeles, CA works with patients who may be concerned that this condition is responsible for a variety of problems.
TMJ/TMD explained
TMD, which is short for temporomandibular disorder, can often result in a number of symptoms that may indicate the problem is present. TMD is often noted when patients experience:
- Soreness around the jaw joint
- Discomfort from the shoulders up
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Clicking and popping of the jaw joint
- Muscle tension around the jaws and ears
- Locking of the jaw in the closed or open position
Individuals with these concerns need to see their dentist for an evaluation to determine if TMD is present and get a proper diagnosis before moving forward with treatment options.
Treatment for TMD
In most cases, patients who visit Downtown Dental with Dr. Don Mungcal are introduced to a treatment option known as oral appliance therapy. Oral appliance therapy is a popular choice as it is non-invasive and easy to use. Patients who have been diagnosed with this condition can speak to our dentist about having impressions done to create a special mouth guard used at night or during the day to reduce tension and realign the jaw so that the problems subside, sometimes entirely. This mouth guard fits perfectly into the mouth and while it aligns the jaw, it also protects the natural teeth from any damage that may be caused. Some patients with TMD have coexisting conditions such as bruxism which causes clenching and grinding. This can impact the natural teeth, as well as restorations such as crowns and veneers, making it expensive and difficult to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. During the initial evaluation with Dr. Don Mungcal, patients can ask about oral appliance therapy as a solution.
Is oral appliance therapy for everyone?
With the use of oral appliance therapy, many dentists find that this first line of defense is effective in treating mild to moderate cases of TMJ and TMD. However, if the condition is more severe, patients may require jaw surgery. In some situations, this is the only way to relieve the issue at hand when solutions such as oral appliance therapy are not effective in treatment. Few of our patients need to go down this road, but it is something that may be considered when alternative options are not providing the results patients expect.
Who is a candidate for oral appliance therapy?
Any patient who has TMD is encouraged to ask about this treatment as an effective way of addressing their condition. In addition, patients with conditions like bruxism may also find this to be a wonderful solution to protecting the teeth from damage. Oral appliance therapy has been a desirable way of addressing many different dental concerns and continues to be an easy, non-invasive solution that patients can afford.
Is oral appliance therapy covered by dental insurance?
All dental insurance plans are different, so we encourage patients to bring their dental insurance cards with them to our practice when they arrive, so our front office staff can determine the available benefits and coverage.
Speak to the team of Downtown Dental about treatment for TMD
TMD can negatively impact one’s every day quality of life. We encourage Los Angeles, CA area patients who have been diagnosed with the condition to contact our practice and learn about the advantages of using oral appliance therapy as a tool to reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day functionality of the smile. Call Dr. Don Mungcal at 213-863-9464 today to schedule your appointment at 255 South Grand Avenue, Suite 204 and start learning about how to take action against this troublesome condition.
