TMJ/TMD in Chino, CA

TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull, located right in front of your ears. It allows you to speak, chew, yawn, and move your jaw side to side.

TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder (or dysfunction). It's the condition that occurs when the TMJ isn’t working properly, leading to pain, discomfort, or difficulty in jaw movement.

Think of TMJ as the joint itself, and TMD as the problem with that joint.

TMJ is the initialism for temporomandibular joint, which connects your lower jaw (the mandible) to your skull at the temporal bone. This joint controls many jaw functions, like chewing. If the chewing muscles or the joint itself are causing you pain you may have temporamandibular disorder, or TMD. TMD can be caused by stress, continual clenching of the jaw muscles, or teeth grinding.

TMD and Jaw Pain

TMD often develops from:

• Clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism)
• Stress, which increases jaw tension
• Injury or trauma to the jaw or joint
• Arthritis or joint inflammation
• Poor bite alignment or missing teeth, which strain the joint

Over time, these factors can cause:

• Inflammation in the joint
• Muscle tension or spasms in the face and jaw
• Clicking, popping, or even locking of the jaw

TMD Symptoms

TMD can present differently from patient to patient, but common symptoms include:

• Jaw pain or tenderness, especially near the ears
• Headaches (often mistaken for migraines),
• Clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or discomfort while chewing
• Locked jaw (open or closed position)
• Earaches or a feeling of fullness in the ear
• Facial pain, neck pain, or shoulder tension
• Tooth sensitivity with no dental explanation 
• Pain when opening or closing mouth
• Teeth Grinding

Many of these symptoms can often be associated with other health problems, so only a medical professional can tell you if it is due to TMD. Teeth grinding is an especially problematic symptom because it can lead to further problems. Prolonged teeth grinding, or bruxism, can cause enamel to wear off teeth and expose dentin. This material is softer than enamel and more susceptible to decay. Sensitivity to hot and cold food or drink may also develop from excessive teeth grinding.

If you suspect you may have TMD come in for a consultation. We can help diagnose you and provide relief for your symptoms. Pain relievers and hot/cold compresses are short term methods to provide relief for pain symptoms. A night guard can be used to help prevent or lessen the effects of teeth grinding at night. This can lead to a more permanent solution. In very severe cases of TMD surgery may be required, but behavioral treatments to change the way you use your jaw muscles are usually enough to provide relief.

TMD Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the condition. Dr. Afifi’s approach to TMD includes:

Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation

During your consultation at our Chino dental office, Dr. Afifi will assess your symptoms, jaw movement, bite, and muscle tension. We may use digital imaging or X-rays to evaluate the joint.

Step 2: Conservative Treatment

• Custom Nightguards (Occlusal Splints): To prevent grinding and relieve pressure on the joint
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve jaw mobility and reduce tension
• Bite Adjustments: Correcting alignment that’s stressing the TMJ
• Lifestyle Recommendations: Soft diet, warm compresses, and stress-reduction techniques

Step 3: Advanced Care (if needed)

If conservative treatments aren’t enough, Dr. Afifi may refer you for Botox® therapy, medications, or a consultation with an oral surgeon or TMJ expert.

At Chino Valley Dental Center, our focus is always on minimally invasive, evidence-based care to help you get relief and restore function.