Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Santa Ana, CA

Temporomandibular joint disorders, also known as TMJ or TMD, involve pain in the jaw and limitations in jaw movement. Not all of the causes of TMJ are known, but possible causes include dental procedures, arthritis, infections, genetic, hormones, stretching of the jaw, and clenching or grinding teeth.

Symptoms of TMJ include:

• An inability to open the mouth comfortably
• Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
• Locking of the jaw while opening the mouth
• Headaches
• An uncomfortable "bite"
• Shoulder, neck and back pain
• Facial swelling

Since these symptoms can be brought on by a wide variety of ailments, it can be extremely difficult to diagnose temporomandibular joint disorders. A careful dental and medical examination is the first step towards identifying and treating this problem.

California dentist Dr. Franklin practices cosmetic dentistry in the South Coast Metro and South Coast Plaza areas including Irvine, Corona Del Mar, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Laguna Beach, Fountain Valley, Tustin, and Santa Ana.