Jaw comfort · Los Gatos
The jaw joint, explained
The temporomandibular joint, commonly referred to as TMJ, is one of the most complex joints in the human body. Located on both sides of your jaw, it connects your jawbone to your skull and allows for essential functions like chewing, speaking, and even smiling.
TMD describes disorders affecting the jaw joints or chewing muscles. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, locking, or difficulty chewing. Clicking without pain is common and often does not need treatment. A dental evaluation helps distinguish these concerns from other causes of facial pain.
Tap any that sound familiar.
Jaw pain, headaches, and clicking can have several causes. An exam is the best way to find out what is going on.
These are worth mentioning at a TMJ consultation, so Dr. Chuang can look at your jaw and bite together with you.
Your first visit
Your first step toward finding relief is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Tim Chuang at Family First Smile Care.
Ways we can help
A custom guard can separate and protect teeth affected by grinding. It may be discussed after an examination; it does not guarantee relief from TMD or stop grinding.
TMD has several possible causes. Start with an evaluation and discuss reversible care before considering treatment that changes your teeth or bite.
Explore dental examsWhen appropriate, digital imaging can help the dentist evaluate jaw structures and explain treatment options.
Explore dental examsAsk whether guided exercises or evaluation by a physical therapist would suit your findings. Follow individual instructions rather than forcing a painful jaw movement.
Your clinician may discuss habits, reducing jaw strain, or other conservative approaches based on your symptoms. What helps varies from person to person.
Persistent or complex symptoms may need another clinician's evaluation. Ask about referral options and the evidence, benefits, and risks of any proposed treatment. NIDCR reports insufficient evidence that changing the teeth or bite treats TMD.
“It has been such a pleasure meeting Dr. Chuang and getting an actual treatment plan to help with my TMJ. He constructed a custom dental orthotic for me to wear at night and also taught me some simple massages and exercises to help with my pain. After being given the run around and negligent care from other dentists and health professionals for years, it is truly a relief to find a caring professional who is so knowledgeable about TMJ!”
“I recommend Family First Smile Care for anyone's dental needs. Dr. Chuang and his staff are very friendly and were quick to respond to my dental issues providing referrals to additional specialists. The practice used modern equipment to have a 3D printed night guard made to help with my TMJ issue.”
Why families choose us
Plan your visit
Persistent jaw pain, painful clicking, locking, or difficulty chewing can be reasons to arrange an evaluation. TMJ names the jaw joint; TMD refers to disorders involving the joint or chewing muscles. A painless click alone often does not need treatment.
Many TMD symptoms improve with conservative care. Depending on your examination, discussion may include habits, guided exercises, a protective appliance, or referral. Treatments that permanently change teeth or the bite should not be presented as a routine cure for TMD.
Describe when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and any previous care. Bring an existing guard or appliance. Dr. Chuang evaluates your symptoms and jaw function, discusses whether imaging is useful, and explains next steps or an appropriate referral.
Preparing for your first visitFollow the instructions for any recommended appliance or exercises. Contact the team if symptoms worsen or an appliance causes pain or changes the way your teeth fit together. Follow-up depends on the findings and care plan.
A guard can help protect teeth from grinding, but it does not guarantee relief from TMD or stop grinding. The examination helps determine whether an appliance or another approach is appropriate.
Jaw pain needs an evaluation before treatment is chosen. NIDCR reports insufficient evidence that treatments changing teeth or the bite treat TMD, and some may worsen symptoms. Discuss conservative options and referral when appropriate.
Dr. Chuang is a general dentist. Ask whether your findings would benefit from an orofacial pain specialist or another clinician, and what a referral would involve.
Call the office for the current evaluation fee and ask what it includes. Any imaging, appliance, or further treatment should be discussed separately. Coverage depends on your particular plan.
Not necessarily. Clicking without pain is common and often does not need treatment. Pain, locking, or difficulty using your jaw are reasons to ask for an evaluation.
General information helps you prepare questions. Your examination and treatment plan determine the right approach for you.
Sources:NIDCR: Temporomandibular disorders (opens in a new tab)
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