Your Skilled Covina & West Covina TMJ Specialist

Image of a dentist reviewing diagnostic scans to identify TMJ.

If you suffer from persistent and intense jaw pain or experience chronic throbbing headaches, temporomandibular joint disorders may be the source of your problem. Temporomandibular joint disorders, often called TMD or TMJ, refers to various conditions that negatively affect your jaw joints, muscles, and ligaments. At St. Mary Dental – Saeda Basta, DDS, MS, we're proud to provide excellent TMJ treatment to Covina and West Covina residents. We can't wait to start relieving your pain and improving your overall quality of life.

Our TMJ specialist, Dr. Basta, understands how your smile is crucial to your overall health. That's why our office doesn't treat TMD with medication but through non-surgical orthodontic appliances. Our dental team looks forward to helping you take the first step toward healthier and pain-free jaws. Call us today to schedule your next appointment and get the TMJ treatment you deserve!

CALL US: (626) 915-7711 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

Do I Need TMJ Treatment?

It can be challenging to know if you require TMJ treatment. Although TMD symptoms are easy to recognize, getting to the underlying cause isn't as straightforward. That's why it's crucial that you visit Dr. Basta, as she can leverage her extensive skills and knowledge to accurately diagnose your TMD and craft your treatment plan. If you're unsure whether you're dealing with TMD, some of the most common signs include:

  • Chronic headaches or migraines
  • Tinnitus or ringing in your ears
  • Jaw stiffness
  • Difficulty opening or closing your jaws
  • Popping or clicking when closing your mouth
  • Tender jaw muscles
  • Constant shoulder or neck pain

Out TMJ Treatment Process

When you visit our office for the first time, our TMJ dentist and her staff will conduct an extensive exam to determine if TMD is the source of your discomfort and pain. By using various diagnostic techniques and asking you questions, our team can better understand your disorder's progression, including how it's affected your airways and its severity.

Once our team has determined that you're suffering from TMD, we'll break down your personalized treatment plan. We encourage you to inquire about our offerings, as we never want you to feel like you're being rushed or pressured.

TMJ Treatment FAQs

At St. Mary Dental – Saeda Basta, DDS, MS, we never want you to feel like you don't have the information you need to make informed health decisions. That's why our friendly and responsive team is here to answer any of your questions. Some of the most frequently asked questions about our TMJ treatment include:

How long do TMD flare-ups last?

TMD is characterized by chronic flare-ups that can cause you pain and discomfort. Normally, flare-ups can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Professional treatment can help reduce your flare-ups and lessen the impact of symptoms on your life.

Although most people know what TMD and sleep apnea are, very few understand that the two conditions can be linked together. Research has shown that TMD and sleep apnea can share a connection and that if you suffer from one condition, there's a high chance of experiencing symptoms of the other. If we think that TMD is the source of your sleep apnea, we'll recommend a sleep apnea treatment.

Every patient is different, but orthotic appliances can be worn anywhere from four months to two years. Our TMJ specialist will provide you with detailed instructions on how long you need to wear your appliance and what you can expect throughout treatment.

It's important to note that minor cases of TMD may go away over time without treatment, but moderate to severe cases require treatment. Our dental team will work closely with you to determine what treatment options are right for your TMD.

One of the best ways to help prevent TMD symptoms is by reducing high-risk activity. Clenching your jaws, grinding your teeth, yawing too wide, and chewing on ice chips can all lead to TMD symptoms.

Yes. When you have a bad bite, it can place excessive strain on parts of your jaws and lead to pain and discomfort. If you have alignment issues, our team works with you to determine the best course of treatment to align your smile.

A Covina TMJ Dentist You Can Trust

At St. Mary Dental – Saeda Basta, DDS, MS, we know how challenging it can be to live your life with TMD. The constant pain and headaches can prevent you from focusing on what matters most in life. That's why our dental team is here to provide you with excellent TMJ treatment in Covina and West Covina. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment with our TMJ dentist!

CALL US: (626) 915-7711 REQUEST APPOINTMENT


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