Restorative Dentistry
TMJ Treatment
Chronic jaw pain, clicking, and headaches don't have to be your normal. We can help you find lasting relief.
Relief from Jaw Pain Starts Here
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and is one of the most complex joints in your body. When it's not functioning properly — due to stress, teeth grinding, bite misalignment, or injury — it can cause a range of painful and disruptive symptoms.
At MAK Dental, Dr. Guirguis takes a thorough, patient-centered approach to diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. Rather than masking symptoms, we work to identify the root cause and create a personalized treatment plan that brings you real, lasting relief.
Signs You May Have a TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorders can present in many ways. If you experience any of the following, a TMJ evaluation may help.
Experiencing these symptoms? Call us at (707) 554-2600 to schedule an evaluation.
Common Causes of TMJ Disorders
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Grinding or clenching your teeth — often during sleep — puts enormous pressure on the TMJ and surrounding muscles.
Bite Misalignment
When your upper and lower teeth don't come together properly, it can strain the jaw joint and muscles over time.
Stress & Muscle Tension
Stress often manifests as jaw clenching, which overworks the TMJ and leads to pain and inflammation.
Injury or Trauma
A blow to the jaw, whiplash, or other head and neck injuries can damage the TMJ or surrounding tissues.
How We Treat TMJ Disorders
Custom Night Guard
A custom-fitted oral appliance worn during sleep repositions the jaw and prevents teeth grinding, relieving pressure on the TMJ. This is the most common first-line treatment and is highly effective for bruxism-related TMJ pain.
Bite Adjustment
If bite misalignment is contributing to your TMJ disorder, Dr. Guirguis may recommend reshaping certain tooth surfaces or using restorations to create a more balanced bite.
Physical Therapy Guidance
Jaw stretching exercises and physical therapy techniques can strengthen the muscles around the TMJ, improve range of motion, and reduce pain over time.
Lifestyle & Stress Management
We provide guidance on habits that aggravate TMJ — like chewing gum, nail biting, or jaw clenching — and strategies to reduce stress-related tension in the jaw.
What to Expect
Getting to the root of your TMJ disorder starts with a thorough evaluation.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Dr. Guirguis examines your jaw, bite, and teeth, reviews your symptoms, and takes any necessary X-rays to understand what's driving your discomfort.
Diagnosis & Discussion
We explain our findings in plain language and walk you through your treatment options so you can make an informed decision.
Custom Treatment Plan
Your plan is tailored to your specific cause — whether that's a night guard, bite adjustment, or a combination of approaches.
Ongoing Support
We monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed until you experience lasting relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
You Don't Have to Live with Jaw Pain
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Guirguis and take the first step toward lasting relief.