South Bay TMJ Institute offers a full range of treatments for TMJ disorders, jaw pain, headaches, nerve pain, and facial pain. Our approach is conservative, non-surgical, and reversible — starting with the least invasive options and advancing only when needed.
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Every patient receives a thorough evaluation before any treatment begins. We never recommend a procedure without first understanding what is driving your condition. See what to expect at your first visit.
Your plan is based on your diagnosis, medical history, and what works best for your body. No two patients are the same.
Board-certified orofacial pain specialists. One patient at a time. No double-booking.
Medicare & most major insurance accepted
Custom-fitted devices that relax the jaw muscles, improve alignment, protect teeth from grinding, and keep your airway open during sleep. Made from molds of your own teeth.
Coordinated through your treatment plan
When broader therapies aren’t enough, precise injections can break the pain cycle — targeting the exact muscle, nerve, or joint causing your symptoms.
The average number of clinicians a TMJ patient sees before finding the right specialist, according to the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.
Our treatment options address a wide range of chronic pain conditions of the head, face, jaw, and neck.
The right treatment depends entirely on your diagnosis. During your evaluation, we identify the specific source of your pain and consider how long you have had symptoms, what you have already tried, and your overall health.
For many patients, a combination of treatments works best. Your doctor will explain each option and help you make an informed decision about your care.
“We see one patient at a time. Your appointment is yours — to ask questions, understand your diagnosis, and plan next steps together.”
These are the questions our front desk team hears most often. If you don’t see your question here, call us — we’re happy to answer before your first visit.
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint — the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull. TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder, which is the medical term for problems that affect those joints, the surrounding muscles, or related nerves. Saying “I have TMJ” is a common shorthand, but technically, everyone has a TMJ. What most people mean is that they have TMD — a painful or dysfunctional condition involving the jaw joint system.
Some mild TMJ symptoms may improve with time, rest, reduced jaw strain, and habit changes. However, symptoms that persist, worsen, or interfere with eating, speaking, sleeping, or daily comfort should be evaluated. A proper diagnosis can help determine whether treatment is needed and what options may be appropriate.
TMJ pain can have many contributing factors, including jaw clenching or grinding, muscle tension, bite changes, joint inflammation, arthritis, injury, stress-related habits, or problems with jaw movement. Because causes vary from patient to patient, a clinical evaluation is important before recommending treatment.
Many insurance plans may cover TMJ treatment when it is diagnosed as a medical condition. Coverage depends on your specific plan, diagnosis, and benefits. Our team can help review your benefits before treatment begins so you have a clearer understanding of possible costs.
Treatment length varies depending on the cause, severity, and complexity of your condition. Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks, while more complex cases may take several months. Your doctor will discuss a realistic timeline after your evaluation.
Some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care doctor, dentist, or another provider. Please check with your insurance company before scheduling. If your plan does not require a referral, you may be able to schedule directly with our office.
Most TMJ treatments involve little to no discomfort. Conservative options such as oral appliances, self-care guidance, and physical therapy recommendations are generally non-invasive. If an injection-based treatment is recommended, your doctor will explain what to expect and take steps to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Board-Certified Orofacial Pain Specialist · Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain · Assistant Professor, UCLA
Schedule your evaluation with our board-certified orofacial pain specialists and start your path to lasting recovery.
We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans.
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