Holistic Smile Care · West Hollywood
TMJ Treatment
Relief for jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and grinding, from a dentist with a master's degree in orofacial pain.
Reviewed by Dr. Bruce Vafa, DDS, MS. Last reviewed October 2026.
Understanding the jaw joint
What is TMJ disorder?
TMJ disorder is a problem with the jaw joints or the muscles that move your jaw. The temporomandibular joints sit just in front of each ear and connect your lower jaw to your skull. When the joint, the small disc inside it, or the surrounding muscles stop working smoothly, the result is called a temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. Most people simply call it TMJ.
It is common, and it is often mistaken for something else. Many people treat headaches, earaches, or neck pain for years before anyone checks the jaw. The good news is that most cases improve with conservative, non-surgical care, especially when they are caught early.
Jaw pain
Aching in front of the ear, along the jaw, or in the face, often worse when you chew.
Clicking or locking
Popping or grating when you open, or a jaw that catches or will not open all the way.
Headaches
Tension headaches at the temples, often worst in the morning after clenching at night.
Ear symptoms
Ear pain, fullness, or ringing when no ear infection is found.
Why TMJ is a whole-body problem
Jaw pain rarely starts in the jaw alone. As a holistic practice, we look at the root cause, because treating the symptom without the cause usually means the pain comes back.
- Clenching and grinding. Night-time bruxism overworks the jaw muscles and strains the joint.
- Stress. Tension often settles in the jaw, neck, and shoulders, especially during the day.
- Sleep and breathing. Snoring and disrupted breathing at night are linked to clenching, so we ask about sleep as part of the exam.
- The bite. Missing teeth or a bite that does not meet evenly can keep the muscles from ever fully relaxing.
- Posture. How you hold your head and neck changes how your jaw sits and moves.
What to expect
TMJ treatment here starts with finding the cause, then uses the most conservative option that works. Most patients never need surgery.
- A full evaluationWe review your symptoms and history, examine the joints, muscles, bite, and how far your jaw opens, and take imaging only where it is needed.
- A custom oral applianceA splint made for your mouth takes pressure off the joint and protects your teeth from clenching. It is very different from a drugstore guard.
- Exercises and habitsSimple jaw exercises, resting positions, and stress habits that help the muscles calm down between visits.
- Treating the causeIf the bite, missing teeth, grinding, or sleep is driving the pain, we address it directly or refer for a sleep study when that is the right step.
- Follow-upWe check how you respond and adjust the plan. Cases that need surgery are referred to an oral surgeon.
Materials and safety
Every appliance and restoration we use for TMJ care is made from biocompatible, metal-free materials, the same standard we hold for all dentistry at this office. If your treatment includes rebuilding worn teeth or replacing missing ones, those restorations are metal-free and mercury-free too.
We also favor the least invasive option first. Surgery and irreversible changes to your bite are never the starting point.
Your TMJ dentist
Dr. Bruce Vafa, DDS, MS
Dr. Bruce Vafa, DDS, MS, earned his dental degree in 1984 and has practiced holistic and cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles since 2002. He holds a Master of Science in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine from USC and completed a residency in pediatric dentistry.
That orofacial pain training is uncommon among general dentists. It focuses on exactly this: the jaw joints, facial pain, and the muscles of the head and neck. With over 40 years of clinical experience, he can tell a joint problem from a muscle problem from referred pain, so treatment targets the right source.
What does TMJ treatment cost?
The cost of TMJ treatment depends on what is causing your symptoms. Many patients are treated with a custom splint and a few follow-up visits; others also need bite work or restorations. We explain your options and give you a written estimate before anything begins. Read more in our guide to TMJ treatment costs in Los Angeles.
Some medical plans cover TMJ care as a medical condition, even when dental insurance does not. Call (323) 654-2840 to confirm your insurance coverage. We offer dental financing through CareCredit.
Your first visit
New patients start with a free consultation. We listen, examine your jaw, and explain what we find in plain language.
You leave with a plan and its cost. Nothing starts until you decide.
TMJ questions
Can TMJ go away on its own?
Sometimes. Mild flare-ups often settle within a few weeks with rest, soft foods, and less clenching. Symptoms that keep coming back, last longer than a few weeks, or include locking usually need treatment, and they are easier to treat early.
Can a dentist treat TMJ?
Yes. For most people, a dentist trained in orofacial pain is the right place to start. Dr. Bruce Vafa holds a master's degree in orofacial pain from USC. The small number of cases that need surgery are referred to an oral surgeon.
Is TMJ treatment painful?
No. Conservative TMJ care, including the exam, a custom splint, exercises, and bite adjustment, is not painful. The goal of every step is to reduce the pain you already have.
Does TMJ cause headaches?
It can. Overworked jaw muscles, especially from clenching at night, are a common cause of tension headaches at the temples. If your headaches are worst when you wake up, your jaw is worth checking.
What is the difference between TMJ and bruxism?
Bruxism is clenching or grinding your teeth. TMJ disorder is a problem in the jaw joint or its muscles. Grinding is one of the most common causes of TMJ symptoms, so the two are often treated together.
Does insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Coverage varies by plan. Some dental plans cover splints, and some medical plans cover TMJ care as a medical condition. Call (323) 654-2840 with your plan details and we will help you check before treatment starts.
How long does TMJ treatment take?
Many patients feel better within a few weeks of starting splint therapy. A full course of conservative care usually takes a few months, depending on what is causing your symptoms and how you respond.
Ready for relief from jaw pain?
We proudly serve West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Hancock Park, Larchmont, and Hollywood Hills patients.
7865 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046 · Monday to Friday 9 to 6 · Saturday 9 to 3
Related services and reading
- Holistic Dentistry in West Hollywood
- Bruxism and Teeth Grinding
- Jaw Pain Symptoms
- Botox for TMJ
- Choosing a TMJ Specialist
- Sedation Dentistry
Reviewed by Dr. Bruce Vafa, DDS, MS. Last reviewed October 2026.
