Your temporomandibular joint (or TMJ) is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, which are in front of each ear. It lets you move your jaw up and down and side to side, so you can talk, chew, and yawn. Problems with your jaw and the muscles in your face that control it are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD) which can cause pain in your jaw, chronic headaches, or head, neck, or facial pain.
If you have been seeking relief from headaches, migraines, and head/neck pain, you may have been to numerous doctors with endless tests and treatments tried with varying degrees of success. However, the causes of TMD are complex, meaning that the condition might only be properly diagnosed by a specialized TMJ disorder doctor. Dr. Silegy is the top TMJ specialist in Long Beach, offering caring, specialized treatment for all patients—and it all starts with an initial diagnostic visit!
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects the joint connecting your jaw to your skull. When this joint isn’t working properly, it can lead to symptoms like jaw pain, clicking sounds, and headaches. These headaches often come from muscle tension in the jaw and surrounding areas, which can radiate upward and feel like a constant ache or pressure. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), TMD affects approximately 5% to 12% of the population and is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions.
Dr. Silegy has spent decades helping patients understand and manage the impact of TMD, including chronic headaches, coordinating care for patients with top specialists in the area. By addressing the underlying causes of jaw tension and misalignment, he works to relieve pain and restore comfort. Through advanced diagnostics and tailored treatments, our team offers solutions to improve your symptoms and your overall quality of life.
TMD can cause a variety of symptoms with some of the most common including headaches, migraines, and head & neck pain. TMD can also cause:
Accurately diagnosing Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is the key to finding effective relief. At Silegy OMFS, we take a comprehensive approach to understanding your symptoms and their underlying causes. Our process begins with a detailed consultation, where we listen carefully to your concerns and ask about the frequency and intensity of your symptoms, including headaches, jaw pain, or difficulty with movement.
Next, Dr. Silegy will perform a thorough physical examination, checking the function of your jaw, the alignment of your bite, and any signs of tension or tenderness in the muscles around your face and neck. When necessary, we use advanced imaging technology, such as X-rays or 3D scans, to get a clear view of your temporomandibular joints. This allows us to identify structural issues or inflammation contributing to your discomfort.
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Silegy blends his comprehensive experience with state-of-the-art tools to deliver a precise diagnosis. From there, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs, helping you find relief and improve your overall quality of life.
TMD can present a wide range of overlapping symptoms, meaning that the best treatment for TMJ disorders isn’t always a one-size-fits-all solution. An accurate TMD diagnosis by a specialist is critical for successful treatment. At the Silegy Center, we pride ourselves on providing the most effective clinical treatments to provide lasting relief for TMD symptoms. Our treatments include:
BOTOX therapy employs medically-safe neurotoxin that shuts down pain signals to treat TMD symptoms. Your doctor will precisely inject the Botox into the associated muscles to provide relief that is profound and often immediate. The effects of Botox therapy usually last 3-6 months in duration and can be repeated as necessary.
Oral Appliances for TMJ Disorders are custom fabricated for your unique anatomy and physiology and designed to optimize the alignment of your lower jaw with your skull. This allows the fatigued head and neck muscles to relax and the anatomical structures of the TMJ to return to their natural position. Oral appliances can be worn at night only or for more profound cases, can be worn during the day.
Manual therapy also known as “cranial therapy” for TMJ can be used in conjunction with myofascial release, mobilization, and deep muscle therapy. Various methods including postural correction, cold laser, ultrasound, stim, heat, and cold also may be used depending on your specific case and needs.
If TMD headaches and jaw pain are disrupting your daily life, you don’t have to face them alone. At Silegy OMFS, we’re dedicated to helping you find relief through compassionate, personalized care. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Silegy blends state-of-the-art technology with proven treatments to target the root causes of your discomfort. Whether it’s Botox therapy to relax tense muscles, custom oral appliances to realign your bite, or advanced surgical options for severe cases, we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
We know how challenging it can be to live with constant pain, and our goal is to restore your comfort and confidence. Every patient receives individualized attention in our welcoming Long Beach office, where we prioritize your safety and well-being at every step. Let us help you move past the pain and regain control of your life. Call us at (562) 496-1978 or visit our contact form to schedule your consultation today.
The Silegy Experience is all about you, the patient. We want you to feel relaxed, pampered, and well taken care of when you’re in our care. See for yourself what our patients have to say about their care and experience at Silegy OMFS.