Where Can I Find a Trusted TMJ Specialist in Santa Monica, CA?

At Le Chic Dentist, we understand that jaw pain and discomfort can be confusing and concerning—especially because symptoms of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder often overlap with other medical or dental conditions. TMJ disorder typically presents as pain or tenderness in your jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. You might feel this discomfort near your ear, face, or neck. Other common signs include jaw stiffness, pain while chewing, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth, or even your jaw momentarily locking.

You may also notice headaches, earaches, or a sensation of fullness in your ears. However, it’s important to remember that these symptoms aren’t unique to TMJ disorder. Dental issues like tooth decay or gum disease, sinus infections, arthritis, ear infections, or even some types of nerve pain can cause similar problems. For example, if you’re experiencing ear pain without other jaw symptoms, an ear or sinus issue could be the cause. Likewise, headaches or facial pain may sometimes be related to migraines or tension headaches.

Because so many conditions share these symptoms, it’s important not to self-diagnose or ignore ongoing discomfort. At Le Chic Dentist, our experienced team is here to help. We conduct a thorough examination, review your medical and dental history, and, if necessary, recommend imaging such as X-rays or MRI to accurately diagnose your condition. This careful approach ensures you receive the most appropriate, effective treatment for your needs.

If you’re experiencing persistent jaw pain, clicking, or limited movement, schedule an appointment at Le Chic Dentist. We’ll help you find the source of your discomfort and develop a personalized treatment plan—so you can enjoy a healthier, pain-free smile.

At Le Chic Dentist, we often see patients suffering from unexplained headaches and facial pain. Did you know that these symptoms could be related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders? The TMJ is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, and issues with this joint—or the surrounding muscles—are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

How TMJ Disorders Cause Headaches

TMJ disorders can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw
• Difficulty chewing
• Facial pain

One of the most common complaints we hear at Le Chic Dentist is recurring headaches, especially around the temples, forehead, or behind the eyes. TMJ-related headaches often mimic tension headaches and, in some cases, can trigger migraine-like symptoms.

This occurs because the jaw muscles and nerves are closely connected to those in the head and neck. Activities such as jaw movement, teeth clenching, or even extended dental procedures can worsen these symptoms.

When to Seek Help
While TMJ disorders can contribute to headache symptoms, they usually do not cause true migraines, which are a specific neurological condition. However, TMD can trigger migraines in people who are already prone to them.

If you’re experiencing frequent headaches alongside jaw pain, clicking, or limited jaw movement, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. At Le Chic Dentist, our team is experienced in identifying and treating TMJ disorders. With the right care, we can help relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.

At Le Chic Dentist, we understand that the timeline for successfully treating temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can vary widely from patient to patient. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms, underlying causes, and the personalized care plan we develop for you.

For many of our patients experiencing mild TMJ symptoms, conservative approaches such as custom jaw exercises, stress management techniques, and over-the-counter pain relief—guided by our dental professionals—can often bring significant improvement within a few weeks to a couple of months. Symptoms like jaw pain, clicking, or limited jaw movement may resolve or become much more manageable with these non-invasive strategies.

If your TMJ disorder is moderate or severe, or if you are dealing with ongoing pain and jaw dysfunction, your treatment plan at Le Chic Dentist may take longer. In these cases, our team may recommend a combination of advanced therapies. Ongoing management may extend over several months, and our dentists will closely monitor your progress to make adjustments as needed.

TMJ is often a multifactorial condition, and our goal at Le Chic Dentist is to help you achieve lasting symptom relief and improved jaw function. Regular follow-up visits, adherence to your customized treatment plan, and addressing contributing factors like teeth grinding or stress can all play a vital role in your recovery timeline. Most patients experience substantial relief with consistent, conservative treatment—but patience is key, as improvement can take time.

If you’re experiencing jaw pain, clicking, or discomfort related to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, the expert team at Le Chic Dentist in Santa Monica is here to help. Our practice specializes in the diagnosis and management of TMJ disorders using the latest techniques and evidence-based treatments.

At Le Chic Dentist, Dr. Maryam Hadian, DDS, and our skilled dental professionals have advanced training in orofacial pain and TMJ therapies. We provide thorough TMJ evaluations, utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to determine the root cause of your symptoms. We offer minimally invasive procedures like Botox as part of our comprehensive approach to TMJ care.

Choosing Le Chic Dentist means you’ll benefit from compassionate, patient-centered care right here in Santa Monica. We’re committed to helping you find relief from TMJ discomfort and restoring your quality of life.

If you’re looking for a trusted TMJ specialist in Santa Monica, CA, Dr. Maryam Hadian, DDS, at Le Chic Dentist is here to help. Dr. Hadian has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders, which can cause jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. She takes a personalized approach, working closely with each patient to understand their symptoms and create a treatment plan tailored to their needs.

At Le Chic Dentist, Dr. Hadian offers a range of treatment options, from non-invasive therapies to more advanced solutions if needed. With a focus on patient comfort and long-term relief, Dr. Hadian provides compassionate care and ensures that every patient receives the best possible treatment for their TMJ concerns. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3755 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066. We serve patients from Santa Monica Los Angeles CA, Downtown LA, Beverly Hills CA, Inglewood CA, Marina Del Rey CA, Playa Vista CA, El Segundo CA, Mar Vista CA and surrounding areas.