TMJ Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions patients ask us most often about jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and TMJ treatment in Temecula, California. If your question is not answered here, call the office at 951-795-4833.

What is a TMJ disorder?

A TMJ disorder is a problem with the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, or with the muscles and ligaments that control it. When that joint becomes inflamed or the bite falls out of alignment, it can produce pain, clicking, limited movement, and headaches. Dentists also call this TMD, short for temporomandibular disorder.

What are the most common symptoms of a TMJ disorder?

The most common symptoms are jaw pain or stiffness, clicking or popping when you open your mouth, headaches, ear pain, facial tenderness, neck tightness, and pain when chewing. Many patients have several of these at once without connecting them to the jaw. TMJ symptoms are often mistaken for migraines, sinus problems, or ear infections.

Can TMJ cause headaches?

Yes. Headaches are one of the most common TMJ symptoms, and for many patients they are the symptom that finally leads to a diagnosis. When the joint is inflamed or the bite is off, the muscles around it stay tense, and that tension refers pain into the temples, forehead, and back of the head. Waking up with a headache most mornings is a classic sign.

Can TMJ cause ear pain or ringing in the ears?

Yes. The temporomandibular joint sits directly in front of the ear canal, so inflammation in the joint often feels like ear pain, fullness, or ringing. Patients frequently see a physician first, learn the ear is clear, and leave without an explanation. If your ears keep hurting and no infection turns up, the jaw joint is worth evaluating.

Why does my jaw click, pop, or lock?

Clicking, popping, and locking usually mean the cushioning disc inside the joint has shifted out of its normal position. The sound occurs as the joint slips past that displaced disc. Locking means the disc is now interfering with the joint's normal range of motion.

Should I wait and see whether the clicking goes away on its own?

Waiting is rarely the best approach. Joint noises reflect a mechanical problem that tends to continue, and over time the joint can develop more inflammation and less range of motion. An accurate diagnosis early gives you more treatment options and usually a simpler path.

What happens during a TMJ evaluation?

Dr. Herber examines your jaw joints, your bite alignment, and the surrounding muscles to determine what is actually driving your symptoms. He also walks through your symptom history, since TMJ problems often come with a long trail of previous appointments behind them. You leave with a clear explanation of whether the joint is involved and what your options are.

How is TMJ treated without surgery or medication?

Most TMJ cases respond to letting the joint decompress and heal rather than to surgery or long-term pain medication. Dr. Herber uses custom oral appliances to stabilize the jaw and reduce pressure on the joint, combined with targeted jaw exercises, physical therapy techniques, and changes to the habits that keep the muscles tense. The goal is to address the cause rather than mask the pain.

What is an occlusal splint or oral appliance?

An occlusal splint is a custom-made device, usually worn during sleep, that holds the jaw in a position where the joint can rest and the muscles can relax. It is fitted specifically to your bite, which is why an over-the-counter night guard rarely produces the same result. Many patients notice a change in symptoms within the first few weeks.

How long does TMJ treatment take?

It depends on how long the joint has been inflamed and how much of the problem is muscular rather than structural. Many patients feel meaningful relief within the first few weeks, while a full orthotic program typically runs several months. Dr. Herber sets expectations at your evaluation, before you commit to anything.

Will TMJ treatment permanently change my bite?

This is one of the most important questions to ask any TMJ provider, and you should have a clear answer before treatment starts. Some TMJ treatments are reversible and some permanently alter the bite. Dr. Herber will tell you exactly which category your recommended treatment falls into and why.

What if the first treatment does not work?

TMJ care is a process of confirming the diagnosis and adjusting, not a single procedure. If your response to the initial appliance is not what we expected, Dr. Herber reassesses the joint, the bite, and the muscles rather than repeating the same step. Because he treats TMJ every week, he has seen the cases that do not follow the usual pattern.

What does a TMJ evaluation cost?

The evaluation is $97, and if you decide to move forward with treatment, that $97 is credited toward the cost of your treatment. Dr. Herber performs the evaluation himself, so you are not paying for a screening with a coordinator, and you leave the appointment knowing whether the joint explains your symptoms even if you choose not to continue.

Does insurance cover TMJ treatment?

Coverage varies widely. Some dental plans cover part of TMJ treatment, some medical plans cover part of it, and many plans exclude it entirely. Our office reviews your specific benefits with you before treatment begins so the cost is clear up front.

Do I need a referral to see a TMJ dentist?

No. You can schedule a TMJ evaluation directly. Many patients come to us on their own after years of being told their symptoms were something else, and others arrive by referral from physicians, physical therapists, or their general dentist.

Should I see a dentist, an ENT, or an oral surgeon for TMJ?

A dentist with specific TMJ training is usually the right starting point, because the joint, the bite, and the surrounding muscles all have to be evaluated together. An ENT can rule out ear and sinus causes, and an oral surgeon becomes relevant in the small number of cases that require surgical intervention. Most TMJ disorders never reach that point.

What makes Dr. Herber's TMJ practice different?

Dr. Herber has treated TMJ disorders in Temecula for over 30 years, and he lived with TMJ symptoms himself for 22 years before finding the treatment that resolved them. The practice has a single dental chair, which means you see Dr. Herber at every visit instead of being passed between providers. That combination of personal experience and undivided attention is uncommon in TMJ care.

Where is the office and how do I schedule?

The practice is located at 40140 Winchester Road, Suite B, Temecula, CA 92591, across the street from Chaparral High School. To schedule a personalized TMJ evaluation, which is $97 and credited toward treatment if you move forward, call 951-795-4833 or request an evaluation online.