What Is TMJ Disorder?

In this video, Drs. Karen Becerra Penagos and Myrna Aguilar explain what causes TMJ disorder, why symptoms can spread beyond the jaw, and why early evaluation protects long-term joint function.

TMJ disorder occurs when the forces acting on the jaw joint are out of balance. This imbalance can place excess strain on the joint and surrounding muscles. Common symptoms include migraines, headaches, muscle soreness, and jaw fatigue. Many patients notice they wake up feeling tired or sore because their jaw muscles have been overworking during sleep.

TMJ problems can affect more than just the jaw. Because the joints and muscles are connected to the neck and head, TMJ dysfunction can also contribute to neck pain and other related issues. If left untreated, these problems can worsen over time and interfere with normal chewing and jaw function.

It is important to evaluate TMJ disorders early and restore proper balance between the bite, the joint, and the muscles. TMJ treatment is typically covered by dental insurance because it addresses function and joint health, not cosmetics. Prompt treatment helps prevent more serious joint damage and long-term complications.

OUR DENTAL SERVICES

Hear What Our Patients Are Saying...

FREE Dental Implant Consultation

Our free implant consultation includes a full evaluation, 3D CBCT scan, clinical photos, treatment planning, and a discussion of costs and payment options in the same visit. A doctor reviews your health history, explains your scan results, and recommends the most suitable implant option for your needs.

Before you leave, you receive a clear plan, timeline, next steps, and transparent cost breakdown. Our financial coordinators outline practical payment and financing choices so you can select an option that fits your budget. This visit gives you answers and a plan you can act on.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Read The HEalthy Habit Dental Care Blog

Learn about the services we provide, and the latest advancements in general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry.

Same Day Teeth Replacement in Temecula, CA [Video Explanation]
How Mini Implants Make Same Day Teeth Replacement Possible [Video Explanation]

Same day teeth replacement may sound futuristic, but the technology is already here! While traditional dental implants take multiple appointments and months of healing, Healthy Habit Dental Care offers a much faster alternative. At our office, we often use mini dental implants to replace missing teeth in just one day. The same day that we place your implants, we [...]

Root Canal Pain Relief in Temecula, CA | Relieving Your Tooth Pain
Root Canal Pain Relief: The Truth About Root Canal Treatment

Root canals have a bad reputation for being painful procedures. Back in the day, dentists performed root canals without access to modern sedation techniques, which could cause intense discomfort. But these days, we have modern medicine to reduce pain and improve root canal outcomes! If you’re in need of pain relief but scared of a root canal, visit our [...]

Permanent Dentures in Temecula, CA | Free Implant Consultations
Permanent Dentures Offer a Permanent Solution to Tooth Loss

Traditional dentures are considered temporary because they aren’t designed to last forever. These prosthetics fit perfectly when you first try them in, but over time, they may lose that fit. Once traditional dentures become loose in your mouth, you may find them more difficult to wear or use. These dentures will slip and slide around on your gums, creating [...]

Full Mouth Restoration in Temecula, CA | Book a Free Consultation
Understanding Full Mouth Restoration [Glossery of Terms]

According to recent data from the Federal Reserve, around 19% of adults skipped their dental visit in 2024 due to financial hardship. In fact, dental care was the most skipped type of medical care among all groups. But the more you avoid the dentist, the more likely you are to need extensive dental care later on. If you haven’t [...]

Veneers vs. Crowns [Video Guide] | Free Consultations in Temecula
Veneers vs. Crowns: The Pros and Cons of Each Option [Video Guide]

When looking up cosmetic procedures to improve your smile, you’ll likely find the same two options keep coming up. Veneers and crowns are tried-and-true cosmetic treatments that enhance the appearance of your smile, but what is the difference between the two? When it comes to veneers vs. crowns, both treatments have their pros and cons. Learning the difference between [...]

Mini Implants Cost Less [Video Overview] Book Free Implant Consultations in CA
Mini Implants Cost Guide: Why Implants Are Worth the Investment [Video Overview]

Generally, an investment is the use of money, time, or energy in something with the hope that it will grow in value or generate a profit. Most often, we think of investing as something you do with stocks. But investing isn’t just for businessmen on Wall Street! You can invest your time, money, and energy into anything, including your [...]