Nicole E Pagonis DDS

Dentistry in Los Gatos, CA

14830 Los Gatos Blvd, Suite 104
Los Gatos, CA 95032

Nicole E Pagonis DDS > Services > TMJ, TMD, and Bruxism

If you have jaw pain or headaches, or if you grind your teeth, contact our dental office. Dr. Nicole Pagonis has treatment options.

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TMJ, TMD, and Bruxism Treatment in Los Gatos, CA

Teeth grinding or clenching, which is also referred to as bruxism, affects many people, and it can have serious consequences. This unconscious habit usually takes place while people are sleeping, and they may not know they are doing it until a sleep partner points it out.

Their dentist might also see undue wear on the teeth as well as bite marks on the insides of the cheeks. Some people suffer unexplained jaw, shoulder, and neck pain, which can be a sign that they are grinding their teeth.

Dr. Nicole Pagonis diagnoses and treats patients with this disorder, and she looks forward to helping you as well.

Diagnosing Bruxism

occlusal guard for bruxism | Dentist Los Gatos CA If you come to our Los Gatos, CA dental office because you suspect a bruxism issue, Dr. Pagonis will look for the following signs:

Uneven wear on the teeth and dental restorations
Highly developed jaw muscles
Bite marks on the inside of the cheeks
Gum recession
Broken or chipped teeth
Craze (vertical) lines or cracks in the teeth

She will also ask you about headaches, migraines, facial soreness, and other pain.

Meet Our Provider:

Nicole E Pagonis, DDS | Dentist Los Gatos CA

Nicole Pagonis DDS

Hello; I am Dr. P and I look forward to meeting you!

I am a native to the South Bay, born and raised and now currently living in Saratoga with my husband and two daughters.

It has always been a dream of mine to give back to my community. After graduating from Saratoga High School, I went on to Cal Poly SLO and then to University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco. I have always had a love for people and interpersonal interactions along with a true intrigue for ...

Treating Bruxism in Los Gatos

We might suggest a sleep study for some patients who come to our dental office with signs of bruxism because teeth grinding is often related to sleep apnea. Often treating sleep apnea alleviates bruxism.

Sometimes relaxation techniques can help stop chronic teeth grinding. We might also recommend an oral appliance to help protect the teeth from the pressure of clenching and grinding.

We can create a custom nightguard to be worn while sleeping. These fit over the upper and lower teeth and create a barrier between the teeth, protecting them from further damage.

TMD and TMJ

Many people use the acronyms TMD and TMJ interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different things. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that hinges the upper and lower jaws, enabling you to open and close your mouth.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) includes chronic conditions that develop as a result of the TMJ being inflamed. TMD is any problem that inhibits the complex system of joints, bones, and jaw muscles from working in harmony. Disorders of the TMJ often materialize as injured or inflamed jaw muscles, jaw joints, and nerves related to chronic orofacial pain.

Treating Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Just as you might develop sore knees or pain in other joints, you can also develop inflammation in the jaw joint. It’s not all that surprising when you consider how often you use the TMJ for chewing, yawning, speaking, and laughing. Once it becomes inflamed, it is difficult to reduce the inflammation because it so seldom rests.

A night guard can also benefit patients with TMD because it can help put the jaw into proper occlusal position, often alleviating the chronic pain. A nightguard can also protect your teeth from wear due to teeth grinding and clenching.

We Can Help Get Rid of Your Chronic Pain in Los Gatos

Contact Nicole E Pagonis DDS for an evaluation to discuss a suspected bruxism habit or issues with the TMJ. Her experience and conscientious approach to dentistry will help you find solutions, so you eliminate your pain and protect your teeth. Call our dental office today to schedule your appointment with our dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. It acts like a hinge that slides and connects your jawbone to your skull. However, the acronym TMJ (or TMD) is often used to describe the dysfunction of these jaw joints.

Your dentist in 95032 understands that the dysfunction of this joint can be very painful. It can mean a popping sound when you open your mouth or pain when you chew. It can lead to ongoing headaches, neck pain, and even shoulder aches.

Common Causes of TMJ

There are several causes, including:

Bruxism (grinding and clenching your teeth)
Injury
Anatomical anomaly

We provide custom TMJ treatment in Los Gatos, CA to help our patients enjoy an improved life quality. Your dentist wants to relieve your pain and restore your jaw to better function.

Our treatments may include specific exercises or a custom nightguard to prevent nighttime bruxism—a common cause of TMJ. Your dentist provides an exam and shares findings with you before creating a treatment plan that addresses your needs. We also answer your questions and monitor you closely throughout treatment.

For TMJ Treatment, Contact Your Dentist in Los Gatos, CA

Don’t leave TMJ untreated. It can lead to severe jaw joint issues that may eventually require surgery. We want to help you avoid this invasive method. Reach out today for your evaluation.

How do I know if I grind my teeth?

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common habit that most often occurs during sleep. If left untreated, it can cause damage to your teeth and long-term jaw and facial pain. Dr. Pagonis, from Nicole E. Pagonis, DDS is a talented dentist in 95032 who provides high quality, compassionate treatment for families.

Common Symptoms Associated With Teeth Grinding

People don’t often realize they grind or clench their teeth while it’s happening. However, there are some common symptoms associated with this condition:

Teeth grinding and teeth clenching can cause acute damage to your teeth and the joints in your jaw. The excessive pressure wears down your teeth and joints, which can cause tooth breakage or damage to your tooth’s root. Sometimes, excessive teeth grinding can result in replacement teeth or root canal therapy in Los Gatos to restore proper function and improve oral health. Common health risks associated with teeth grinding include:

Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder
Tooth and tooth root damage
Increased inflammation of the gums
Reduced ability to move the jaw

TMJ disorder is a painful condition that causes damage to the joints in your jaw, but it’s a condition that can be relieved and prevented. If you suffer from TMJ disorder and require a skilled and compassionate dentist in Los Gatos, call Dr. Pagonis at (408) 399-3920 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Pagonis offers comprehensive TMJ treatment in Los Gatos, CA and the greater 95032 area. Our team at Nicole Pagonis DDS strives to empower our patients to achieve lifelong oral health, regardless of their age or dental health needs.

Call Nicole E. Pagonis, DDS Today To Learn More

We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful dental office in Los Gatos! Contact us today to learn more about teeth grinding and how to treat this issue quickly.

What is TMD?

TMD stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. An issue with your jaw joint can cause pain and compromise any movement of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.

Your temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to your skull's temporal bones, 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.

Issues that involve your TMJ (jaw joint) and muscles that control it fall under temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

What Causes TMD?

Various issues cause TMD, and they can involve the joint or the muscles that support it.

Your jaw joint area can get injured—for example, from whiplash or accident. Other causes include:

Arthritis
Grinding your teeth
Stress and anxiety

The Symptoms of TMD

TMD can often be very painful, and each patient has a different symptoms. Every case is different, but for many people, they include:

Pain in your jaw joints, face, neck, and around the ear
Pain when you open or close your mouth
Problems chewing and eating
Issues opening your mouth wide
Clicking noises when you eat or open your mouth
Inflammation on the side of your face

Treating TMD at Nicole E. Pagonis, DDS

At the dental office of Nicole E Pagonis, DDS, we offer solutions to manage your pain and treat your unique symptoms. Your treatment plan might involve a TMJ-friendly diet (soft foods and soups), hot or cold packs, over-the-counter medications, nightguard, or orthodontic treatments.

If you are experiencing tooth pain or other dental issues, you may need emergency dentistry Los Gatos, CA. Never hesitate to contact us, we are always available for you.

Give your dentist in 95032 a call today to schedule your TMD appointment with Dr. Pagonis.

What do I do if I have TMJ symptoms?

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJ) has many associated symptoms, and each person may experience them differently. The most common signs of this disorder include:

Jaw and neck pain
Facial soreness
Difficulty chewing food
Popping and clicking of the jaw
Chronic migraines

If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist in Los Gatos, CA can help you get long-lasting relief.

Oral Health Risks Associated with TMJ

In addition to causing toothaches and sensitivity, untreated TMJ can also cause eventual tooth enamel deterioration, tooth loss, or gum recession. Teeth grinding associated with TMJ also wears down the teeth, making them more susceptible to deep decay and nerve damage.

The pain and discomfort associated with TMD can become unbearable for some patients, which is why we offer gentle TMJ treatment in our Los Gatos, CA dental office.

Discover TMJ Treatment in Los Gatos, CA

Proactive steps can be taken to relieve your pain and maintain the integrity of your teeth. This may include fabricating a custom appliance to align your jaw and protect your teeth.

We provide gentle and effective treatment for teeth grinding and jaw pain. If you are experiencing symptoms of TMD, please inform your dental hygienist and Dr. Pagonis.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the involuntary, habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth. People can grind or clench their teeth for various reasons, whether it’s due to another medical condition such as sleep apnea, or they are experiencing high levels of stress.

Common Signs of Bruxism

Teeth grinding can occur in the daytime or at night, though it typically occurs during sleep. Common symptoms associated with bruxism include:

Everyone experiences bruxism differently, so if you have any of the above symptoms, you may chronically clench or grind your teeth.

Bruxism Treatment in Los Gatos, CA

Our dental team understands the toll jaw and tooth pain can have on a person. If you live with bruxism, it can be painful and damaging to your oral health and your physical wellbeing.

If left untreated, bruxism increases your risk for tooth decay and enamel erosion. More severe cases can lead to broken or fractured teeth and permanent tooth loss.

Are You Ready for Relief?

Bruxism is a painful and potentially harmful condition, but it can be easily treated. A customized night guard can benefit those with TMJ because it realigns the jaw. When the jaw rests in the proper position, it often alleviates chronic pain and reduces inflammation.

For high-quality TMJ treatment options, call your dentist in Los Gatos, CA at (408) 399-3920.

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Do you grind or clench your teeth or have worn, ground-down teeth? Do you suffer from headaches and jaw pain? If so, you might have a teeth grinding or clenching habit known as bruxism. Dr. Nicole Pagonis can treat bruxism with custom-made mouthguards to wear during sleep. We can ...

TMJ, TMD, and Bruxism Technology

Panoramic X-Rays

This type of x-ray shows a flat image of the mouth, with all the teeth and joints in the same picture. This gives Dr. Pagonis another way of identifying dental issues such as emerging wisdom teeth, jaw joint dysfunction, and even cysts or infection.

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