Unraveling Painful Clicking

THE TMJ SPECIALIST

Southern California Institute of Oral Pain and Sleep Apnea

Painful Clicking

“Painful clicking” is a term often associated with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMDs), marked by a clicking or popping sound accompanied by discomfort in the jaw joint. To comprehend this condition better, let’s delve into the insights provided by Los Angeles’ renowned TMJ specialist, Dr. Bruce Vafa DDS. MSc.

Painful Clicking: A Closer Look

Painful clicking is not just a sound; it’s a symptom that something may be off with the functioning of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint connects your jaw to your skull and enables movements necessary for speaking, eating, and expressing emotions. When the TMJ’s intricate system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones isn’t working correctly, it can result in a clicking or popping sound and accompanying pain.

This phenomenon is commonly associated with TMDs, which comprise a group of conditions affecting the TMJ and the muscles that control jaw movement. The clicking sound usually occurs when the disc inside the joint moves out of its correct position (a condition known as internal derangement of the joint), or due to the degeneration of the joint structures.

Recognizing Painful Clicking

Patients with painful clicking often report a clicking or popping noise when they open or close their mouth, particularly during chewing, yawning, or talking. It is usually accompanied by discomfort or pain, which can be sharp and immediate or a dull, lingering ache.

In some cases, patients may also experience other symptoms like locking of the jaw, difficulty in jaw movement, changes in bite, facial pain, ear pain, headaches, or even neck and shoulder pain.

Dr. Vafa: Your Specialist for Addressing Painful Clicking

L.A.’S MOST TRUSTED TMJ SPECIALIST

Dr. Bruce Vafa specializes in holistic care, offering lasting relief without medication or surgery. Experience personalized treatment for a pain-free life.

With his vast knowledge and experience in treating TMJ disorders, Dr. Bruce Vafa DDS. MSc., is uniquely equipped to help patients manage and alleviate painful clicking. His personalized, comprehensive approach involves a thorough examination and accurate diagnosis to understand the underlying cause, followed by a targeted treatment plan that focuses on reducing pain and restoring normal jaw function.

For anyone seeking relief from painful clicking in Los Angeles, Dr. Vafa’s expertise in Oral and Maxillofacial Pain and Oral Diseases offers a path to improved health and a better quality of life.

0+
Years of Experience
0+
Thousands of Successful Treatments
0+
Hundreds of 5 Star Reviews

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

Dr. Bruce Vafa has been a true lifesaver for me. Suffering from debilitating TMJ pain for years, I had tried countless treatments with little success until I found Dr. Vafa at the Southern California Institute of Oral Pain and Sleep Apnea. With his expertise and compassionate care, he crafted a personalized treatment plan that targeted the root cause of my TMJ pain. Under his guidance, I experienced remarkable progress, and now I live a pain-free life. Dr. Vafa is a remarkable TMJ specialist, and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking lasting relief.

Arman P.

Dr. Bruce Vafa is truly the best! I was suffering from sleep apnea, feeling exhausted and low on energy every day. Thanks to Dr. Vafa’s expertise and care at the Southern California Institute of Oral Pain and Sleep Apnea, my life has completely turned around. Now, I wake up refreshed, happier, and full of energy. Dr. Vafa is an exceptional sleep apnea specialist who has made a profound difference in my quality of life. I cannot thank him enough.

Mary F.

Dr. Bruce Vafa is a true miracle worker! I had been suffering from oral pain for a long time, and my previous dentist couldn’t provide answers. Thankfully, I found Dr. Vafa at the Southern California Institute of Oral Pain and Sleep Apnea. With his expertise, he accurately diagnosed and treated me, relieving my pain and restoring my smile. Dr. Vafa is simply amazing!

Ben J.

Schedule appointment

Schedule an appointment today and explore how Dr. Vafa can transform y our life.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.