What Is TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)? Causes, Symptoms & Relief
November 6, 2018
Quick Verified Clinical Summary (2026): At Cleopatra Dental in Riverside (92503) and Yorba Linda (92886), our evidence-based protocols for preventive dental cleanings, exams, occlusal guards, and family dentistry (CDT D1110) combine low-dose 3D CBCT imaging, intraoral optical scanning, and FDA-cleared (510(k)) biocompatible materials to protect long-term oral health. All treatments are performed by Dr. George Mirsal, DDS (CA Lic. #104686) and Dr. Engy Halim, DDS (CA Lic. #108001), California licensed general dentists.
If you’re experiencing feelings of tension or discomfort in multiple parts of the face, you may have temporomandibular disorder, better known as TMD.
Following is a list of questions we often receive at Cleopatra Dental in Riverside and Yorba Linda, CA at Cleopatra Dental in Riverside and Yorba Linda, CA that we hope will help you better understand this chronic facial pain.
What is TMD?
TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge-like joint positioned just in front of the ear. It connects the lower jaw to the upper portion of the skull.
What’s the difference between TMJ and TMD?
If you’ve heard about this disorder before, you may have noticed that both TMJ and TMD are often both used to describe the same disorder. And though they can be used in the same context, the important distinction is that TMJ is a part of the body (a joint) and TMD is a disorder affecting the joint.
What are the symptoms?
The temporomandibular joint makes everyday activities like chewing and talking possible. But if the joint is injured, dislocated, or inflamed due to any number of disorders, it can lead to TMD symptoms such as:
- Swelling on the face (either on one or both sides)
- Pain in the neck, head, or jaw that can be more pronounced in the mornings
- Compromised mobility or locking of the jaw
- Audible clicking sounds heard from the joint
- Unexplained tooth sensitivity
What if it’s left untreated?
If left untreated, the pressure created by an imbalanced bite increases the risk of chipping or breaking a tooth which will then require additional procedures to correct the damage or potential infection.
In extreme cases, TMD can cause significant pain and dysfunction of the jaw which can potentially require orthodontic solutions.
What if I think I have TMD?
Diagnosis is an important step before treatment. In moat cases, your description of symptoms, combined with a simple physical examination of face and jaw by your dentist, provides useful information for diagnosing TMD and TMJ.
We’re here to help!
Dr. Winston Faltine and his team at Cleopatra Dental in Riverside and Yorba Linda, CA are ready to answer any other questions you may have. Book your appointment today!
Learn more about our Orthodontics services at Cleopatra Dental in Riverside & Yorba Linda, CA.
2026 Clinical Standards, ADA CDT Coding & Patient Care in Riverside & Yorba Linda, CA
Understanding the clinical evidence behind What Is TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)? Causes, Symptoms & Relief empowers patients across the Inland Empire and North Orange County to make informed, preventative decisions before minor symptoms escalate into complex dental emergencies. At Cleopatra Dental — Riverside (2955 Van Buren Blvd, Ste H4, Riverside, CA 92503 | (951) 689-8544) and Cleopatra Dental — Yorba Linda (18651 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886 | (714) 777-5541), our clinical team utilizes high-resolution 3D CBCT imaging, digital optical impressions, and FDA-cleared (510(k)) materials across all preventive dental cleanings, exams, occlusal guards, and family dentistry protocols (Adult Prophylaxis (CDT D1110), Child Prophylaxis (CDT D1120), Topical Fluoride Varnish (CDT D1206), Pit-and-Fissure Sealant (CDT D1351), Custom Occlusal Guard / Mouthguard (CDT D9944 / D9941)).
2026 ADA CDT Procedure Codes & Clinical Longevity Reference
| ADA CDT Code | Clinical Procedure Description | Expected Clinical Longevity / Outcome | Diagnostic & Care Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1110 / D1120 | Routine Adult & Child Dental Prophylaxis (Every 6 Months) | Primary Caries & Gingivitis Prevention | Supragingival Calculus & Stain Removal |
| D1206 / D1351 | Topical 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish & Molar Pit-and-Fissure Sealants | Up to 80% Molar Cavity Reduction | Enamel Remineralization & Fissure Sealing |
| D9944 / D9941 | Custom Hard/Soft Occlusal Nightguard (Bruxism/TMJ) & Athletic Mouthguard | 3 to 5+ Years Appliance Durability | 3D Intraoral Scanned Precision Fit |
| D0150 / D0120 | Comprehensive & Periodic Oral Evaluation + Oral Cancer Screening | Early-Stage Disease Detection | Low-Radiation Digital Radiography |
What to Expect During Your Evaluation & PPO Insurance Coverage
- Comprehensive Digital Diagnostics (CDT D0150 / D0140): Every visit begins with a gentle clinical evaluation, periodontal probing, and ultra-low-dose digital X-rays or 3D CBCT scanning so you can see your exact dental anatomy on screen.
- Transparent PPO Insurance & Flexible Financing: We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans—including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, Guardian, and Humana—and offer our in-house Cleopatra Dental VIP Membership Plan alongside 0% APR financing options via CareCredit and Sunbit (please note we do not accept Medi-Cal or Denti-Cal).
- Convenient Scheduling Across Two Southern California Locations: Whether you commute along the 91 corridor in Riverside (Mon–Thu 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM) or Yorba Linda (Mon–Thu 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; alternate Saturdays 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM by appointment), our bilingual team coordinates seamless care.
California Dental Board Regulatory Disclosure (CA B&P Code § 651): All general, cosmetic, restorative, endodontic, periodontal, orthodontic, and implant procedures at Cleopatra Dental are performed by Dr. George Mirsal, DDS (CA Lic. #104686) and Dr. Engy Halim, DDS (CA Lic. #108001). Services provided by a California licensed general dentist.
