Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ, Jaw, and Facial Pain Questions.
Short answers to the questions patients ask most about jaw, facial, nerve, and headache pain, and about visiting SoCal TMJ and Headache in Koreatown, Los Angeles.
About the Specialty
What is an orofacial pain specialist?
An orofacial pain specialist diagnoses and treats pain of the jaw, face, mouth, and head, including TMJ disorders, facial nerve pain, and headaches with a jaw or muscle component. Dr. Sang H. Chung, DMD completed orofacial pain and oral medicine training at the University of Southern California and focuses the practice on these conditions.
About Dr. Sang H. Chung, DMD →What does a TMJ specialist do?
A TMJ specialist examines the jaw joint, the chewing muscles, the nerves of the face, and related headache patterns together, then builds a treatment plan from that diagnosis. Care can include oral appliances, home exercises, trigger point therapy, nerve blocks, Botox, and medication management.
TMJ disorders →What is the difference between TMJ and TMD?
TMJ is the temporomandibular joint itself, the hinge in front of each ear. TMD (temporomandibular disorder) is the name for problems of that joint and the jaw muscles. Most people say "TMJ" for both.
TMJ vs. TMD explained →Should I see a dentist or a doctor for jaw pain?
For jaw pain that continues after first-line care, an orofacial pain specialist is the clinician trained for it: the specialty sits between dentistry and medicine and covers the joint, muscles, nerves, and headaches. Your dentist or physician can stay involved, and the practice coordinates with them.
When to see a TMJ specialist →Is there a TMJ specialist near me in Los Angeles?
Yes. SoCal TMJ and Headache is an orofacial pain and TMJ practice in Koreatown, Los Angeles (90006), seeing patients from across Los Angeles and Southern California. Office hours are Mon–Fri, 9 am–5 pm.
TMJ specialist in Los Angeles →Symptoms
Why does my jaw click or pop?
Jaw clicking or popping usually comes from the disc inside the jaw joint moving out of place and back as you open and close. Clicking without pain or locking often needs no treatment; clicking with pain, catching, or limited opening is worth an evaluation.
TMJ disorders →What should I do if my jaw locks or will not open fully?
A jaw that locks closed, locks open, or opens less than usual should be evaluated soon, because the joint disc may be blocking movement. Early care makes it easier to restore normal opening. Call the office to book.
Jaw locking →Why does my jaw hurt on one side?
One-sided jaw pain often comes from the jaw joint or chewing muscles on that side, from clenching, or from chewing mostly on one side. Nerve pain and referred pain from neck muscles can feel the same, so the exam checks each source.
Jaw pain on one side →Can TMJ cause ear pain?
Yes. The jaw joint sits directly in front of the ear, so joint and jaw-muscle problems often feel like ear pain, fullness, or pressure. When an ear exam is normal, a jaw evaluation is a reasonable next step.
TMJ disorders →Why does my tooth hurt when my dentist finds nothing wrong?
Tooth pain with a normal dental exam can come from jaw muscles that refer pain to the teeth, or from a facial nerve. A nerve-focused evaluation, sometimes with a diagnostic nerve block, helps find the source before any irreversible dental treatment.
Facial nerve pain →What causes sudden electric-shock pain in the face?
Brief, electric-shock or stabbing pain on one side of the face, often set off by touch, chewing, or talking, is typical of trigeminal neuralgia. It is a nerve condition, and medication is the main treatment; nerve blocks can help confirm it and calm flares.
Trigeminal neuralgia treatment in Los Angeles →Why does my tongue or mouth burn?
A burning tongue, lips, or mouth with a normal-looking exam may be burning mouth syndrome, a nerve-related pain condition. The evaluation rules out other causes first, then treats the nerve pain.
Burning mouth syndrome →Is clenching or grinding my teeth causing my jaw pain?
It can. Daytime clenching and night-time grinding (bruxism) overwork the jaw muscles and can cause morning jaw pain, temple headaches, and tooth wear. Treatment combines habit changes, exercises, and an oral appliance when needed.
Jaw and facial muscle pain →What does a TMJ flare-up feel like?
A TMJ flare-up is a period of stronger jaw pain, stiffness, or limited opening, often after stress, a long dental visit, or hard chewing. Soft foods, warmth, and resting the jaw usually help; repeated flares are a reason for an evaluation.
TMJ flare-ups →Headaches and Migraine
Can TMJ cause headaches?
Yes. Tight jaw and temple muscles commonly cause headaches at the temples, behind the eyes, or across the forehead, and jaw problems can make migraine more frequent. Treating the jaw and muscle component often reduces these headaches.
Headaches of orofacial origin →Do you treat migraine?
Yes, when migraine involves the face, jaw, or neck muscles, or when it occurs alongside TMJ problems. Care can include medication management, trigger point therapy, and Botox, coordinated with your physician.
Migraine treatment →What is orofacial migraine?
Orofacial migraine is a migraine-type pain felt mainly in the face, cheek, jaw, or teeth rather than the head. It is often mistaken for a dental problem, and it is treated like migraine.
Orofacial migraine →Can jaw problems cause neck pain?
Yes. The jaw and neck muscles work together, so jaw problems and neck tension often occur together and refer pain to the head and face. The exam checks both.
TMJ, headache, and neck pain →Treatment
What are the treatment options for TMJ?
TMJ care usually starts with conservative, reversible treatment: a custom oral appliance, home exercises, habit changes, and short-term medication. When needed, trigger point therapy, nerve blocks, or Botox are added. The plan follows the diagnosis.
All treatments →Does TMJ go away on its own?
Mild TMJ pain often settles with rest, soft foods, and less clenching. Pain that lasts more than a few weeks, keeps coming back, or limits opening usually needs an evaluation and a treatment plan.
When to see a specialist →What is the difference between a night guard and a TMJ splint?
A basic night guard protects the teeth from grinding. A TMJ splint (oral appliance) is designed from your jaw exam and imaging to support the joint and relax the muscles, and it is adjusted as you improve.
Splint and night guard therapy →Does Botox help TMJ and jaw clenching?
Botox can relax overactive jaw muscles and reduce clenching-related pain and headaches. It is considered when muscle tension continues despite an appliance, exercises, or other care.
Botox for TMJ →What are trigger point injections for jaw pain?
Trigger point injections calm tight, tender knots in the jaw, temple, and neck muscles that refer pain to the teeth, ear, or head. They are used when the exam shows muscle is a main source of pain.
Trigger point injections →What is a nerve block for facial pain?
A nerve block places local anesthetic near a specific facial nerve branch to find out whether that branch carries the pain, and sometimes to relieve it. It is quick and done in the office.
Nerve blocks →Can an oral appliance help sleep apnea or snoring?
For many people with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance that holds the lower jaw forward keeps the airway open, working alongside a sleep physician. The jaw joint is checked first so the appliance does not cause jaw pain.
Sleep apnea and jaw pain →My MRI was normal. Why does my jaw still hurt?
Muscle pain, nerve pain, and changes in how the nervous system processes pain do not show on an MRI. A structured clinical exam evaluates what imaging cannot.
Normal MRI and jaw pain →Visit, Cost, and Insurance
What happens at the first visit?
A 60–90 minute consultation: your complete pain history, a focused exam, and a 3-D CBCT jaw scan at no extra charge. You leave with a working diagnosis. The confirmed diagnosis and your written plan follow 1–2 weeks after any testing.
How much does a TMJ evaluation cost?
The first consultation is $650, and it includes a 3-D CBCT jaw scan at no extra charge. A non-refundable reservation fee holds your appointment. It is applied to your $650 visit fee.
Cost and insurance →Does insurance cover TMJ treatment?
Out-of-network practice — you pay the practice, and our team helps you submit the claim to your medical insurance for possible reimbursement. HSA and FSA cards accepted. Coverage depends on your plan and diagnosis.
Cost and insurance →Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly. If your dentist or physician refers you, the consultation can start with their findings and records.
For referring clinicians →Can I have my visit in Korean?
Yes. Dr. Sang H. Chung, DMD is a native Korean speaker, so the consultation can be held in Korean or English. Family members are welcome to join.
TMJ specialist in Koreatown →How do I book an appointment?
Call (323) 238-9134 (Mon–Fri, 9 am–5 pm) or complete the 2-minute booking form on the website. The coordinator responds within one business day.
Book online →