Now Offering
TMJ Treatment in Encino, CA
If your jaw clicks, locks, or aches — or you’re waking up with a sore, tight jaw — Dr. Irena Starchenko can help. Dental Line now offers personalized TMJ (temporomandibular joint) treatment in Encino, from custom night guards to referral for advanced care.
Yes — Dental Line, the Encino, CA dental practice of Dr. Irena Starchenko, DDS, now offers TMJ (temporomandibular joint) treatment for patients dealing with jaw pain, clicking or popping, a locking jaw, or morning jaw tightness caused by TMD (temporomandibular disorder). Treatment options include custom night guards and occlusal splints, bite adjustment, jaw exercises, and — for persistent cases — referral for advanced care. Most patients improve without ever needing surgery. Call (747) 265-6179 to schedule a consultation.
Page reviewed by Dr. Irena Starchenko, DDS — August 2026.
What is TMJ?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint — the hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull, just in front of each ear. When that joint or the surrounding muscles aren’t working correctly, it’s called a temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, though most patients simply say “TMJ” to describe the pain itself.
| Common Symptoms | Common Causes |
|---|---|
| Jaw or face pain, especially near the ear | Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), often stress-related or at night |
| Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the jaw | Jaw injury or trauma |
| Difficulty or pain opening the mouth wide, or a jaw that locks | Misaligned bite or worn/missing teeth changing how the jaw closes |
| Morning jaw tightness or soreness | Arthritis in the jaw joint |
| Jaw pain when chewing | Chronic stress and jaw tension |
Treatment Options We Offer
Presented from most to least conservative — most patients improve without ever needing surgery.
Custom Night Guards & Occlusal Splints
A custom-fitted oral appliance to stop teeth grinding and clenching and reduce pressure on the jaw joint. Usually the first line of treatment.
Bite Adjustment
Correcting how the upper and lower teeth meet, when misalignment is contributing to joint strain.
Jaw Exercises & Physical Therapy Guidance
Stretches and strengthening exercises, with referral to a physical therapist for hands-on manual therapy when appropriate.
Pain Management
Guidance on medication, heat/cold therapy, and lifestyle changes that support the other treatments.
Referral for Advanced Care
For the small number of cases that don't respond to conservative treatment, coordinated referral to an oral & maxillofacial specialist.
Trained in TMJ & Facial Pain Therapy
TMJ care isn’t part of standard general dentistry training — it’s something a dentist has to pursue separately. Dr. Starchenko did.
Dr. Irena Starchenko, DDS
Dental Line · Encino, CA
USC graduate · ADA & AGD member
Dr. Irena Starchenko, DDS completed the Frontline TMJ and Facial Pain Therapy Level I hands-on training with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics in July 2026, at the AAFE Scottsdale Training Center.
The course is built around the practical side of TMJ care: recognizing what’s actually driving jaw pain, distinguishing joint problems from muscular ones, and applying conservative treatment before anything invasive is considered. It combines online coursework with live patient instruction.
She brings that training together with more than 30 years of clinical experience, as a graduate of USC and a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.
- Hands-on training focused specifically on TMJ and orofacial pain
- Conservative-first approach — night guards and bite adjustment before invasive options
- Clear referral pathway when a case needs specialist care
- Evaluation, treatment, and follow-up in one Encino office
Why Choose Dental Line
One practice, one dentist, three decades of it.
Academy of General Dentistry
Frequently asked questions
Cost depends on the treatment your specific case needs — a custom night guard is priced differently than an ongoing treatment plan. Your consultation includes a personalized cost estimate.
Many PPO dental plans cover at least part of TMJ treatment, especially oral appliances — coverage varies by plan. See insurance we accept →
Clicking or popping is common and often not urgent on its own. A jaw that locks open or closed — where you can’t fully close or open your mouth — is a more urgent symptom and should be evaluated promptly.
Mild, occasional symptoms sometimes improve with self-care. Persistent or worsening symptoms — clicking, locking, chronic jaw pain — are best evaluated before they become harder to treat.
Most patients improve with conservative treatment like night guards, bite adjustment, and physical therapy. Surgery is reserved for a small number of severe cases.
