If you’re experiencing muscle-based TMJ dysfunction, neuralgic pain, or inflammation and have been unresponsive to other treatments, cold laser therapy may be best suited for you. During your first appointment, we will walk you through all clinical options, including conservative therapies and medication alternatives.
Laser Therapy for TMJ, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and Facial Pain Relief
Low level light therapy offers a low-risk, non-invasive solution to finding chronic pain relief.
If you're living with chronic orofacial pain or facial nerve sensitivity, cold laser therapy may offer a non-invasive path to relief. At Facial Pain Specialists, we use Class IV therapeutic lasers to help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support tissue healing for patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), trigeminal neuralgia, and chronic facial pain. Whether you're seeking a treatment alternative to medications or exploring affordable TMJ laser therapy near you, our San Diego team can help. Learn how this evidence-based modality works—and what to expect from the process, cost, and outcomes.
What is Photobiomodulation Therapy?
PBM therapy—also known as laser therapy or cold laser therapy—is a noninvasive, drug-free treatment that uses focused red or near-infrared light to stimulate healing at the cellular level.
Cold Laser Therapy for Facial Pain
Also referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or low-intensity LED therapy, it helps reduce inflammation, ease muscle tension, and improve circulation. We use therapeutic laser treatment for a range of chronic orofacial pain conditions ,including:
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Fibromyalgia
- Temporomandibular disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Myofascial pain syndrome
Laser Treatment for Chronic Pain & Sleep
In cases of trigeminal neuralgia or chronic muscle pain, the treatment targets trigger points identified during clinical evaluation through muscle palpation. Treatment plans vary depending on the number and severity of affected areas. An effective plan using laser treatment for trigeminal neuralgia will establish the number of sessions, wavelengths, and duration of irradiations.
Non-invasive laser light treatment may be an effective way to ease symptoms of sleep disorders, depression, and cognitive disorders.
What is Laser Therapy for TMJ?
TMJ laser therapy is a low-risk and effective way to treat TMJ
TMJ laser therapy removes damaged cells so you can break the pain cycle that is creating chronic inflammation. It decreases oxidative stress levels, promoting cell survival and reducing damage to cells. Light therapy also releases and increases helpful cytokines. These are natural anti-inflammatories used to promote tissue repair. Simultaneously, it decreases “pro-inflammatory” cytokines and prostaglandins to reduce pain.
For patients with TMJ disorders, it can improve jaw mobility and relieve pain without injections or surgery.
TMJ laser therapy is ideal for patients suffering from:
- Jaw pain or tenderness.
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, or sides of the face.
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw.
- Difficulty chewing.
- Facial pain.
- Headaches causing dizziness.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- Swelling of facial tissues.
What are the Benefits of Laser Therapy?
According to our Facial Pain Providers PBMT reduces inflammation, stimulates cellular growth, and decreases pain. The last application is used most often by our. It also offers safe pain-relief alternative.
for both chronic and acute pain.Depending on the delivered dose, BMT can be either:
- Used as a stimulator for repairs.
- Used as an inhibitor for pain relief
Is Cold Laser Therapy Right for Me?
Benefits of Laser Therapy?
- It can provide pain relief by reducing inflammation.
- The restoration of damaged tissue.
- Increasing blood flow to the affected area.
- Increase pain tolerance.
- Better sleep.
- Improved mood and decreased stress.
- Improve functional outcomes like mouth opening.
- Stimulating tissue repair through the stimulation of cellular growth.
- Creates an optimal healing environment to reduce jaw muscle spasms (jaw clenching).
- Promotes nerve regeneration, which is beneficial for various musculoskeletal pain conditions.
What to Expect During Treatment
You should expect each session to last approximately 10–20 minutes. During the laser treatment, you’ll feel a gentle warming sensation as the laser is applied externally along the jaw, face, or neck. Most patients need a series of treatments for best results—often 4 to 8 visits depending on symptom severity.
TMJ Laser Treatment Cost and Insurance Coverage
Insurance does not typically cover the cost of laser treatments, however you can find the TMJ laser treatment cost on our fee schedule. We will will provide a clear breakdown of your options at your first appointment, and can help you understand whether this therapy aligns with your goals and budget.
Laser Therapy FAQS
No. Cold laser therapy is painless. Patients typically feel only a gentle warmth or tingling sensation during treatment.
Most patients need between 4 and 8 laser sessions to experience relief from TMJ pain. Your provider will determine the right number based on your symptoms and treatment goals.
Yes. We use FDA-cleared Class IV lasers in San Diego and Los Angeles and all of our treatments are performed by trained clinical staff.
Laser therapy for TMJ typically costs between $75 and $150 per session, depending on your treatment plan and number of areas treated. Please see our fee schedule for the most up-to-date pricing.
In most cases, insurance does not cover cold laser therapy for TMJ or facial pain. However, we’re happy to provide cost breakdowns and discuss payment options during your consultation.
Cold laser therapy uses focused light to reduce inflammation, ease jaw tension, and support healing in the temporomandibular joint. It’s a painless, non-invasive treatment option for patients with TMJ disorders.
We offer photobiomodulation therapy in San Diego and Los Angeles. Book a consultation to see if you’re a candidate.
Get in touch to learn more about cold laser therapy at one of our practices in San Diego or Los Angeles!
We provide personalized PBMT treatment plans to target your specific condition and achieve the best possible outcomes. We use it in combination therapy with other interventions, typically including medication management to gain relief from chronic pain. If you want to know if PBMT therapy is right for you, contact us or schedule an appointment. We welcome all new patients.
To learn more about TMJ Laser Therapy, call our Los Angeles and San Diego, CA offices at (844) 235-9881.