Do you suffer from earaches or jaw pain?This could be related to a condition called TMJ. Dr. Kelley Mingus of Bend offers treatment options for chronic earaches and TMJ. Read on to learn all about the condition and the treatment options that Dr. Mingus provides.
What Is TMJ?
The acronym TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. This joint connects the jaw to the skull. TMJ is a condition in which there is pain or dysfunction of the jaw joint and the muscles of the jaw and face. People might experience soreness, painful chewing, and clicking or popping when they move the jaw.
The causes of TMJ can be due to trauma or injury, habits such as clenching or grinding the teeth, or an orthodontic issue. Some people also attribute the condition to stress or anxiety. Certain medical conditions such as arthritis can also contribute to the symptoms of TMJ.
Are Chronic Earaches Related to TMJ?
It might sound strange, but TMJ can cause chronic earaches. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for sensations in the jaw, ears, and face. When the trigeminal nerve is affected by TMJ, it can lead to pain and discomfort in the ear. Sometimes people with TMJ will experience tinnitus, or a ringing in the ear.
Dr. Kelley Mingus’ Treatment Options in Bend
People in Bend, Oregon and the surrounding area can feel confident that they have access to a leading TMJ specialist. Dr. Kelley Mingus is an experienced dentist and oral surgeon who offers a range of treatment options for chronic earaches that are related to TMJ.
Dr. Mingus will start the treatment process with a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the chronic earaches. Depending on the diagnosis, Dr. Mingus might recommend lifestyle changes such as avoiding hard, chewy foods and refraining from prolonged chewing or talking.
He might also suggest physical therapy and muscle relaxants to help alleviate the symptoms. To help patients manage stress, Dr. Mingus can offer relaxation techniques to reduce jaw and ear pain. For some cases, Dr. Mingus might perform special dental work, such as adjusting or replacing dentures or braces, to help relieve the earache and TMJ pain.
How Dr. Mingus Can Help
Dr. Mingus is dedicated to treating his patients with care and compassion. He uses the most advanced treatments and technologies to help his patients attain relief from chronic earaches and TMJ. His office is comfortable and welcoming, and his staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Dr. Mingus will take the time to explain the diagnosis and treatment options, and will work directly with you to choose the best course of therapy.
Conclusion
Suffering from chronic earaches and TMJ can be debilitating. Dr. Kelley Mingus offers a range of treatment options to help his Bend area patients find relief. His thorough evaluation of the condition will enable him to determine the underlying cause of the earache and TMJ pain, and he will work with his patients to find the best course of therapy to manage and alleviate the symptoms.
