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If you are experiencing jaw pain and facial discomfort, you might have an underlying condition called TMJ disorder. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint in your jaw that connects it to your skull, allowing for movements such as talking, eating, and yawning. When this joint becomes inflamed, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, neck pain, difficulty chewing, and more. Dr. Kelley Mingus in Bend, Oregon, is an experienced dentist who can properly diagnose and treat TMJ disorder.

The Symptoms of TMJ

TMJ disorder can cause a wide range of symptoms that can affect various areas of the body. The most common symptoms include:

  • Facial Pain: This is a common symptom of TMJ and can range from a mild ache to a sharp, shooting pain. It can affect the jaw, cheeks, temples, and other areas of the face.
  • Jaw Clicking or Popping: The sounds of clicking, popping, or grinding can occur when the jaw opens, closes, or moves side-to-side.
  • Stiffness or Limited Movement: Some people with TMJ disorder may have difficulty opening their mouths, or they may notice that their jaws “lock” or get stuck in one position.
  • Ear Pain: Many people with TMJ disorder experience ear discomfort, such as a dull ache, ringing or buzzing sounds, or difficulty hearing.
  • Neck, Shoulder, and Back Pain: The pain from TMJ disorder can radiate to the neck, shoulders, and back.
  • Swelling: In some cases, the jaw may become swollen, or the muscles around the jaw may feel tight or tender to the touch.
  • Dizziness or Vertigo: A small number of people with TMJ disorder may experience a sensation of spinning or imbalance.
  • Headaches: The pain from TMJ disorder can sometimes trigger headaches, including tension, cluster, and migraine headaches.

Causes and Risk Factors for TMJ

There is no single known cause of TMJ disorder, and it can result from a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes and risk factors for TMJ disorder include:

  • Arthritis: The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, can affect the jaw joint, leading to TMJ disorder.
  • Bruxism: Grinding or clenching the teeth can put a lot of extra stress on the jaw muscles and lead to TMJ disorder.
  • Stress: Some research suggests that high levels of stress can increase the risk of developing TMJ disorder.
  • Injury: A blow to the jaw can damage the joint and lead to TMJ disorder.
  • Poor Posture: Slumping, hunching, or sitting improperly can put extra strain on the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and back, which can then affect the jaw joint.

How Dr. Kelley Mingus Can Help

If you think you have TMJ disorder, it’s important to see a dentist who can properly diagnose the condition and develop a treatment plan. Dr. Kelley Mingus in Bend has extensive training and experience in treating TMJ disorder and has a variety of treatments at his disposal. Dr.Mingus will start by performing a thorough dental exam to rule out other causes of your symptoms. He may also take X-rays or other imaging tests to get a better look at the joint and surrounding structures. Once a diagnosis has been made, Dr. Mingus will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.

Treatment options for TMJ disorder may include:

  • Medication: Over-the-counter or prescription medications may be used to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms.
  • Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore range of motion and reduce muscle tension.
  • Oral Appliance Therapy: A custom-made night guard can prevent you from grinding or clenching your teeth and reduce stress on the jaw joint.
  • Rest and Relaxation: Taking a break from activities that exacerbate your symptoms, as well as stress management techniques, can help reduce the severity of a TMJ flare-up.
  • Acupuncture or Massage: Some people find relief from TMJ pain through alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or massage therapy.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the joint structures.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing jaw pain or related symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist who can properly diagnose and treat TMJ disorder. Dr. Kelley Mingus in Bend has extensive training and experience in treating TMJ disorder and will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan. Whether you need medication, physical therapy, oral appliance therapy, or more, Dr. Mingus can provide the care and support you need to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. So don’t delay – contact Dr. Mingus today to schedule a consulta