Do you have a tight jaw, ear aches, dizziness, or ringing ears? These symptoms may link to a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. TMJ is a type of disorder that affects the hinge joint connecting your jaw to your skull. Are you looking for an expert doctor to give you relief from your TMJ pain? Kelley Mingus, DMD, MSD, is a celebrated expert in treating TMJ and related disorders in Bend, Oregon.
A part of Crooked River Orthodontics, Kelley’s pristine and welcoming dental practice is designed to provide comfort and relief to those who are struggling with TMJ.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ?
TMJ can cause several symptoms, with ear ringing being one of the most common. Other signs and symptoms of TMJ include:
- Joint pain or anger in the jaw
- Tightness in the jaw
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- A “popping” sound when opening the jaw
- Tingling sensation in the ears and teeth
- Neck pain
- Difficulty opening the mouth wide
What Causes TMJ?
Several different factors can contribute to the development of TMJ. Common causes include:
- Bruxism – clenching or grinding the teeth
- Joint wear and tear from arthritis
- Cartilage damage from trauma or dislocation
TMJ and Ear Ringing: The Link
Ringing in the ears or tinnitus may also be a symptom of TMJ. The pain from the joint dysfunction can cause a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears. This can also be caused by other factors, like loud noise exposure, ear infections, or even wax build-up in the ear canal, making it hard to diagnose TMJ as the cause of the problem without proper medical evaluation.
How Can Dr. Mingus Help with TMJ Relief?
TMJ treatment is specific to each individual patient. After an initial consultation to determine the severity and nature of the patient’s symptoms, he then creates a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Mingus uses medical history, diagnostic tests, on-site imaging, x-rays, and MRIs to help develop the best TMJ treatment plan. Treatment methods may include:
- Mouth exercises and relaxation techniques
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Prescription muscle relaxants
- Physical therapy
In severe cases, surgical interventions, such as arthroscopy or repair of damaged structures in the joint, may also be necessary.
Get Relief from Dr. Kelley Mingus of Bend, Oregon
If you are looking for relief from TMJ and ear ringing pain, Kelley Mingus, DMD, MSD of Crooked River Orthodontics can provide you with expert care in Bend, Oregon.
Kelley offers individualized treatment plans that go beyond general dental practices, ensuring that each patient gets the specialized treatment that they need. His top-notch medical and technological expertise makes him a knowledgeable and trusted TMJ doctor.
Contact Dr. Kelley Mingus and the team at Crooked River Orthodontics to find the relief you deserve.
