Temporomandibular joint pain arises when there are problems with your jaw and the muscles in your face. People who experience TMJ pain can find it difficult and painful to open their mouths, leading to difficulty eating and drinking; this is referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJD. TMJD can negatively impact a person’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It can lead to anxiety and depression, and it can make performing everyday tasks painful.
What Causes TMJD?
There are a variety of factors that can lead to TMJD, including:
- Overuse of the jaw muscles
- Injury to the jaw, head, or neck
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Arthritis
- Dislocation of the jaw
- Connective tissue diseases
- Poor posture
Hormonal issues, stress, and anxiety can exacerbate TMJD symptoms. In addition to causing major discomfort, these habits can lead to long-term joint damage if not addressed promptly.
How Can Dr. Kelley Mingus in Bend Help?
Dr. Kelley Mingus is a highly experienced dental professional in Bend, Oregon, who specializes in treating TMJD and other chronic conditions. Dr. Mingus utilizes a variety of treatment modalities to help his patients find relief from their chronic pain. He approaches each patient with a personalized treatment plan, tailored to fit their unique needs, and focuses on restoring natural jaw function as quickly as possible.
Examination and Diagnosis:
When you come to see Dr. Mingus for TMJD pain, he will start by performing a thorough examination of your jaw, head, neck, and other related areas. This is done to determine the underlying cause of your TMJD symptoms. Once Dr. Mingus has completed his examination, he will make an accurate diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan to help you find relief.
Treatment Options:
Some of the treatment options that Dr. Mingus may recommend include:
Manual therapy: This involves hands-on manipulation of the jaw, face, and neck muscles to help alleviate pain and restore joint function.
Exercise: Dr. Mingus can show you exercises that can help improve your jaw’s range of motion, mobility, and strength.
Education: Dr. Mingus can teach you techniques to improve posture and relieve stress that can help prevent future TMJD issues.
Modalities: Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Mingus may recommend heat, ice, or electrical stimulation to help control pain and speed up the healing process.
Long-Term Success
Dr. Mingus believes in treating chronic conditions like TMJD with a holistic approach, and he works closely with his patients to help them find long-term success. By teaching patients techniques to reduce tension, strengthen the muscles in the face, and restore joint function, he can help his patients find relief and prevent future issues.
In addition to offering treatments, Dr. Mingus provides his patients with the tools and resources they need to take control of their pain and live a happier, healthier life.
Conclusion
Treating TMJD can be a long and difficult journey, but with the right treatment and support, patients can find relief from their chronic pain. Dr. Mingus is committed to helping his patients find long-term success with their TMJD conditions, and he has helped countless individuals in Bend and the surrounding areas find relief from their pain. If you are suffering from TMJD or other chronic pain conditions, Dr. Mingus can help you find the treatment plan that is right for you. Don’t let TMJD control your life any longer – book a free consultation with Dr. Mingus today.
