TMJ Therapy in Durango, CO
Welcome to West Dental Implants & Prosthetics, your premier destination for TMJ therapy in Durango. Do you suffer from chronic jaw pain, headaches, or other TMJ symptoms? If so, you may need to consider TMJ therapy. TMJ therapy can help to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Under the expert care of Dr. Nathan Robison, our specialized team is dedicated to diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders to help you find relief and restore normal jaw function.
What is Temporomandibular Joint Therapy?
TMJ therapy heals temporomandibular joint disorders, which connect your bottom jaw to the temporal bone. Plus, TMJ disorders can cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. Additionally, TMJ therapy in Durango relieves pain, improves range of motion, and increases function.
Furthermore, TMJ disorders can be caused by several factors, including clenching or grinding your teeth, misalignment of the teeth or jaws, injury to the TMJ, or arthritis. Dr. Nathan Robison will carefully evaluate your condition to determine the most effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
If you experience any of these symptoms, seeking professional help to prevent further complications and alleviate discomfort is essential. TMJ disorders can present with a variety of symptoms, which may include:
Severe Headaches:
Frequent and intense headaches are a common symptom.
Muscle Stiffness and Sore Jaw Muscles:
Persistent muscle tension and soreness in the jaw area.
Locking of the Jaw:
Difficulty opening or closing the mouth due to joint locking.
Increased Tooth Sensitivity:
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure.
Facial Pain and Jaw Pain:
Pain radiating from the jaw to the face.
Earaches or Ringing in the Ears:
Discomfort or noise in the ears.
Difficulty Opening the Mouth:
Limited range of motion in the jaw.
A Change in Your Teeth Alignment:
Noticeable shift in the position of teeth.
Chronic Pain Behind Your Eyes, Shoulder, Neck, or Back:
Persistent pain extending to surrounding areas.
Clicking or Popping Noises in Your Jaw:
Audible sounds when moving the jaw.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding):
Habitual teeth grinding, often during sleep.
TMJ Treatment Options
West Dental Implants & Prosthetics offers various TMJ treatment options to address each patient’s needs. Dr. Robison will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:
Oral Appliances
Oral appliances are devices you wear in your mouth, and they help to position the jaw to relieve stress on the TMJ joints. These appliances are custom-made to fit each patient, and they can effectively reduce TMJ-related pain. Moreover, oral appliances are typically worn at night to prevent teeth grinding and clenching, reducing muscle tension and joint strain.
Medication
Medication can help to reduce inflammation and pain and can also be used to relax the muscles around the jaw. Furthermore, medication is typically the first choice for treating TMJ pain, and there are several options available. Pain relievers like ibuprofen can help to relieve pain and inflammation. We may prescribe muscle relaxants to help relieve muscle tension and spasms, providing much-needed relief from TMJ symptoms.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for TMJ disorders. Specific exercises and techniques can help strengthen the jaw muscles, improve joint function, and alleviate pain. Dr. Robison may recommend working with a physical therapist to develop a customized exercise program tailored to your needs.
Surgery
This option is almost always the last resort for treating TMJ disorders if other less invasive treatment methods are not successful. Surgical options may include arthroscopy, open-joint surgery, or corrective jaw surgery. Plus, we only recommend surgery after other treatments have been tried and failed, and we only perform it to correct severe joint damage or structural issues.
What to Expect When Getting TMJ Therapy
When you visit West Dental Implants & Prosthetics for TMJ therapy, you can expect a thorough evaluation and personalized care. Dr. Robison will conduct a comprehensive examination, including a review of your medical history, a physical assessment of your jaw, and imaging studies if needed. Based on the findings, Dr. Robison will discuss the best treatment options for your condition.
How to Care for Your TMJ
Effective care and management of TMJ disorders involve a combination of professional treatment and self-care practices. Here are some tips to help manage your TMJ symptoms:
- Follow Your Treatment Plan: Adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by Dr. Robison, including wearing oral appliances and taking medications as directed.
- Practice Good Posture: Maintain proper posture to reduce strain on your jaw and neck muscles.
- Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods: Stick to a soft diet to minimize stress on the jaw joints.
- Use Heat or Cold Packs: Apply heat or cold packs to the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Perform Jaw Exercises: Follow any recommended jaw exercises to improve joint function and reduce stiffness.
- Manage Stress: Practice stress-relief techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to reduce jaw clenching and muscle tension.
TMJ Therapy in Durango
If you’re suffering from TMJ pain, there are several medical treatment options available to you. At West Dental Implants & Prosthetics in Durango, we are committed to helping patients find relief from their TMJ symptoms with a customized treatment plan. Contact us today to make an appointment and start on the path to pain-free living. Dr. Nathan Robison and our experienced team are here to help you improve your quality of life through effective TMJ therapy in Durango. In addition to TMJ therapy, we also offer sleep apnea treatment, oral surgery, and PRF therapy.
