Do you suffer from jaw pain, headaches, migraines, earaches, or painful chewing? Boulder Smile Design can help. Our dental team takes a personalized approach to relieving these symptoms, offering the top TMJ treatment near Boulder, CO, and beyond!
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome, known as TMJ, is a common condition that affects a wide variety of patients. TMJ is characterized by severe headaches, jaw pain of varying degrees, grinding teeth, and intermittent ringing in the ears.
The vast majority of TMJ sufferers are unaware that the root cause of their symptoms is something that a dentist can effectively treat!
TMJ symptoms can be greatly debilitating and can interfere with everyday life. Because catering to the comfort and general well-being of the patient is at the heart of our practice at Boulder Smile Design, pain relief is our team's first concern. Dr. Friedman will be able to test, diagnose, and devise an immediate plan to treat the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder.
There are several symptoms that are associated with TMJ, including recurrent facial pain, swelling, constant teeth grinding, facial sensitivity, jaw joint locking, and a limited range of motion in the jaw.
TMJ symptoms vary, but generally can include:
- Headaches
- Pain and tenderness around the jaw, ears, cheeks and neck
- Migraines
- Stiffness in the jaw
- Earaches
- Painful chewing
- Pain while yawning
- Locking of the jaw
- Uncontrolled change of facial expression
- Changes in how the upper and lower teeth fit together
TMJ sufferers report that their symptoms generally worsen during periods of prolonged or unexpected stress, and that intense outbreaks of the condition can lead to neck pain and dizziness.
The grinding teeth symptom (bruxism) is particularly common and usually occurs at night. The grinding will eventually erode the structure of the teeth and lead to much more severe dental problems in the future. Untreated TMJ is one of the prime underlying factors in eroded jawbones and loose teeth.
It is important for anyone experiencing the symptoms of TMJ to visit their dentist for an exact diagnosis. If you are experiencing significant jaw pain or discomfort, Dr. Friedman will perform an examination and recommend a treatment option that will work for you!
Customized TMJ Treatment
To begin your TMJ treatment, we will take a set of digital x-rays to thoroughly examine your jaw area and bite alignment, and review your history in order to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend necessary treatment.
Once we have a firm diagnosis, our team can craft a specially molded, custom-fitted night guard to prevent teeth grinding during the night. Dr. Friedman may provide advice on relaxation techniques that can lessen the effects of stress placed on the jaw.
Realignment for TMJ
At Boulder Smile Design, our dentist can also reshape the teeth and the bite in a process often called “realignment.” This form of TMJ treatment is especially useful because it alleviates TMJ symptoms and can also improve the aesthetic appearance. The realignment procedure involves adjusting the relationship between how the upper teeth fit together with the lower teeth. This may require new dental restorations along with an adjustment of the patient's natural teeth.
Our TMJ dentist has performed pain-free realignment procedures for countless patients. As with any dental procedure, Dr. Friedman and his team happy to answer questions and discuss your TMJ symptoms and the best treatment options for your needs.
Schedule Your TMJ Consultation
If you are experiencing any symptoms of TMJ, Boulder Smile Design can help! Call our office today to schedule your TMJ consultation.