TMJ pain can be debilitating, affecting not only your dental health but also your quality of life. This is where Dr. Kelley Mingus, a practicing dentist in Bend, Oregon, comes to the rescue with his expertise in TMJ treatments. Dr. Mingus provides comprehensive dental care with a particular focus on TMJ disorders and neuromuscular dentistry.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders refer to a group of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is named after the two bones that form the joint—the temporal bone, which is part of the skull, and the mandible, or lower jawbone.
Symptoms of TMJ disorders often include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
- Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
- Aching facial pain or headaches
The exact cause of a person’s TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. Injury to the jaw, joint, or the muscles of your neck and face, such as from a heavy blow, can lead to TMJ disorders. Other potential causes include:
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- Movement of the disk in the joint
Role of Neuromuscular Dentistry in TMJ Treatment
Neuromuscular dentistry is a modern approach that focuses on correcting the misalignment of the jaw at the temporomandibular joint to solve numerous related health issues. Dr. Mingus, being renowned in this field, understands the importance of the harmonious relationship between the teeth, jaw joints, and muscles catering to the holistic treatment of TMJ disorders.
Treatment Options by Dr. Mingus
Dr. Kelley Mingus offers a range of treatments to address TMJ disorders. Recognizing that each patient’s symptoms and conditions are unique, Dr. Mingus always begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the individual’s dental and medical history, understanding their oral functions and discomforts.
Some of the proven treatments at Dr. Mingus’s clinic include:
- Supportive care such as hot or cold compresses
- Physiotherapy focusing on exercises to improve joint mobility and strengthen muscles
- Stress management techniques
- Dental treatments like orthodontics to correct misaligned teeth and jaws
- Neuromuscular dental treatments
Tips by Dr. Mingus
In addition to medical treatments, Dr. Kelley Mingus underscores the importance of good oral practices and simple at-home methods to manage and alleviate TMJ pain. Some of his valuable tips include:
- Practicing good posture and avoiding resting your chin on your hands
- Not biting your fingernails or chewing on pens as they exert undue stress on your jaw
- Trying relaxation techniques to control jaw tension
- Adopting a diet of soft foods
TMJ disorders can cause extreme discomfort and pain, and ignoring the symptoms can lead to further complications down the road. With Dr. Mingus’s comprehensive and nuanced approaches towards oral and dental health, managing and treating these disorders becomes achievable and promising.