If something has been causing discomfort lately, such as jaw pain, clicking sounds, or difficulty opening or closing your mouth, you might be experiencing symptoms of a temporomandibular joint disorder, usually referred to as TMJ. At Kelley Mingus, right here in Bend, we utilize a holistic approach to TMJ treatment designed to alleviate pain and improve your quality of life.
Understanding TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders occur when there’s an issue with the temporomandibular joint, the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. These disorders can lead to a myriad of symptoms, from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, affecting aspects of daily living including eating, speaking, and even facial expressions.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
Typical symptoms to watch out for include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
- Aching pain in and around the ear
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
- Aching facial pain
- Clicking in the jaw joint when opening or closing your mouth
Our Holistic Approach to TMJ Disorders at Kelley Mingus
At Kelley Mingus, we believe in a holistic treatment approach to TMJ disorders. Rather than just treating the symptoms, our primary aim is to identify and address the root cause of your discomfort. Our treatment blueprint involves understanding the intricate relationship between your jaw joint, facial muscles, and teeth.
Neuromuscular Dentistry
Our team specializes in neuromuscular dentistry, a practice that focuses on the optimal alignment of the jaw joints. Misalignment can cause various symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and bite issues. To provide relief from these symptoms, we aim to create a balanced oral environment through different therapeutic methods.
Personalized Treatment Plans
We understand that each person is unique with distinct symptoms and conditions. Hence, Dr. Kelley Mingus and his team offer a comprehensive evaluation to generate a tailored treatment plan for each patient. We utilize advanced tools like digital imaging, jaw tracking, and muscle examinations to pinpoint the problems.
Non-Invasive Techniques
We possess a strong commitment to utilizing minimally invasive treatment techniques whenever possible. These include stress management strategies, physical therapy exercises, and mouth appliances for night use.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation
In some TMJ disorder cases, full mouth rehabilitation is provided to help restore the patient’s entire jaw system. This procedure aids in correcting severe malocclusion, a condition where the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together correctly, contributing to TMJ disorders.
TMJ and Sleep Apnea
There’s a proven connection between TMJ disorders and sleep apnea, a dangerous condition where one intermittently stops breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea not only disrupts quality sleep but also puts individuals at a higher risk for serious health issues such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. At Kelley Mingus, our comprehensive assessments consider this link to ensure your best possible health.
Why Choose Kelley Mingus for Your TMJ Treatment
When you walk into our practice in Bend, you are more than just a patient; you become part of the Kelley Mingus family. Our friendly team, led by Dr. Kelley Mingus, ensures you receive comprehensive and personalized care for your TMJ disorder.
With Kelley Mingus, you have a trusted partner in your journey to overcoming TMJ disorder discomfort. Our aim is to ensure that you live a pain-free life, enjoying each day with the vibrant smile that you deserve.
TMJ disorders can affect every facet of your life. But remember, you don’t have to bear this burden alone. We invite you to contact us and begin your path to relief today.