Life in Bend, Oregon, can be quite vibrant and active. However, if you’re grappling with the effects of temporomandibular joint disorder, commonly known as TMJD, you might find your daily activities a bit more challenging. Dr. Kelley Mingus, a well-established dentist in Bend, has extensive experience in providing effective treatment options for TMJD.
What Is TMJD?
TMJD is a disorder that affects the joint connecting your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. This tiny joint enables you to talk, chew, and yawn. When it becomes dysfunctional due to injury, arthritis, or jaw misalignment, it can result in a host of bothersome symptoms that could potentially disrupt your active lifestyle.
Symptoms of TMJD
Now that you know a bit about what TMJD is, you might be wondering about the symptoms. They may be mild or severe, intermittent or constant. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Discomfort or pain in your jaw, face, or neck
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth completely
- Jaw locking when you open or close your mouth
- A clicking or popping sound in your jaw joint
- Headaches or migraines
- Earaches or ringing in the ears
TMJ: A Stumbling Block in Your Active Lifestyle
Living actively in Bend means being outdoors, enjoying activities like golfing, cycling, or river adventures. However, TMJD could make these joyful activities quite strenuous. Prolonged jaw discomfort, headaches, or migraines that often accompany TMJD can significantly diminish your daily energy levels, potentially disrupting your active routine.
How Dr. Kelley Mingus Can Assist
Expertise and experience matter immensely when it comes to TMJD treatment. Dr. Kelley Mingus and his professional team specialize in treating this complex disorder. Through a comprehensive evaluation and sophisticated diagnostic tools, they delve into the root cause of your pain and devise an individualized treatment plan to alleviate your discomfort and restore your jaw’s proper function.
Steps to Managing TMJD
The primary goal is managing the symptoms to improve your quality of life. Here’s how you can begin:
Seek Professional Help
Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent symptom aggravation. Seek help from experts like Dr. Mingus as soon as you notice any bothersome symptoms of TMJD.
Choose the Right Treatment Plan
Once your diagnosis is confirmed, choose a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to you. This could involve pain-management techniques, therapeutic exercises, or even dental interventions if required.
Commit to the Treatment
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Similarly, TMJD management takes time. Ensure that you consistently follow the treatment plan outlined by your provider for effective symptom relief.
Adopt Healthy Habits
Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth. Eat softer foods that require less chewing effort. Try relaxation techniques to manage stress, which can frequently exacerbate TMJD symptoms.
Maintain Regular Follow-ups
Regular follow-ups with Dr. Mingus will allow timely modification of your treatment plan if needed. Regular checkups also ensure early identification of any potential complications.
TMJD doesn’t have to impede your active lifestyle. With expertise and guided management from dental professionals like Dr. Mingus, living with TMJD can become a significantly less daunting prospect.