Treatment options for TMJ pain

The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, are among the most complex joints in the body. While most joints only move in one direction, like the elbow, the TMJs are responsible for moving your jaw back and forth, up and down, and side to side, enabling you to chew, speak and communicate with others through facial expressions. TMJ disorder occurs when these joints become damaged or inflamed, causing pain and a number of other uncomfortable symptoms. At TMJ & Sleep Therapy of Utah, we offer customized treatment options for TMJ pain to help you achieve lasting relief. 

Symptoms of TMJ disorder

TMJ disorder can manifest in different ways for patients who are suffering from the condition. If you have TMJ disorder, you may be experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:

• Popping, grinding, or clicking in the jaw
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Dizziness or loss of balance 
• Pain in the jaw, neck, shoulder, or ears
• Headaches 
• The sensation that your jaw is locked in an open or closed position
• Pain when swallowing
• Tooth sensitivity 

What causes TMJ disorder?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the pain and inflammation of TMJ disorder, including:

• Stress
• Clenching and grinding your teeth while you sleep (bruxism)
• Traumatic injury to the joint
• Arthritis
• Lifestyle habits such as repeatedly chewing gum or biting on hard objects
• Improper use of the facial muscles while chewing and swallowing

Finding relief from TMJ pain

At TMJ & Sleep Therapy of Utah, Dr. Cheyn Gunnerson performs an in-depth evaluation and consultation with you to determine whether you have TMJ disorder, and if so, what the underlying cause is. The best treatment option for TMJ disorder is highly dependent on what is causing it, and Dr. Gunnerson will walk through the TMJ therapy options that are best for your specific needs so you can make an informed decision about your care. Common treatment options include the use of an oral orthodontic device to better align the jaw, cold laser therapy to reduce inflammation and pain, and myofunctional therapy to activate and improve the function of the muscles surrounding the joints to reduce the stresses placed on them.

To schedule your TMJ consultation, call TMJ & Sleep Therapy of Utah by Dr. Cheyn Gunnerson in Payson, Utah, today at (801) 877-1126!

Share this Article