When you think of a dental office, you probably think of teeth cleanings and fillings. But there is more to a dentist than meets the eye. For those who suffer from jaw stiffness, tenderness, or even swelling, there is help – and your dentist is the one who can provide relief. At the office of Timothy E. Mickiewicz, we offer complete TMD treatment and services to alleviate your symptoms.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are conditions of the jaw joint. Like many cases, TMD symptoms and diagnoses will differ from patient to patient. However, the common factor with all TMD disorders is jaw discomfort. The pain can be minimal or severe, chronic or acute. You can feel the pain as either “pounding”, “striking”, or “piercing”. Thankfully, Dr. Mickiewicz and his skilled team of professionals stand ready to properly evaluate your symptoms, and execute the best treatment plan to help you live a pain-free life moving forward.
Causes of TMD Pain
Many dentists believe that TMD pain is caused from issue with the muscles in the jaw. Additional causes are believed to be rooted in:
- Grinding of clenching of teeth
- Facial muscle tension
- Arthritis in the TMJ (temporomandibular joint)
- General misalignment
- Impact in the jaw
Symptoms of TMD?
Symptoms of TMD can include a vast range of issues. Some of the most common include:
- Clicking, cracking or popping sounds emitting from the jaw
- Pain and tenderness in jaw
- Feeling of tiredness in the jaw or mouth area
- Inability to open the mouth, bite or chew without pain
- Swelling in the face and mouth
- Ringing in the ears or tinnitus
- Neck and upper back pain
- Pain in the ear
- Accident and injury to the jaw or mouth
- Discomfort and pain while opening the mouth
Treatments for TMD
Sometimes, home remedies may prove beneficial. Many individuals with jaw pain will apply cold or warm compresses on the painful area. Others may find relief from an over-the-counter medication. If those home remedies are not helping, then it is time to see your dentist.
Because many of the symptoms of TMD can be confused with other disorders, there is no definite rubric for determining whether a patient has the condition. However, during your consultation with Dr. Mickiewicz, you will undergo a complete examination of your jaw and mouth. You will be able to share exactly what problems you are experiencing. From this exchange, Dr. Mickiewicz will be able to create a custom treatment plan.
If necessary, Dr. Mickiewicz may recommend medications to lessen the pain. He may also provide dental mouth guards, or other custom devices to prevent the clenching and grinding of teeth. Although used as a last resort, Dr. Mickiewicz may recommend surgery that can help with your TMD.
Contact The office of Timothy E. Mickiewicz Today
If you are suffering from pain in the jaw, face, ear, neck, or other surrounding areas, schedule a visit with Dr. Mickiewicz. Having received certifications through both the ACSDD (Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Disciplines) and AAIPM (Academy of Integrative Pain Management), he has the skill set, compassion and knowledge to effectively and efficiently treat your TMD. You do not have to live with jaw pain. Schedule your appointment with us online or call us at (916) 469-9178. Our Sacramento, CA office is ready to help you live a life free of TMD!
