TMJ Disorder and Its Treatment Options

Residents in and around Kirkland, Washington, who suffer from TMJ disorder or jaw pain can find the relief they need with Dr. Ann Kelley at Kingsgate Dental. In most cases, people with TMJ disorder suffer because of bruxism, the clinical name for teeth clenching or grinding that often causes TMJ disorder. 

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the mandible (lower jaw bone) to the skull. This joint is located in front of a person’s ears and allows the jaw to open and close when speaking, chewing, or yawning. People with TMJ disorder experience pain with actions like eating or speaking. 

What Is TMJ Disorder?  

If you have TMJ disorder, your TMJ joint is having trouble doing its job, and this ends up causing pain and other symptoms. TMJ disorder symptoms can include:

• Chronic migraines or headaches
• Discomfort when biting or chewing
• Facial aches or pain
• Clicking, popping, or grating sound when moving your jaw
• Persistent earache
• Jaw tenderness
• Locked jaw or limited range of motion

Causes of TMJ Disorder 

Several issues can cause TMJ disorder, including: 

• An improper bite
• Trauma to the jaw or teeth
• Wear and tear
• Arthritis
• Bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding)

Out of all these possible causes of TMJ disorder, the most common is bruxism. 

Treatment for Bruxism and TMJ Disorder 

Bruxism can be treated with an oral appliance called a night guard. These guards look similar to the mouthguards athletes use when playing sports but are thinner and more comfortable.  

The night guard is worn over the teeth while sleeping, dramatically reducing the force placed on the gums, teeth, and jaw if you tend to clench or grind your teeth in your sleep.  

TMJ night guards are made with high-quality materials and are the perfect thickness to fit from the front to the back of your mouth, so you get the correct distribution of protection. 

TMJ Doctor Near Me 

Are you suffering from TMJ disorder?  

Dr. Ann Kelley and the team at Kingsgate Dental in Kirkland, Washington, have solutions for you. Contact us today at (425) 385-0080 or request an appointment online to get the help you need. 

Ann Kelley, DDS

Dr. Ann Kelley is a graduate of the Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. She highly values the comfort of her patients, and places the needs of the patient above her convenience. Her dental clinic is built to bring the best and most comfortable dental experience to all her patients. She builds relationships with her patients based on trust and always acts to safeguard this trust.