Why Should you Choose a Kirkland, WA Dentist for TMJ?

If you live in or around Kirkland, WA, and you need an established dentist, Dr. Ann Kelley is who you should turn to. Kingsgate Dental has been providing top-notch dental services for Kirkland and surrounding areas for decades. They can handle all teeth, gums, TMJ, and other oral health issues with skill and professionalism. 

About TMJ

TMJ, temporomandibular joints, are essential for the proper movement of your mouth. TMJ symptoms include migraines or chronic headaches, aching facial pain, jaw tenderness, discomfit when biting or chewing, and earache. In addition, having limited mobility of the jaw or locked jaw and a clicking, popping, or grating sound when moving the jaw are also symptoms.

Many people who have these symptoms may disregard them as just going through arthritis. They may even dismiss them as just overusing their jaw muscles, bumping into something, or perhaps from getting in a recent fight with someone. However, it would help if you didn’t ignore it by treating it with pain medicine, a heat pack, an ice pack, etc.

There is also bruxism, a widespread condition that includes the chronic clenching of the jaw or grinding of teeth. This condition can lead to TMJ disorder. When bruxism is related to TMJ disorder, Dr. Ann Kelley will treat it with a custom-fitted oral appliance.  

What treatment of TMJ does This Dentist use?

Dr. Anne Kelley has her patients apply a nightguard. So, wearing these guards, which are similar to mouthguards worn by athletes, must be worn at night to reduce the force associated with this disorder. In addition, the nightguard is made with quality materials for proper fitting and comfort. She may also recommend that her patients use stress-relieving practices, such as no gum chewing or only eat soft foods for a short period.

For more information about the treatment of TMJ, contact Kingsgate of Kirkland, WA today. Dr. Ann Kelley has various options for residents in Kirkland and surrounding areas for TMJ. So, call Kingsgate Dental today to schedule an appointment at (425) 385-0080.

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.