Pain-free Dental Visits for TMJ Treatment with Sedation Dentistry

Are you tired of suffering from symptoms such as jaw and neck pain or chronic headaches? Did you know that these could be a sign of a common condition known as temporomandibular disorder or TMJ? Many patients suffer from such symptoms for years, not knowing the effective treatment options. At Kingsgate Dental in Kirkland, Washington, Dr. Ann Kelley and her dedicated team help patients who suffer from TMJ disorder by providing effective methods for prevention and treatment.

What is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ is a disorder that occurs when there is a type of dysfunction in the joints that connect the jaw to the skull, most commonly due to injury or inflammation. The human body has 360 joints, and while some are only responsible for one motion, others have far more complex movements. The temporomandibular joints are among the most intricate in the body, responsible for moving in multiple directions such as side to side, back and forth, and up and down to allow you to speak properly and chew food effectively. Because of the amount of stress put on the TMJs and their complexity, they are prone to damage or injury.

What are the symptoms of TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder presents itself with a wide range of symptoms, and some may not even seem related to the joints. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and may be constant or intermittent. They include:

• Jaw pain- difficulty opening or closing the jaw
• Clicking or popping of the jaw when you open and close your mouth
• Lockjaw
• Chronic Headaches
• Stiff or sore jaw muscles
• Ear pain
• Neck pain
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

What treatments are available for TMJ?

Finding the right treatment option for you will depend on the underlying cause of your TMJ and may include a combination of treatments. Our team will work with you to conduct a comprehensive examination of the teeth and jaw, discuss your symptoms and habits to find the source of your issues and recommend the best treatment options to provide relief. Solutions may include oral appliance therapy, managing stress, and in some cases, surgery.

If you have any of the symptoms described above and believe it might be due to TMJ disorder, we encourage you to call Kingsgate Dental in Kirkland, WA. today at (425) 385-0080 to schedule an evaluation.

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.