TMJ & Bruxism Treatment in Arvada, CO

Do you often wake up with headaches or pain in your jaw or shoulders? Have you ever found your partner sleeping on the sofa because of loud snoring or clicking sounds you make while you’re asleep?

These symptoms and many others are signs that you may have a teeth-grinding habit called bruxism that is often related to TMJ problems. In some cases, these symptoms are so severe that it leaves patients desperate for a solution.

Dr. Jesse Jenkins is a dentist in Arvada who has studied TMJ problems extensively and is trained in several treatment approaches that she can adapt to your needs. Finally—the relief you’ve been waiting for!

The Difference between TMJ and TMD

Your TMJ is your jaw joint or temporomandibular joint. TMD or TMJD stands for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, a condition that refers to dysfunction of the TMJ. As one of the most-used joints in your body, the TMJ can become sore, fatigued, and painful due to overuse.

Bruxism is often the culprit, but TMJ problems can also be traced back to arthritis, malocclusion (bad dental bite), or a head or jaw injury. It is not a rare or unusual condition, and every day, the painful symptoms disrupt millions of lives.

Considering the enormous impact TMD can have on your life, providing relief from your jaw joint pain may not be as complicated as you think.

TMJ Symptoms to Look For

A misaligned or “bad” dental bite that leads to teeth grinding is often the cause of TMJ pain and problems. The constant force of grinding and clenching your teeth can cause extreme dental wear, broken and cracked teeth, and pain.

Other symptoms you can look for are:

• Pain in your TMJ or jaw joint
• Chronic headaches and migraines
• Difficulty opening or closing your jaw
• Mouth locked open or closed
• Pain when chewing or yawning
• Popping or clicking sounds in the jaw
• Ringing in the ears called tinnitus

If you experience any of these, there may not be cause for alarm; only a small percentage of those with TMJ pain develop long-term symptoms. Sometimes TMD produces only occasional mild discomfort, with TMJ pain subsiding with little or no treatment.

How We Treat TMJ Pain in Arvada

Dr. Jenkins has a keen interest in providing TMJ pain relief for her patients and is well-versed in occlusal disease. Her goal is to provide you with relief, and she offers several TMD treatment approaches that she individualizes for your unique needs.

The first step is a comprehensive examination with Dr. Jenkins at our Arvada dental office. She will use digital and panoramic x-rays to evaluate your jaw’s function and also its relationship to the way your teeth come together when you bite down.

TMD is a complex disorder, so, in many cases, it is managed rather than cured. However, we offer numerous non-invasive treatment methods available to address your TMJ pain and provide relief:

• Splint therapy
• Occlusal equilibriation
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Relaxation therapies to reduce stress

For patients who have severe TMJ, Dr. Jenkins may also recommend trigger point therapy and BOTOX® injections to minimize pain.

Each patient has unique needs, and many factors enter into the treatment decisions we make. But in many cases, it’s possible for us to minimize your symptoms without costly and complicated treatment. 

Don’t Live with TMJ Pain and Problems

Dr. Jenkins understands how all-consuming the symptoms of TMJ problems can be and wants to help you. Call Five Parks Dental in Arvada, CO, to schedule an appointment so we can get started. We are conveniently located in Arvada's Village of Five Parks near Ralston Valley and Cameo Estates.