TMJ Treatment In Bellevue, WA

Customized TMJ Treatment Plan

At the Sleep Apnea and Facial Pain Center in Bellevue, WA, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality care and personalized treatment plans. Our team, led by Dr. Jeff Doneskey, is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies in the field of dentistry to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care. 

We offer a variety of TMJ treatment options, from lifestyle changes and physical therapy to custom-fitted oral appliances and surgery, to help you find relief from your TMJ symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.

What is TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint is a complex hinge joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. This joint is responsible for a range of movements, including chewing, speaking, and swallowing. When the TMJ is not functioning properly, it can cause a range of symptoms, including pain and discomfort in the jaw, neck, and head area.

TMJ disorder can have many causes, including injury to the jaw or head, teeth grinding or clenching, arthritis, and stress. It can also be caused by misaligned teeth or an abnormal bite, which can put extra strain on the TMJ. Women are more likely to develop TMJ disorder than men, and it is most common in people between the ages of 20 and 40.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMJ disorder can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, and head area
• Difficulty or pain when opening and closing the mouth
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth
• Ear pain or ringing in the ears
• Headaches or migraines
• Neck pain and stiffness

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek treatment from a qualified dental professional like Dr. Doneskey in Bellevue, WA.

TMD Causes and Symptoms 

TMJ disorder can happen to anyone. There are many factors that may cause your TMJ to flare up, including bruxism (teeth grinding), missing teeth, certain types of arthritis in the TMJ, stress and anxiety, and more. At your consultation, Dr. Doneskey will examine your TMJ and assess your symptoms to get to the root of your pain. 

Here are the most common symptoms of TMD: 

• Headaches
• Toothaches
• Pain or ringing in the ears
• Frequent pain and stiffness in the jaw
• Facial swelling and discomfort
• Misaligned bite
• Popping, catching, or locking when moving the jaw
• Neck pain

Certain contributing factors like stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders can cause your symptoms to worsen. And if you have obstructive sleep apnea, you’re more likely to have TMD as well.

Pain Relief With the Silent Partner

At the Sleep Apnea and Facial Pain Center, we specialize in treating TMD disorder. We proudly offer Bellevue’s best dentist Dr. Doneskey’s FDA-cleared, TMJ-friendly appliance to help relieve your pain. The SilentPartner Treatment is designed to promote healthy jaw function and complete adjustability, with your comfort in mind. This oral device is worn overnight to prevent teeth grinding or clenching, which significantly reduces pressure on your jaw, teeth, and neighboring structures.

In addition to TMD, The Silent Partner is used to treat: 

• Snoring
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (moderate)
• Patients who are unable or unwilling to use CPAP

You don’t have to suffer from TMJ disorder or excessive snoring any longer. Please call our office at (425) 646-6409 so our team can help.

Natural TMJ Disorder Remedies 

Unfortunately, your TMD symptoms are not likely to go away on their own. In addition to seeking TMJ treatment with Dr. Doneskey, you can try these natural remedies to ease your pain:

• Manage your stress levels. TMJ pain is usually worse when you are stressed, so finding ways to manage your stress levels can help. Try daily walks or yoga, meditation, and avoiding high-stress situations when possible.

• Eat soft foods. When you eat softer foods, you chew less, so your jaw won’t work as much. 
• Try hot and cold therapy. Apply a moist heat pack to your jaw for 15 minutes a day, or use an ice pack for 15 minutes a few times per day. You can even switch between hot and cold for the best results.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If you are suffering from the uncomfortable symptoms of TMJ disorder, don’t suffer in silence any longer. Dr. Doneskey and the team at the Sleep Apnea and Facial Pain Center are here to help. We understand how painful and disruptive TMJ disorder can be, and we are dedicated to providing our patients with the relief they need to live a comfortable, pain-free life. Don’t wait another day to seek treatment – call us at (425) 646-6409 to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a happier, healthier you.