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Treatment for TMJ In Bellevue, WA

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What is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is located beneath the ear and connects each side of your skull to your lower jaw. These two joints allow your mouth to open and jaw to move in several directions. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to chew, speak, smile, or even laugh.

If you develop any issues with the TMJ, it’s likely that you’re suffering from a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). TMD causes pain and stiffness in your jaw, along with several other health complications. In some cases, TMD can also be characterized as a sleep disorder by varying degrees of tooth clenching that occurs during a person’s sleep. 

TMJ Disorder Causes & Symptoms

There are many factors that may cause TMJ disorder, including bruxism, missing teeth, certain types of arthritis in the TMJ, and more. At your consultation, Dr. Doneskey will examine your TMJ and assess your symptoms to get to the root of your TMJ pain.

TMJ disorder can cause a number of different symptoms, the most common being:

  • Headaches, toothaches, or earaches
  • Frequent pain and stiffness in the jaw
  • Facial swelling and discomfort
  • Misaligned bite
  • Popping, catching, or locking when moving the jaw
  • Neck pain

In addition to this, contributing factors, such as stress, anxiety, depression and other sleep disorders can lead to increased nighttime clenching and consequently cause TMJ related symptoms to worsen. Of these factors, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most significant. TMJ disorder and OSA are strongly interrelated problems.

picture of a SilentPartner mouthpiece

Pain Relief With The SilentPartner™

At the Sleep Apnea and Facial Pain Center, we proudly offer 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of TMJ treatment?
Are there alternative ways to help relieve TMJ pain?
What if I don’t seek treatment for TMD?
When should I seek treatment for TMJ?
What are the benefits of TMJ treatment?

There are several advantages to seeking treatment for TMJ, as it can be extremely beneficial in eliminating pain and discomfort. Additional benefits include:

  • Increasing comfort while sleeping
  • Reducing stress on the jaw and teeth
  • Relieving aches and pains associated with TMJ
  • Improving jaw alignment
  • Preventing tooth or jaw damage
Are there alternative ways to help relieve TMJ pain?

Making certain lifestyle changes can help manage TMJ symptoms and relieve pain associated with TMJ in the short-term. Natural remedies include acupuncture, massage, jaw stretches, and sleep position. However, these are only temporary solutions and should not be confused with a long-term, functional solution. Dr. Doneskey can assess your symptoms and help determine the best, most effective treatment for your condition.

What if I don’t seek treatment for TMD?

Unfortunately, the effects of TMJ won’t disappear if you choose to ignore it. Untreated TMD can result in serious consequences that may have otherwise been avoided. You may experience joint damage and inflammation, wearing down on your teeth, ear ringing, and hearing damage or even loss. If you’re experiencing TMJ pain, we recommend seeking treatment as soon as possible to help manage the pain before it results in lasting effects.

When should I seek treatment for TMJ?

We recommend seeking professional treatment when frequent pain and stiffness associated with TMJ begins to affect your everyday life. Dr. Doneskey has more than 30 years of experience in effectively treating patients with TMJ related problems, including even the most complicated disorders. Don’t wait until your TMJ pain becomes unbearable, Dr. Doneskey and his Bellevue team have the necessary tools to help ease your pain.

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