Location | Bellevue, WA
(425) 646-6409
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TMJ Treatment In Bellevue, WA

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Get the Relief You Need With TMJ Treatment 

Are you experiencing jaw pain or tenderness, aching, ringing ears, or jaw lock? Millions of Americans suffer from TMJ disorder or TMD—and it doesn’t always go away on its own. Here at The Sleep Apnea and Facial Pain Center in Bellevue, our dentist, Dr. Doneskey offers TMJ Treatment for anyone who is suffering from the condition. If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain, you don’t have to keep suffering.  

All About TMJ and TMD

Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is located beneath your ear. It connects each side of your skull to your lower jaw. These two joints allow your mouth to open and your 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.

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.

picture of a SilentPartner mouthpiece

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.

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.

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.

TMJ Treatment with Dr. Doneskey

If you’re suffering from TMD symptoms, we’d love to see you in our Bellevue office for TMJ Treatment. Please call us today at (425) 646-6409 or request an appointment on our website. Relief is on the way!

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