TMJ/TMD Therapy in Bend, OR
What is TMJ/TMD Therapy?
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, also known as TMD, can cause a range of symptoms, including jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and difficulty in opening or closing the mouth. At Breathe Deep Dental, we offer TMJ/TMD therapy to address these issues and improve your overall oral health.
The Benefits of TMJ/TMD Therapy
Relieve Pain
TMJ/TMD therapy aims to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by the disorder. Our specialized treatment options can help reduce jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms, allowing you to enjoy a pain-free life.
Sleep Better
TMJ/TMD can often disrupt sleep patterns due to discomfort. By addressing the underlying causes of the disorder, our therapy can help you achieve better sleep and wake up refreshed.
Preserve Your Oral Health
TMJ/TMD can have a negative impact on your oral health, including teeth grinding and clenching. Our therapy not only provides relief but also helps preserve your teeth and gums, preventing further damage.
How TMJ/TMD Therapy Works
Treatment for TMJ/TMD is not one-size-fits-all. Dr. Sophie Diepenheim will get to know you and your needs, and keep you informed every step of the way.
step 1
Our experienced team will conduct a thorough examination to diagnose TMJ/TMD and evaluate the severity of the condition. We will take into account your symptoms, medical history, and perform any necessary imaging or tests.
step 2
Based on your specific needs, we will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to address your TMJ/TMD. This may include a combination of therapies such as oral appliances, physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications.
step 3
We will closely monitor your progress throughout the treatment process and make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal results. Our team will provide ongoing care and support to help you manage your TMJ/TMD effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ/TMD can manifest in various ways, including jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, headaches, earaches, facial pain, and difficulty in opening or closing the mouth. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advisable to seek professional evaluation and treatment.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to TMJ/TMD, you may be a good candidate for therapy. Our team at Breathe Deep Dental will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying causes of your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment options for you.
At Breathe Deep Dental, we are committed to providing effective TMJ/TMD therapy in Bend, OR. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards finding relief from TMJ/TMD discomfort. Breathe deep and experience the difference in your oral health and overall well-being.
TMJ/TMD comes from many causes and for some mild cases, it can be transient and will resolve on its own. To help it resolve, consider de-stressing to eliminate clenching, ceasing gum chewing, and lightly massaging the sore muscles around the jaw to help them relax. However, if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it may be a chronic condition and it is advisable to seek professional help.
There are several things you can do at home to help relieve TMJ/TMD pain.
To help manage mild pain flare-ups, it can be helpful to apply hot and cold compresses in 10-minute intervals to reduce inflammation and reduce the pain as your joints and muscles heal. Additionally, over-the-counter medications (such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen) can help reduce inflammation and pain as your body is recovering from TMJ/TMD. It is also a good idea to stick to soft foods and avoid chewing gum or hard foods to reduce muscle load while you are healing.
To help prevent and recover from TMJ/TMD, it is a good idea to take steps to decrease jaw clenching/grinding. Things at home that can help are regular exercise, de-stressing, regular sleep schedules, or perhaps even meditation. In addition, jaw stretches and exercises to increase mobility and strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints can be helpful. Here is a useful video of such exercises called The Rocabado 6x6.
Some cases of TMJ/TMD may be helped by these at-home remedies, but if the pain is significant or you are experiencing persistent symptoms beyond 1-2 weeks (or more), we recommend seeking professional help. At Breathe Deep Dental, we like to uncover the root cause of why the TMJ/TMD is occurring and are here to help you create a customized plan for recovery and prevention.
There are a variety of factors that contribute to TMD and TMJ pain:
- Trauma or injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- Discrepancies between the bite and the comfortable TMJ position
- Bruxism/clenching/grinding
- Lifestyle issues
- Excessive gum chewing
- High-stress lifestyle
- Autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases (e.g. arthritis)
Because so many factors contribute to TMJ pain or TMD, it is important to seek out a professional who is qualified to help you uncover the cause(s) of your TMJ/TMD and help recommend appropriate treatment options.
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