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TMJ and Jaw Pain

TMJ and Jaw Pain

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which is the bone structure, muscles and connective tissues that surround the jaw and control chewing.

You may be exhibiting symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, otherwise known as TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder. There can be many symptoms including a clicking sound or pain in your jaw or neck area. It’s a serious condition that affects the way you eat, talk, and live your daily life and can only be treated by a dentist with advanced training beyond the typical dental school training. At Sun Valley Smile Designs Dr. Calvert offers advanced TMJ treatment in Central Idaho for patients suffering from this pain and dysfunction.

The Disorder May Manifest in Several Ways:

  • Pain on the face, down the back of the neck, or around the ears
  • Tenderness of the jaw, or the everday common headache
  • Clicking or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth
  • Difficulty or jaw discomfor when opening or closing the mouth
  • Locking of joints

Dr. John Calvert has over 30 years of expertise in the treatment and therapy of these cases and is a member of The American Academy of Craniofacial Pain as well as The American Academy of Orofacial Pain. His advanced training allows him to make the correct diagnosis and provide the best TMJ therapy in Ketchum.. Dr. Calvert has helped to relieve pain and eliminate headaches for thousands of patients.

This condition can’t be ignored because it may affect other parts of your body. You may have very sensitive teeth, receding gums or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Migraines and headaches are also common with the disorder, even if you don’t experience any of the other symptoms. The pain can extend down the back of your neck and shoulders, so instead of waiting for your condition to get worse, come to our office immediately and see our state-of-the-art treatment that is available to you.

One of the more common causes of this painful condition is having a bite imbalance or bruxism, the frequent grinding and clenching of your teeth at night while you sleep. This very common habit not only puts pressure on your jaw joints and muscles, but also damages your teeth. Another possible cause is trauma due to an accident or injury. When left untreated, the pain may persist for a long period and cause serious long term damage to your jaw joints, jaw muscles and teeth.

At Sun Valley Smile Designs, our state-of-the-art TMJ procedures in Ketchum can offer advanced treatment that works to relieve your pain. If you think you need help with treatment or therapy, call us at 207-471-8770. We can diagnose your condition and give you the quality treatment you deserve.

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Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday – Sunday: Closed

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Did You Know....

TMD alone is not a disorder, but instead a collection of disorders that affect the temporomandibular joint. According to the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, it is the second most common pain-causing musculoskeletal condition in the U.S. and is the cause of approximately 85% of all headaches. As many as 20 percent of Americans may suffer from some type of TMD, with women twice as likely to be affected than men. Despite the prevalence and wide availability of treatment, only one out every three people with TMD will seek treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

You will first need to have a complete examination and diagnosis of TMJ disorder. Your Ketchum dentist will evaluate the extent of the condition and determine what course of treatment is best for you.

TMJ treatment varies from patient to patient, so your experience may be very different than someone else’s. Dr. Calvert will be able to find the correct solution for your individual diagnosis. Almost all treatments are non-invasive and therefore painless.

Your post-treatment care instructions will vary according to the type of treatment you receive. If you undergo an aggressive treatment, such as surgery, you may be temporarily subject to an all-liquid diet. You’ll also need to apply ice to the face to minimize swelling and will need to keep the surgical site clean and dry.