Effective TMJ and TMD Treatment in Ketchum, ID

TMJ & Jaw Pain

TMJ and Jaw Pain

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint—the bone structure, muscles, and connective tissues that control chewing and jaw movement. When issues arise, they are commonly referred to as TMJ dysfunction or TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder).

You may be experiencing TMD symptoms such as jaw clicking, pain in the jaw or neck, difficulty chewing, or limited jaw movement. If these signs sound familiar, you may benefit from expert TMJ/TMD treatment by a qualified professional.

This is a serious condition that can affect how you eat, speak, sleep, and go about your daily life. It requires specialized care from a TMJ specialist with advanced training—far beyond the standard dental curriculum.

At Sun Valley Smile Designs, Dr. Calvert provides expert  TMJ treatment in Ketchum, ID, helping patients across Central Idaho find relief from chronic jaw pain and improve their overall quality of life.

The Disorder May Manifest in Several Ways:

Dr. John Calvert has over 30 years of expertise in the treatment and therapy of TMJ disorders. He is a member of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain and 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.

In many cases, TMJ issues can also impact the aesthetics of your smile, making a consultation with a dentist who is professionally trained in both TMJ therapy and Cosmetic Dentistry a smart choice.

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 TMJ disorders, 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 TMJ clinic immediately and see the state-of-the-art treatment options 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, TMJ disorders can 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 offer advanced treatment that works to relieve your pain. If you think you need help with TMJ treatment or therapy, call us at 208-471-8770. We can diagnose your condition and give you the quality treatment you deserve.

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.