What is TMJ/TMD in Fort Collins?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joints located on each side of the jaw where the lower jaw connects to the skull. These joints play an essential role in everyday activities like chewing, speaking, and yawning. TMD (temporomandibular disorder) is a broad term used to describe dysfunction or pain affecting these joints and the surrounding muscles.
Common symptoms of TMD include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Jaw locking, making it hard to open or close the mouth
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Tooth sensitivity unrelated to cavities
If left untreated, TMD can impact your daily routine and overall well-being. Thankfully, effective solutions are available to manage these symptoms and restore proper jaw function.
Comprehensive TMJ/TMD Evaluation
When you visit our Fort Collins office for TMD concerns, Dr. Allison Jung and her team will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess the health of your TMJ. This evaluation may include:
- A detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits
- Examination of your jaw’s range of motion and any signs of tenderness
- Assessment of bite alignment and potential stress patterns
- Diagnostic tools such as X-rays or imaging to get a closer look at the joint
Our comprehensive approach ensures we create a treatment plan that works specifically for you.
TMJ/TMD Treatment Options
At Allison Jung Family Dentistry, we can recommend a variety of treatment options to address TMD effectively. We focus on non-invasive and conservative approaches to help alleviate your discomfort and restore a healthy jaw function:
Dental equilibration
Dental equilibration, or occlusal adjustment, is a procedure used to optimize how your upper and lower teeth come together. While it often involves selectively reshaping small areas of enamel to eliminate interferences and premature contacts, equilibration can also be additive. In cases where teeth are worn down, underdeveloped, or missing proper structure, restorative materials such as composite resin, veneers, or crowns can be used to rebuild and restore proper tooth height and alignment.
Repositioning teeth
In some cases, achieving a truly stable and balanced bite requires repositioning teeth. In these situations, we work closely with an orthodontist to move the teeth into proper alignment before or in conjunction with equilibration. This collaborative approach ensures that the final bite is not only comfortable and functional but also long-lasting and protective of the jaw joints.
Occlusal Splint Therapy
Occlusal Splint Therapy is a conservative, non-invasive, and reversible treatment designed to stabilize the jaw and improve discomfort associated with TMJ disorders. A custom occlusal splint is precisely designed and adjusted to create balanced tooth contact, reduce strain on the jaw joints and muscles, and minimize bite interferences that may contribute to dysfunction. Successful treatment typically requires wearing the splint full-time (except while eating and cleaning) and attending a series of adjustment appointments as your jaw heals and adapts. This first phase of treatment is intended to help you achieve a comfortable, stable jaw position. Once that position has been established, the second phase focuses on determining how to transfer that stable bite from the splint to your natural teeth for long-term stability, if needed.
Deprogramming Devices
Deprogramming Splint Therapy is a conservative, reversible treatment used when overactive jaw muscles are a primary contributor to TMJ discomfort. A deprogramming splint is a small, custom-made appliance worn over the teeth that helps relax the chewing muscles by reducing the influence of tooth contacts on jaw position. By allowing the muscles to function more naturally, it can decrease muscle tension, reduce clenching and grinding, and improve jaw comfort. Deprogramming splints are often used as a diagnostic and therapeutic first step to help determine a comfortable, repeatable jaw position before developing a more comprehensive treatment plan, if needed.
Custom Night Guards
Custom-fitted night guards protect teeth and jaws from the harmful effects of bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching). They reduce pressure on your TMJ while you sleep, offering significant relief from pain and potential dental damage.
Stress Management Strategies
Stress often plays a key role in worsening TMJ discomfort. We may recommend stress-relief techniques or refer you to specialists who can help reduce tension and promote muscle relaxation.
Physical Therapy and Jaw Exercises
Targeted exercises and physical therapy can help strengthen and stretch the jaw muscles, relieving pain and improving mobility. During your evaluation, we may recommend simple techniques to help manage symptoms at home. When more comprehensive rehabilitation is needed, we refer patients to a trusted physical therapist who can develop a personalized exercise program based on their specific condition and recovery goals.
Sleep Screening
Research has shown a strong relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and TMJ disorders, and many patients with TMD also experience underlying sleep-related issues. As part of our comprehensive TMJ evaluation, we look for signs and symptoms that may suggest a sleep concern. Our office offers high-resolution pulse oximetry as a screening tool that can be performed at home. This test is not intended to diagnose a sleep disorder, but it can help identify patterns that may warrant further evaluation. If screening results suggest a possible sleep-related issue, we will refer you to an appropriate physician or sleep specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
Why Choose Allison Jung Family Dentistry?
At Allison Jung Family Dentistry, we prioritize your comfort and long-term health. Dr. Jung has extensive knowledge about helping patients manage TMJ disorders using a compassionate and patient-centered approach. And if needed, we work closely with specialists to ensure you receive comprehensive care for your TMJ concerns.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Personalized Care: No two patients are the same, so we design treatment plans to suit your specific needs and goals.
- Advanced Technology: We equip our dental office with the latest tools and techniques for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
- Friendly Environment: From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll feel welcomed and supported by our caring team.
- In-House Membership: Our in-house membership plan offers affordable benefits to ensure you receive the dental care you need without breaking the bank.
We know how frustrating TMD can be, and we’re committed to helping you find lasting relief.
Schedule Your TMJ Consultation Today
Don’t let TMD interfere with your daily life. If you need treatment for TMJ/TMD in Fort Collins or the surrounding area, reach out to Allison Jung Family Dentistry. Dr. Jung, Dr. Ballard, and their team are here to provide the care, guidance, and support you need to regain pain-free jaw movement and improve your quality of life.
Schedule an appointment today to take the first step toward TMD relief. We’re excited to help you on your path to wellness!