Nevada Orofacial Pain, TMJ   Sleep Clinic | Sleep Apnea, Chronic Facial Pain and Headache Disorders Diagnosis and Treatment

TMJ Treatment in Reno

When your jaw aches and it’s difficult to speak, eat, or just open and close your mouth, you can’t help but feel miserable. However, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that more than 10 million people across the country are affected by temporomandibular joint problems. As alarming as these numbers sound, there’s no need to despair! At the office of Nevada Orofacial Pain, TMJ, And Sleep Clinic, Dr. Shanna Kim provides the diagnostic and therapeutic care that’s required to address and alleviate the symptoms of TMJ problems.

Request an Appointment

TMJ Disorders/TMD

As located directly in front of each ear, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) facilitates jaw movement. When optimally functioning, your left and right temporomandibular joints work in perfect harmony to facilitate a wide range of motion. The joint is well-designed for all manner of oral function, and capable of handling an enormous range of movement while enduring biting pressures that can be as much as 260 pounds of force at the molars.

Yet, despite the fact this joint is well-equipped to handle the stresses of movement and the forces generated when biting, it can still become dysfunctional when overused, inflamed, or injured. In fact, several problems can disturb this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones, resulting in a painful and annoying TMJ disorder.

A TMJ disorder can exhibit a wide range of uncomfortable and debilitating symptoms, including:
  • Clicking, cracking, or popping of the jaw with movement
  • Jaw locking with an inability to fully open or close the jaw
  • Limited jaw movements
  • Earaches, ringing (tinnitus), or congestion
  • Headaches
  • Facial pain or tenderness
  • Neck pain
  • Muscle spasms

Common causes & types of TMJ problems

The origin of a TMJ disorder can be multifactorial with several contributing factors. However, the risk is higher in the presence of long-term teeth grinding or bruxism, a jaw injury or various types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Our office frequently sees patients with:

  • Myofascial Pain - Refers to pain in the areas surrounding the jaw joint due to various causes of increased muscle tension and spasm.
    • Muscle pain
    • Clenching & grinding teeth
  • Internal Derangement - Involving displacement of the disc, jaw dislocation, or trauma to the condyles of the jaw.
    • Anterior disc displacement with reduction (clicking or popping jaw)
    • Anterior disc displacement without reduction (closed lock)
    • Subluxation
  • Degenerative Joint Disease
    • TMJ Arthritis

Diagnosis & Treatment

As your trusted partner in care, Dr. Shanna Kim has the training, skills, and experience required to alleviate the discomfort and dysfunction associated with TMJ disorders. She understands the complexities of TMJ dysfunction and provides evidence-based care to restore healthy, comfortable, and balanced function. Since many cases, when properly diagnosed and treated, respond to conservative care, we offer the most effective non-surgical solutions available today.

Charting a path to wellness in our office begins with a thorough review of the medical and dental history of your case, along with a comprehensive assessment of your joint symptoms and function. Our office will also order radiographic imaging and other diagnostic tests as needed to develop the best approach to care.

Treatment recommendations can vary from case to case, depending on the causes and severity of symptoms and the specific needs.

Recommendations and treatment may include:
  • A soft diet
  • The application of warm, moist heat and symptom-specific exercises
  • Physical therapy
  • Myofunctional therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Pharmacotherapy, including anti-inflammatory medications (as tolerated)
  • Custom oral appliances
  • Steroid, platelet-rich plasma, or hyaluronate injections
  • Trigger point and nerve block injections
  • Medicated muscle injections
  • Correction or joint reduction of closed or open lock
  • Arthrocentesis

Get back on the road to comfort and better health!

Although the discomfort and dysfunction of a TMJ disorder can feel frustrating, treatment is available. Our office provides the expert diagnostics and care needed to help individuals with TMJ problems get back on the road to comfort, function, and better health. Dr. Kim provides individualized care, treating patients with TMJ disorders based on their specific needs.

Schedule a visit today!
Contact Us
Submit

Thank You!

We appreciate you taking the time to visit our site. We'll review your message and be in touch with you soon.

Continue
Nevada Orofacial Pain, TMJ   Sleep Clinic | Headache Disorders Diagnosis and Treatment, Chronic Facial Pain and Nerve Pain Diagnosis and Treatment