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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 AppointmentAs 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.
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:
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.
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.