TMJ Treatment

Suffering from headaches and constant jaw pain can make your life significantly more difficult. Not only that, but jaw malocclusions actually make sleep apnea and airway health significantly worse. 

At Sleep Better Fort Collins, we don’t just help you sleep better—we help you live better. This is why we offer TMJ pain solutions and treatment. Call for pain relief today.

What is TMJ/TMD?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the set of joints that move your jaw. TMD stands for temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder; TMD is when you struggle with pain in your jaw, inflammation, or other painful symptoms because of a problem with your TMJ. It can cause issues throughout your life or be a temporary issue that can be fixed with changes to your stress level.

TMD Symptoms and When to See a TMJ Specialist

TMD symptoms can range quite a bit, but they all have to do with your jaw or facial area. If you notice some of these symptoms, it is best to be evaluated by a TMJ dentist like Dr. Lesko, who knows the signs of TMD and how to treat it:

• Your jaw clicking or popping
• Lockjaw or severe tension
• Pain in your jaw
• Tension headaches
• Uneven tooth wear
• Grinding (bruxism), especially when you sleep
• Sleep apnea

TMJ problems and sleep apnea can be connected, and treating one may lessen the severity of the other. If you are suffering from these symptoms and want to preserve your oral health or find TMJ headache relief, it is time to visit a TMJ specialist.

TMJ Treatment Options

TMJ  does not have one set treatment path. Dr. Lesko will try to determine the root cause of your TMJ, whether that be a malocclusion, stress, or something else entirely.

Some treatment options include:

• Myofunctional Therapy | Myofunctional therapy supports your airway and strengthens your TMJ, which can decrease pain and strain on the jaw.
• Medications | Anti-inflammatory medication or pain relievers can help lessen the issue and give your jaw a break, which can totally resolve the issue.
• Oral Night Guards or Splints | If you are grinding your teeth or suffering from pain in the mornings, a night guard can prevent grinding and nighttime wear.
• Stress Relief | If you are stressed and clenching your jaw, we may suggest stress relief tactics to prevent jaw pain and give you TMJ headache relief.
• Lifestyle Changes | What you eat and what habits you have can also contribute to or cause TMD, so our TMJ dentist, Dr. Lesko, can advise on these as well.

If the cause of your TMD is more complicated and cannot be fixed or alleviated with one of our TMJ treatment options, we can refer you to a TMJ specialist so you can find the right solution for your health needs.

Why Choose Us for TMJ Treatment?

Dr. Lesko has dedicated her dental career to providing quality dental care in airway and cosmetic dentistry. She understands how to help your smile in many ways, including relieving pain.

She and her team are trained in myofunctional therapy, which can be an effective solution for your pain. Not every dentist knows how to offer myofunctional therapy for TMJ treatment, so coming to a TMJ dentist who offers this approach is important.

When you come to visit us, you can expect to feel like family! Our environment is calm, and our appointment with you will be unrushed, so you can ask any questions and get to know Dr. Lesko and her team.

FAQs

Do I need to use opioids for TMD?

Our office understands the concern around opioids as a treatment for TMJ-related pain. We can offer several other medications for pain or inflammation before deciding on that as a solution.

How are the TMJ and sleep apnea connected?

Sleep apnea can cause TMD because your jaw will try to compensate for your closed airway, which places pressure on your TMJ while you sleep. You can wake up with inflammation or pain that may not go away. 

Jaw malocclusions can lead to both TMJ and sleep apnea.

Can TMJ go away on its own?

Yes, it can, especially if your stress levels or other lifestyle factors change. Even the bed you sleep in can change your TMD.

Call Our Office for TMJ Pain Relief

We work with you to find a solution for your TMD. Contact our office by filling out our consultation form or calling us for care in the Fort Collins area.