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TMJ Treatment

Do you experience clicking, popping, or locking in your jaw joints? Do you wake up each day with sore teeth or a headache? If you experience some of these symptoms, you may have Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder (TMJD).

Millions of Americans suffer from TMJD and do not know that it is treatable. If you notice your teeth are becoming worn, shortened, or chipped, you may be grinding your teeth (a condition called bruxism) or experiencing TMJD.

TMJD Symptoms

Symptoms may range from mildly annoying clicks and pops to severe pain. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact us right away. TMJD does not usually resolve on its own, and when left untreated, may require surgery. If your jaw locks open or closed, it can be frightening and painful. Locked jaws may require surgery.

Some of the most common TMJD symptoms include:

Jaw pain
Neck pain
Headaches
Gum recession
Abfractions (teeth chipped at the gum line)
Shortened teeth
Grinding
Clicking, popping, or locking
Facial pain
Facial swelling
Tinnitus
Cracked teeth
Tooth sensitivity

TMJD Treatment

In our Denver dental office, we can usually treat TMJD and bruxism with an occlusal (night) guard. We offer a variety of options depending on your specific needs and diagnosis. An occlusal guard protects your teeth by placing a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. We will adjust your night guard to feel completely comfortable for you, and you can wear it while you sleep. That is when most people grind their teeth and the largest amount of damage occurs.

Since your night guard is made of acrylic, it absorbs some of the force of your bite and protects your teeth from touching while you sleep. Your jaws are capable of incredible force, and you can literally break our your own teeth while you sleep.

If you choose not to treat your TMJD symptoms, you could risk more pain, tooth loss, broken teeth, and surgery. A night guard is a cost-effective and efficient treatment for most TMJD cases.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the act of grinding your teeth. While most cases of bruxism occur at night, some patients report clenching or posturing their jaws and teeth during the day. This often happens at times of uncontrolled stress or intense concentration.

Bruxism can make you feel exhausted and can also really take a toll on your teeth. From chips to cracks, the strength of your jaw can do some serious damage. Bruxism has also been identified as a potential cause of TMJD. Just like with TMJD, we can treat bruxism with occlusal guards. The best time to take action is before the full symptoms of TMJD start.

Call For a TMJ Evaluation

Do you think you might have problems with your jaws? Call our Denver, CO dental office, and our highly skilled dentist, Dr. Beth Kreider, can let you know the best plan to protect your teeth and increase your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. When people refer to TMJ, they generally mean TMJ disorders, or problems with the jaw joint. TMJD affects millions of Americans each year. Prolonged symptoms of TMJD can cause fatigue and even depression because of the pain and discomfort.

Your jaw is incredibly strong. Sometimes, clenching or grinding your teeth can create severe facial pain, headaches, clicking, swelling, popping, and even locking. These problems can be mildly annoying to severe and require treatment to protect the health of your jaw joint as well as your teeth.

Dr. Ciula treats TMJ by making a night guard for our patients. A night guard absorbs some of the force from your jaws and helps protect your teeth from the wear and tear of clenching and grinding. It can also relieve the headaches and facial pain associated with TMJ by positioning your jaw in an ideal position.

Failure to treat TMJ generally leads to the worsening of your symptoms. Some patients may find their symptoms become so severe that they need surgery, prescriptions, and physical therapy to treat it. Your best chance to avoid worsening symptoms and pain is to treat it in the early stages. Dr. Ciula is experienced in the successful treatment of TMJD.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Ewelina Ciula DDS
Dentist and Owner

"My guiding principle in any care I give is to treat you as though you are a member of my family- to provide you with only what is in your best interest just as I would for my mother, father, sister, or brother. Above all else, my foremost concern is for you, the patient- your comfort, safety, and wellbeing take the utmost precedence. Having the opportunity to serve you year after year with dedication is why I love my profession- and I hope that love is perceptible in every aspect ...