435-529-1000
The temporomandibular joints that hinge your jaw are very sophisticated and essential for good oral function. Discomfort and pain in these joints can affect your quality of life and pose long-term complications. Early symptoms often include pain or discomfort in the joints or surrounding jaw muscles, as well as a dull ache around the temples or in front of the ears, and discomfort when biting down.
It’s also important to note that a simple clicking sound in the temporomandibular joints when chewing is a direct symptom in-and-of itself. It is often an accompanying issue with other more-prevalent symptoms.
The various factors in your TMJ disorder symptoms and potential causes will determine the treatment strategy Dr. Barry Sorenson develops at his Salina, Utah orthodontic clinic.
This often starts with a two-stage treatment strategy. This often starts with basic lifestyle modification, such as eating softer foods, using hot or cold packs or over the counter anti-inflammatory medication.
This might also include using a quality night guard when you sleep at night. This is even more likely if Dr. Barry Sorenson feels your TMJ discomfort is related to grinding your teeth at night on a regular basis.
If lifestyle modification doesn’t provide significant relief of your TMJ disorder symptoms, Dr. Barry Sorenson might advocate more proactive or invasive treatment measures. This could include prescription medications, the use of a stabilization stint or even surgical intervention. The method he advocates will be based on your symptoms and the unique details of your temporomandibular joints.
If you live in the Salina, Utah area and you’ve been struggling with symptoms of TMJ disorder, you should call 435-529-1000 for professional diagnosis and treatment with Dr. Barry Sorenson.