TMJ Treatment in Denver

Our TMJ Dentist Can Help You

Your jaw opens and shuts because of the temporomandibular joints and jaw muscles on either side of your face. If they cease to work properly, it can affect the way you chew, swallow, speak, and even show emotion.

The TMJ is a ball and socket joint located where the upper and lower jaws meet. You have one joint on each side of your mouth. These joints are part of a large group of muscles, ligaments, and bones that work together as a system. TMJ causes many kinds of symptoms, sometimes making it hard to diagnose. You may have headaches, tooth pain or muscle aches. Your pain may be constant, or it may come and go without any apparent reason.

What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?

The pain of TM disorders (TMD) is often described as a dull, aching pain which comes and goes in the jaw joint and nearby areas. Some people, however, report no pain but still have problems moving their jaws.

Symptoms can include:

• Pain in the jaw muscles
  
• Pain in the shoulders
  
• Chronic headaches
  
• Jaw muscle stiffness
  
• Limited movement or locking of the jaw
  
• Ear pain, pressure
  
• Painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
  
• A bite that feels off
  
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness, and vision problems
  

Effects of TMJ

Because the TMJ and its nearby muscles make up a complex closely connected system, a problem in one part of the system can affect the other parts. Common TMD problems include tight muscles that can go into spasm, inflamed joints which can include heat, swelling or loss of function and damaged joints which many people hear clicking when they open or close their jaw. If you feel pain along with the noise, the joint may be damaged.

TMD & TMJ Treatment in Denver

You don’t have to fight TMD on your own. We can help relieve and treat your symptoms. We take a thorough history, perform a comprehensive exam and guide your treatment. Dr. Makowski has extensive training in treating TMD and TMJ disorders. We are here to walk you through your options and help you arrive at the best solution to improve your health and comfort.