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3920 10th St SE, Puyallup, WA 98374
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctors
      • Dr. Greg Wetterhus
      • Dr. Dan Smith
    • Meet the Team
    • Why Choose Us
    • Tour the Office
    • Community Involvement
    • FAQ
  • Our Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Dental Cleanings and Exams
      • Mouthguards
    • Family Dentistry
      • Pediatric Dentistry
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Dental Veneers
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Smile Makeover
    • Orthodontics / Invisalign
    • Restorative Dentistry
      • Dental Crowns and Bridges
      • Dentures
    • Dental Implants
      • Full-Arch Replacement
      • Mini Dental Implants
      • Full-Mouth Reconstruction
    • Sedation Options
      • Relieving Dental Anxiety
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      • Tooth Removal / Extractions
    • TMJ Treatment / Teeth Grinding
    • Sleep Apnea
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January 15, 2020

TMJ Therapy: Relief from Jaw Pain

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Home > Blog > TMJ Therapy: Relief from Jaw Pain
January 15, 2020

What Is TMJ?

TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint, connect the lower jaw to the side of the skull at the temporal bones. When you are experiencing pain and other symptoms associated with this joint, it may lead to a diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD but commonly referred to as TMJ or TMJ disorder.

TMJ or TMD often occurs as the result of an injury, but in many cases, symptoms can show up for no obvious reason. Because of this, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as you experience any of the symptoms mentioned below so that our team at Smith & Wetterhus Dentistry can provide relief from your discomfort.

Symptoms of TMJ

Many people living with TMJ experience uncomfortable or even painful symptoms without realizing their dentist can provide relief. The most common symptoms of TMJ include:

  • Chronic headaches
  • Migraines
  • Tooth pain or sensitivity
  • Popping or clicking in the jaw
  • Pain or sensitivity in the jaw
  • Sticking or limited movement in the jaw joint
  • Tinnitus (ringing) in the ears
  • Swelling on the side of the face
  • Chronic pain in the neck or shoulders

TMJ Therapy to Treat Symptoms

When a patient comes to us with any of the symptoms listed above, we will conduct a full examination of your mouth, jaw, and neck to verify that TMJ is the right diagnosis. If it is determined that your symptoms are the result of TMJ, we will discuss TMJ therapy and the various treatment options available to provide relief.

At Smith & Wetterhus Dentistry, a typical TMJ treatment involves the following:

  • Pain relief

The first thing we will focus on is providing relief from your pain. Which pain relief option will work best for you depends on the type of pain you are experiencing and other factors. We may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, or we may prescribe you medication to help with the pain.

  • Physical therapy

Some patients may benefit from physical therapy to stretch and strengthen their jaw muscles. Physical therapy for TMJ usually involves ultrasound therapy, moist heat, and ice.

  • Mouthguards

Another option for people who are experiencing jaw pain as the result of TMJ is a mouthguard. These soft or firm devices are placed over the teeth to help prevent teeth grinding or clenching, or in some cases to reposition the jaw.

Don’t Wait! Call Smith & Wetterhus Today

If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or sensitivity that you think could be related to TMJ, call our Puyallup, WA office today. You don’t have to live another day in pain when there are numerous options available to help you feel better.

Call Smith & Wetterhus Dentistry at 253-999-9419 to schedule an appointment. We will get you in as soon as possible.

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Call Today to make an Appointment 253-999-9419 Schedule Online

Location

3920 10th St SE, Puyallup, WA 98374
View Larger Map

Office Hours

  • Monday 8:00am-5:00pm
  • Tuesday 8:00am-5:00pm
  • Wednesday 7:00am-2:00pm
  • Thursday 8:00am-5:00pm
  • Friday 7:00am-2:00pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Latest Blog Articles

Feel Good About Your Smile With Full-Mouth Reconstruction
Be Prepared to Fight Against Oral Cancer
Plan Today for Your Spring Dental Cleaning

Explore Our Services

  • Mini Dental Implants
  • General Dentistry
  • Dental Cleanings and Exams
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