TMJ Therapy in Renton, WA

What are TMJ Treatments?

The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. As with many other joints, the TMJ can experience pain, discomfort, swelling and limited range of movement that gets in the way of your quality of life. When this occurs, it’s known as TMD or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. We offer a range of helpful treatments and remedies for all TMJ-related problems.

Why do you need TMJ Treatment?

The TMJ is necessary for eating, chewing, and opening and closing your mouth to speak. When the joint becomes inflamed or painful, it can get in the way of daily life. Problems to look for include:

• Clicking, popping or grinding of the jawbone
• Inability to open your mouth fully without pain or discomfort
• Inflammation and tenderness
• Earaches that are otherwise unexplained
• Difficulty chewing and biting
• Locking of the jaw

What makes you a good candidate for TMJ Treatments?

We thoroughly examine the TMJ area, listening for unusual sounds when you open and close your mouth and checking range of motion. If problems are found, we discuss your options. Each patient is different in what works best.

What happens during TMJ Treatment?

In some cases, TMJ problems resolve on their own and are temporary. If pain, discomfort, and swelling persist, we often recommend physical therapy, muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and hot/cold therapy. In more extreme cases, surgery is required. The most common procedure is temporomandibular arthrocentesis, where fluid is removed from the joint before the bone is realigned. Surgery-free options are always sought first.