TMJ Treatment
The headaches, facial pain, and other symptoms of a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder can be agonizing.
Unfortunately, many sufferers don't realize the relationship between their bite and these painful symptoms of TMD.
Dr. Timothy Kelly in Albuquerque, NM, is an expert in this area who can correct your bite in a way that helps you achieve lasting relief.
What Is a TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joints connect the jawbone to the skull. There is one temporomandibular joint located on each side of your face.
These jaw joints are complicated structures that involve interactions with bone, cartilage disks, facial and cranial muscles, and nerves.
A TMJ disorder (TMD) refers to a dysfunction that affects the normal movement and use of the jaw. The term "TMJ disorder" can actually refer to several conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues. Temporomandibular joint disorders can make it difficult to bite, chew, speak, and make certain facial expressions.
Symptoms of a TMJ Disorder Headaches, Teeth Grinding & Other Common Signs
Effects on the Teeth & Face
- Popping or clicking when closing or opening the mouth
- Stiffness or locking of the jaw
- Fatigue of the facial muscles
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Damaged teeth
Other Health Issues
- Tension headaches or migraines
- Eye pain or blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Ear pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Sore neck and shoulders
"One of the greatest achievements in my career is the ability to help people who suffer from pain." Dr. Kelly
Do You Suffer from TMD? Book Your Consultation Today
If you experience any symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), it's crucial that you visit a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment. It is possible that dental health issues are causing a disruption in your bite and the normal function of the jaw.
Since 1981, Dr. Kelly has dedicated extensive time and resources to becoming a TMJ disorder expert. He can provide an accurate diagnosis and determine if his treatments can help you. If your needs are more complex, he can refer you to another trusted physician who can explore other treatment options.
If you want to overcome painful TMD symptoms, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kelly in Albuquerque, NM. To begin your journey toward relief and a better quality of life, send our Albuquerque practice a message online or give our office a call at:
(505) 256-1770
Temporomandibular Disorder Solutions
As an expert in temporomandibular disorders, Dr. Tim Kelly in Albuquerque, NM, is uniquely qualified to help you find a solution that can provide long-term relief. Possible treatments that our practice can provide for this complex condition can include:
Biologic Orthopaedic Positioner
This device, also called a splint, isn't a treatment per se; instead, it is an important means of finding the proper position of the lower jaw. This custom device fits comfortably over the teeth to gently reposition the jaw and relieve strain on the joints. It is regularly adjusted over the course of two to three months to find the ideal jaw position. Once Dr. Kelly determines the correct position, he can recommend treatments that will help to achieve a permanent change that no longer requires wearing the splint device.
Corrective Dental Treatment
Corrective dental treatment that improves the bite and its relationship to the TMJs can only be attempted after a correct diagnosis is established and proven as the cause of the symptoms. This type of TMJ treatment is considered non-reversible and may include braces and other orthodontic treatments, adjusting your bite with the use of restorations such as dental crowns, and replacement of tooth form using crowns, bonding, and other restorative dentistry solutions.
Custom Nightguard
If you suffer from bruxism, Dr. Kelly may create a custom nightguard for you to wear while you sleep. A night guard is a simple plastic retainer that is molded to your teeth. The nightguard prevents direct contact between the upper and lower dental arches. This reduces the strain on the jaw joint if you clench your teeth during sleep. The nightguard also reduces the wear and tear on your teeth caused by bruxism. Nightguards may be used in combination with other TMD treatments.
Jaw Surgery
Surgical intervention is usually only necessary in very complex cases that cannot be resolved with more conservative solutions. If Dr. Kelly determines that he cannot provide lasting TMJ relief through solutions such as orthodontics or custom restorations, he can refer you to trusted colleagues who can help determine if surgery is absolutely necessary.
BOTOX Injections
BOTOX® injections are a well-known treatment to correct cosmetic issues, such as wrinkles. However, BOTOX injections are also a noninvasive treatment option to help relieve painful TMJ symptoms. These injections work by relaxing tense muscles in the jaw. This relieves tension in the joints and muscles, which is often a major contributor to TMD and associated symptoms such as headaches and pain.
Find Relief From TMJ With Dr. Kelly
Do frequent headaches and jaw pain affect your day-to-day life? Dr. Kelly is a TMJ disorder expert in Albuquerque who has treated the condition since 1981. He offers multiple treatment options to provide lasting relief from your symptoms.
Dr. Kelly's Approach
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If you experience TMJ pain or any symptoms of TMD, a thorough diagnostic process by a trained dentist is a must. By using a variety of diagnostic tools, Dr. Kelly is able to understand the complexity of each patient's case, leading to accurate diagnoses and custom treatment of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding structures of the cranium and jaw.
TMD Diagnosis State-of-the-Art Tools and Techniques
We take dental impressions in order to create an accurate physical model of your bite. This will allow us to study how your teeth meet and the effect on the TMJs.
Using an advanced type of digital x-ray known as a CBCT scan, we can also create a virtual three-dimensional model of your bite to examine the alignment of your teeth and jaw.
Given the complexity of the temporomandibular joint, Dr. Kelly will evaluate the interactions between the bone, cartilage, muscles, and nerves that comprise the TMJ.
High-resolution photos of your teeth can reveal a number of issues related to structure and alignment. A clinical photographic survey supplements other TMJ imaging data.
"Thank you for getting rid of my TMJ pain."
A long-time patient of Dr. Timothy M. Kelly's, Lauren started noticing TMJ symptoms as an adult. She knew she could trust our Albuquerque dentist for care that actually helped. Dr. Kelly developed a week-by-week plan for Lauren that has completely relieved her jaw pain and headaches, and she says she’s thankful for the treatment.
Wisdom in TMJ Treatment
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Keep in mind that the key to successful TMJ treatment is not the materials or technology - it's the education and experience to understand the problem and develop a pathway to health. Dr. Kelly in Albuquerque brings 40 years of dental health experience to each patient and has an in-depth knowledge of the anatomy of the TMJ.
Get the TMJ Treatment You Need
Speak With a TMD Expert
Clenching, grinding, trauma, and other factors can have a negative effect on the health of your temporomandibular joints. Dr. Kelly has the experience and the technology to accurately diagnose and treat TMJ problems.
To speak with a TMJ expert about your symptoms and possible treatment options, we encourage you to contact our practice online or call our dental office in Albuquerque, NM.
(505) 256-1770
TMJ Treatment Transformation
TMD Risk Factors
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- Anxiety and depression
- Chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia
- Extensive dental treatments
- Gender (TMD is more common in women)
Treating TMJ Issues 3 Primary Steps
TMJ is a complex condition, and no two cases are exactly alike. If a series of diagnostic tests at our Albuquerque, NM, office reveal that your TMJ discomfort is the result of a misaligned bite, your treatment plan could involve:
Lifestyle Changes
If you experience symptoms of a temporomandibular disorder, it is best to avoid overuse of the jaw muscles by eating soft foods, cutting food into small bites, and avoiding chewing gum and other chewy or sticky food. Ice and over-the-counter (OTC) ibuprofen are the first recommended treatments for acute pain in or around the TMJs. We try to avoid using pharmaceuticals at all costs.
Splint Therapy
If a bite discrepancy is discovered, Dr. Kelly might suggest a mandibular orthopedic splint to align and stabilize the lower jaw. This is a diagnostic tool that initiates healing, and patients often begin to feel an improvement soon after they start using it. Many notice a decrease in headaches and neck pain and say that they sleep better. It usually takes eight to 12 weeks of full-time splint wear to allow your body to adapt and get to a stable joint position of the TMJs.
Permanent Treatment
Permanent treatment to maintain this ideal jaw position can now be discussed. By having an understanding of how the healthy chewing system functions, we can design a specific plan to maintain your health and comfort. This may include orthodontic treatment, adjusting the bite, and repairing any damaged teeth. Surgery is usually not necessary and is typically only warranted in acute injury situations such as whiplash.
A 5-Star Dentistry Experience Patient-Centered Care for the People of Albuquerque, NM
"Dr. Kelly’s office is amazing, I’ve had such a wonderful experience as his patient. Going to his office is a first class experience, you’re treated well and the environment is pleasant." Miranda Wofford
