Lake Tahoe, CA area dentist Dr. Jason Baldwin offers comprehensive treatment options for patients suffering from TMJ Disorders, headaches, jaw pain, and other TMJ symptoms and related problems. The goal of treatment is to identify the underlying cause of your bite disorder, not just address symptoms. This is an important difference in our comprehensive approach and is the key to helping you enjoy a lasting comfortable bite.
TMJ Symptoms
TMJ pain can lessen a patient’s quality of life and cause suffering. The TMJ symptoms differ greatly from patient to patient. TMJ symptoms often mask themselves or are similar to those of other medical conditions, making diagnosis extremely difficult. It’s important for you to seek care from Lake Tahoe, CA area dentist, Dr. Baldwin, if you have any of these symptoms and especially if they are persistent. TMJ Symptoms can include:
- Headaches, sinus pain
- Jaw and/or neck pain
- Ear pain, stuffiness, or hearing loss
- Difficulty opening, closing the jaw
- Clicking or popping jaw
- Locked jaw
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or fingers
- Dizziness
Diagnosing TMJ
The first step is a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of your occlusal system at our Lake Tahoe, CA dentist office. This includes the teeth, gums, and jaw joints. Pinpointing the underlying cause of your bite dysfunction is the key to treatment that will go beyond the symptoms and improve your overall oral health for the long term. Dr. Baldwin may also notice the signs of a bite problem during routine dental exams, such as worn or damaged teeth.
TMJ Treatment
The goal of TMJ treatment for your bite problems is to relieve any pain or discomfort you are experiencing and to restore a functional, comfortable smile. Treatment options for TMJ disorders offered at our Lake Tahoe, CA dentist office can include:
Mouthguard or splint therapy – A custom mouth guard or dental splint is often a conservative first step, used early in treatment, and not intended as a long-term solution. A dental split can be helpful to help identify a comfortable and stable bite position for further correction with restorative dentistry.
Bite correction – Also known as occlusal equilibration, bite correction is designed to bring the teeth into proper contact through restorative dental treatments. This allows the jaw to open and close in its proper position and eliminates stress on the jaw joints (TMJ).
Orthodontics – If crooked or misaligned teeth are the cause of your bite problem, Dr. Baldwin may recommend orthodontics to restore balance to the bite. We offer Invisalign for straightening your teeth and addressing TMJ symptoms.
Schedule a Consultation
Are you looking for a dentist office that offers TMJ treatment in Lake Tahoe, CA, and Truckee, CA? Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Baldwin if you think you may be suffering from TMJ disorder. He will perform a thorough exam and discuss your medical history to identify the underlying cause in order to recommend appropriate, lasting treatment. To schedule your appointment, contact our dentist office at (530) 206-0392 or use our online request form and we will contact you shortly.