TMJ Specialists in Denver, CO
Do you have chronic pain in your head, neck, jaw, or all three? These uncomfortable symptoms can easily become the center of your life because they affect nearly everything you do. Even simple actions like chewing and speaking can be difficult or painful.
But you don’t have to learn to live with pain, because we offer advanced solutions that will allow you to get back to enjoying a pain-free life. Dr. Litvak has completed advanced training in treating TMJ symptoms and even teaches TMJ treatment at University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. You can be confident that you will receive the most updated quality care available.
TMJ, TMD, and Problems with Teeth Grinding
TMJ refers to your temporomandibular joint, which controls the movement of your lower jaw. You can feel this joint moving if you place your fingers in front of your ears and open and close your jaw. When this joint is not working correctly or causes you pain, we use the term TMD – temporomandibular joint disorder.
TMD-related pain originates in the jaw joint or the muscles that control movement when chewing or speaking. While your jaw is moving, these muscles are also working to support your head and neck.
Since these muscles do a lot of work, they can become tired, tense, or painful from overuse just like any other muscles in the body. This can lead to facial pain or pain in your jaw, neck, and head.
Any of these problems can be symptomatic of TMD:
- Headaches, including migraines
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw
- Tooth breakage and tooth wear
- Ringing in the ears
- Pain in the TMJ (temporomandibular joint)
Treatment Options to Reduce Symptoms of TMJ
The goals of treatment are to decrease pain, increase jaw function, and limit the impact of TMD on your daily life. First, our dentists in Denver will perform a thorough evaluation of your oral health and pinpoint the source of your pain. Experience has shown us that conservative treatments, which may include medication therapy and techniques for reducing your general stress level, are often effective non-invasive solutions for alleviating the painful symptoms of TMD.
Your symptoms may also be reduced with a customized oral device that fits comfortably over your front teeth. The device may be worn while you sleep and is designed to relax the jaw, so the upper and lower teeth don’t come into contact, relieving the tooth clenching that can increase painful symptoms.
Contact Our Dental Office in South Denver for Pain Relief
We know how the painful symptoms of TMD can make it difficult to enjoy life, and we’re sympathetic to your discomfort. Dr. Litvak, Dr. Woller, and our team will work with you until we find the solution that eliminates your pain so you can take back your life. Please call our dentist office at (303) 777-8850 to schedule TMJ treatment in Denver!
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people are affected by teeth grinding (bruxism) from time to time, and in most cases it’s due to simple stress. However, chronic grinding and clenching of teeth is a problem that needs to be addressed to prevent teeth from breaking down.
You may not be aware that you’re grinding and clenching your teeth. But if you’re waking up regularly with head, neck, or jaw pain, you may be feeling the effects of chronic teeth grinding.
Treatment for Teeth Grinding at Our Dentist Office in Denver
Dr. Litvak has had extensive training in treating TMJ, TMD, and teeth grinding. He uses this specialized knowledge to develop a plan for treatment that will reduce your teeth grinding and minimize the painful symptoms. In many cases, a simple oral appliance called an occlusal splint may be sufficient to provide the relief you need.
Dr. Litvak will start by performing a thorough evaluation to pinpoint the source of your teeth grinding. Based on the results, he will recommend a comprehensive plan, which may include using a night guard, muscle relaxing treatment and stress reduction techniques.
Contact Litvak & Woller Esthetic Comprehensive Dentistry Today!
If you’re suffering with unexplained head or neck pain, or you find yourself constantly grinding and clenching your teeth, please call our office at (303) 777-8850 to schedule an evaluation with Dr, Litvak or Dr. Woller. We can help!
Meet Our Doctors:
Clifford S. Litvak MS, DDS
Dr. Clifford S. Litvak, a comprehensive restorative dentist, graduated with honors from the University of Colorado School Of Dental Medicine in 1981. In addition to working in private practice in the Denver area for the ...
James R. Woller DDS
Dr. Jim Woller believes in a relationship-based, teamwork approach to dentistry. His goal is to help every patient achieve his or her health goals no matter how simple or complex they may be.
Dr. Woller was ...
Featured Blog Posts - TMJ Treatment
How Dentists Treat Teeth Grinding
When it comes to your teeth, gums, and jaw joints, your dentist is the expert. For this reason, you should turn to your dentist—our TMJ specialist in Denver, CO—if you suffer from or suspect bruxism.
Bruxism means you grind and clench your teeth, typically during sleep. In the early stages, you may not know you have this condition, but there are telltale signs.
Signs of Bruxism
Over time bruxism can cause tooth fractures and other complications, including:
- Jaw, neck, and shoulder pain
- Cracked and worn teeth
- Cavities and tooth chips
- Jaw joint disorder (TMJ)
TMJ or temporomandibular ...