TMJ Salt Lake City Area Overcome TMJ Symptoms–For Good
- We Offer Free Consultations
- Emergency Care Is Available
- Accepting Several Types of Insurance
We're Committed to Our Patients
“Dr Anderson and the team were amazing. Thank you so so much!” – Tristynn, 5-Star Review
Temporomandibular joint disorder, also called simply TMJ or TMD, can be incredibly frustrating. You don’t have to work through it alone. During a consultation, Dr. Anderson will begin by discussing your concerns and educating you on your treatment options.
Do you have TMJ pain and live in West Jordan, Bountiful, or the Greater Salt Lake City Area? We’d love to meet you. Get started by reaching out to us today!
Anxious? We’ve Got You Covered.
Even if you don’t need surgery, you might feel anxious at the very thought of visiting the dentist. Others have trouble sitting still during exams. For these patients and more, we offer soothing sedation dentistry.
How Do I Know If I Have TMJ Disorder?
The only way to know for certain is to visit our oral surgeon for an exam. Until then, consider these common symptoms:
- Jaw pain or facial pain
- Teeth grinding
- Chronic headaches
- Very sensitive teeth
- Grinding or clenching
- Trouble opening your mouth
- A “locked” sensation when your mouth is open or closed
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joints
TMJ disorder affects everyone differently and can produce effects that many of our patients would never guess stem from trouble with their jaws. It’s important to discuss all of your health concerns with Dr. Anderson—even symptoms like tingling in your extremities or a stiff neck—so that he can get a comprehensive understanding of your condition.
“I really like the surgeon. He informs you and is very knowledge. Also the gals on the staff are nice.” – Judy Johnson, 5-Star Review
What Are Some Steps I Can Take at Home?
Until your appointment, consider:
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen
- Eating soft foods since chewing can exacerbate symptoms
- Limiting jaw movement until the inflammation dies down
- Practicing stress reduction, including breathing exercises
- Using warm compresses applied to the jaw area
- Sleeping on your back to ease pressure on your jaw
Many of our patients experience worsening symptoms during periods of stress that will naturally improve and respond well to lifestyle changes. If discomfort, clenching and grinding, and other concerns persist or worsen, reach out to our practice for a consultation.
First Lines of Defense For Combatting TMD Pain
Dr. Anderson will always start with the most conservative treatment options. We might recommend:
- Physical therapy, consisting of gentle stretches and strengthening exercises
- Muscle relaxers to help you overcome spasms, inflammation, and other chronic symptoms
- Mouth guards or bite guards to realign the jaw and stop the cycle of clenching and grinding
If these options fail to help you find relief, we’ll go over more aggressive treatments. Options for our patients in West Jordan, Bountiful, and the Greater Salt Lake City Area include steroid injections to treat inflammation at its source, surgically realigning the soft disc inside the joint, or arthrocentesis, a procedure designed to remove fluid from the joint.
FAQs About TMJ
What is TMJ?
TMJ, also known as TMJ disorder or TMJ dysfunction, is a very general term used to describe any sort of problem with the way the jaw joints function.
What causes TMJ Disorder?
Causes of TMJ are sometimes related to the way the upper and lower jaw meet. For example, a pronounced underbite can cause issues. Misaligned teeth are another possible cause. In other cases, patients begin clenching and grinding, which can cause the jaw muscles to tighten and spasm, leading to a cycle of worsening symptoms. Genetics, arthritis, and facial injuries are other common causes.
How can I fix TMJ?
Begin by consulting with a trained specialist, like our oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Dr. Anderson will work carefully to get to the root of the cause, rather than just treating your immediate concerns. This approach, combined with a plan to maintain your results, allows us to achieve solutions that are effective and long-lasting.
Does insurance cover TMJ treatment?
TMJ is a health-related concern, so your insurance plan should at least partially contribute to the cost of your care. We accept Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, Met Life, and UnitedHealthcare, as well as local insurance plans like Select Health and DMBA. We accept financing to break up the cost of any out-of-pocket care.
