Relieving TMJ Disorders with Expert Care in Orem, UT

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a vital role in your everyday life, allowing your jaw to move as you eat, speak, and smile. When this joint is compromised, the result can be discomfort, dysfunction, and diminished quality of life. Dr. Jenkins and his team at Riverwoods Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery specialize in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders for patients in Orem, UT, and the surrounding areas.

Understanding TMJ and TMJ Disorders

The TMJ is a complex joint located on both sides of your face, connecting your lower jaw to your skull. This joint works in harmony with muscles, tendons, and ligaments to enable smooth jaw movements.

TMJ disorders occur when this system experiences injury, strain, or dysfunction, leading to symptoms such as:

Jaw pain or tenderness.
Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth.
Difficulty chewing or locking of the jaw.
Facial pain or swelling.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, Dr. Jenkins offers personalized care to identify the root cause and alleviate your discomfort.

What Causes TMJ Disorders?

TMJ disorders can stem from a variety of sources, including:

Joint Damage: Injury or degeneration of the joint itself.
Muscle Strain: Overuse or stress on the muscles that support jaw movement.
Joint Damage: Injury or degeneration of the joint itself.
Muscle Strain: Overuse or stress on the muscles that support jaw movement.

Comprehensive Treatment Options

At Riverwoods Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, TMJ treatments range from conservative therapies to surgical interventions, ensuring every patient receives the care best suited to their needs.

Conservative Therapies

For mild to moderate cases, non-invasive treatments can often provide relief, such as:

Adopting a soft diet.
Applying heat to reduce joint inflammation.
Using anti-inflammatory medications.
Wearing night guards or occlusal splints.
Physical therapy and posture correction.
Prescription medications for muscle tightness or nerve pain.
Relaxation techniques, massage, and stress management to reduce tension.

Surgical Therapies

When conservative approaches are insufficient, surgical treatments may be necessary. These include:

Steroid or anesthetic injections: To reduce inflammation and pain.
Botox injections: To ease muscle tension.
Arthrocentesis or arthroscopy: To remove debris and improve joint movement.
Disc repositioning or removal: For severe disc displacement.
Total joint replacement: For advanced TMJ degeneration.

Dr. Jenkins’ expertise ensures that surgical options are considered only when absolutely necessary and are performed with the utmost precision and care.

Will My TMJ Ever Get Better?

With proper treatment, TMJ disorders can improve significantly over time. Whether through conservative therapies or advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Jenkins is committed to helping patients restore their jaw function and alleviate pain.

Your Partner in TMJ Health

Riverwoods Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, conveniently located in Provo, UT, proudly serves patients in Orem, UT, and the nearby communities. If you’re struggling with TMJ pain, take the first step toward relief by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Jenkins.