FAQ’s
At TMJ-Sleep Colorado, Dr. Beck specializes in the treatment and diagnosis of TMJ Disorder (TMD).
Because TMD has a wide range of symptoms, TMD sufferers don’t always realize that TMD is the source of their problem. That’s why Dr. Beck has put together this list of questions to help you better understand the symptoms of TMD and how untreated TMD can affect your life. Please feel free to call our office at 719-544-0901 if you have any additional questions.
What’s the difference Between TMJ and TMD?
“TMJ” stands for the temporomandibular joint. These are the two joints beneath your ears that allow your jaw to perform a complex range of motions, such as moving up and down and side to side. But there’s some confusion because people often use the acronym TMJ to describe Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). TMD refers to a variety of conditions related to the TMJ that can cause pain, swelling, and other issues with your jaw, face, back, and neck.
What are the symptoms of TMD?
Symptoms of TMD include swelling and pain in the TMJ area, particularly when you’re using your jaw for activities such as talking, eating, and yawing. But TMD can also result in earaches, headaches, toothaches, dizziness, ringing of the ears, and shoulder pain. It’s also common for people with TMD to experience clicking noises when they open their mouth. Clenching and grinding of the teeth, especially while you sleep, is another symptom of TMJ.
How does my lifestyle affect TMD?
Stress is a major contributor to TMD, especially when it leads to teeth grinding or clenching. That’s why Dr. Beck encourages patients to locate the stressors in their lives and offers strategies to help reduce them. For example, relaxation techniques such as visualization and slow breathing can be very helpful. Eating hard or crunchy foods, chewing ice, and excessive gum chewing can all aggravate your temporomandibular joint and contribute to TMD.
How do I pay for TMD treatment services?
At TMJ-Sleep Colorado our treatments are primarily covered by private medical insurance or Medicare Part B. We collect directly from insurers, so in most cases, our customers are only responsible for their copay. See our Cost and Financing page for further details.
Can I treat my nighttime grinding with an over-the-counter mouthguard?
If you think you may be suffering from TMJ Disorder, it’s really important to get the right diagnosis and the proper treatment from a specialist like Dr. Beck. Teeth grinding and clenching are only two of many factors that contribute to TMD. You’ll want to get a thorough diagnosis from an experienced dentist like Dr. Beck who will develop a comprehensive course of treatment for your unique situation. Dr. Beck offers a wide range of advanced treatments including orthotics that are custom designed to treat your specific needs. These results are not achievable with an over-the-counter “boil-and-bite” mouthguard.