Top TMJ Doctor in Kansas City, MO

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the sliding hinge joint located on either side of your face. This important joint connects your lower jaw to the upper part of your face. It consists of a cushioning disc between the temporal bone and condyle bone, so they can move up and down without pain or discomfort. Because the TMJ is located directly next to the ear canal on either side, TMJ problems can often cause other issues including headaches, tinnitus, and even dizziness or vertigo. When the TMJ ceases to function appropriately, it can also impact the muscles and nerves in the face and neck. This means that a person with TMJ disorder may experience symptoms that do not immediately seem related, making it difficult to diagnose TMJ problems without the help of an experienced physician.

The precise cause of TMD is not always immediately recognizable, and some patients may never discover with any certainty why they have developed the condition. However, the general underlying problems that lead to TMJ pain and dysfunction are related to the interactions of soft and hard tissue within the temporomandibular joint at either side of the mouth. TMJ disorders can be the result of degenerative cartilage damage caused by arthritis, injury from a specific impact, or a repetitive use injury that has resulted in erosion of the disc within the joint. Misalignment of the teeth and jaw can also cause these issues to arise. Patients with arthritis, a prior jaw injury, or those who suffer from bruxism are at a higher risk for developing TMJ symptoms. If you have previously been diagnosed with a disease that can affect connective tissue within the body, this may also contribute to your TMJ disorder pain.

If you begin to notice symptoms of jaw fatigue or pain, you may wish to wait a short time before making an appointment to see if your symptoms resolve on their own. However, it is important to remember that very few cases of TMJ will go away without medical intervention. If your jaw pain persists for several days or weeks, scheduling a consultation with a TMJ doctor at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders will help you understand not only the extent of your TMJ condition, but the breadth of treatment options available to you. We implement safe, non-invasive techniques that can be totally adjusted to support your unique anatomy and allow you to naturally improve your jaw’s mobility. By addressing your TMJ’s root cause, we can help you not only relieve your pain now, but ensure you can maintain healthy jaw function long into the future, so you can eat and talk without pain. TMJ can often cause symptoms of insomnia and anxiety that may negatively impact your ability to perform well at work or have the energy to prioritize your friends and family. Our treatments can help you effectively relieve your TMJ symptoms and improve your life.

If you live in the Kansas City, MO area and have been experiencing discomfort or pain in your jaw that has spread to your face or neck, call Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders to schedule your consultation with an experienced TMJ doctor today. We offer non-invasive TMJ treatment in Kansas City. You can also request an appointment online or redeem one of our special promotions.