TMJ Specialist Serving Sugar Creek, and Kansas City, MO

For TMJ disorder (jaw joint disorder) or any issues related to your jaw joint, you could go see your primary care doctor, but that doctor will likely refer you to a dentist like one of ours here at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders. A primary care doctor can do only so much, like prescribe pain medication, but treatment like that won’t address the disorder itself or the particular cause of your case of the disorder.

TMJ disorder or related issues should be treated by a dentist or TMJ professional. We have these professionals and fully capable dentists here at our clinic.

A dentist/TMJ professional is able to properly interpret the symptoms of a TMJ issue or disorder and may be able to determine the underlying cause of your particular case of TMJ disorder. For instance, it may be that your case is caused by or complicated by a pre-existing health condition. Or maybe an unhealthy habit or a prior trauma is the culprit. Once the professional has some insight into what could be causing your case of the disorder or any symptoms you have, the professional can provide treatment. The treatments offered by dentists and TMJ professionals may actually address the underlying causes of TMJ problems.

Actually, researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes TMJ disorder, but they understand the symptoms and believe the disorder is caused by issues like:

– The effects of jaw joint rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
– The misalignment or loss of teeth
– The misalignment or dislocation of the jaw joint
– An effect of whiplash
– An effect of a significant blow to the jaw or cheek
– Bad habits like teeth grinding/clenching, gum chewing, nail biting, or poor posture
– Stress (which can contribute to muscle tension and jaw clenching)

Also, genetics, age, and gender may be factors in many cases. Women aged 18 to 44 are more likely to develop TMJ disorder.

Treatment may be a therapy like jaw stretching or jaw exercising, but this may not be enough for a case of TMJ disorder. The most effective treatment may be oral appliance therapy. This particular therapy involves using a simple mouth insert at night to help the jaw rest in its natural position. What’s so great about oral appliance therapy is that it actually addresses the possible causes of TMJ disorder, and by addressing the causes, the disorder and its symptoms are relieved. In many patient cases, the therapy can reduce symptoms by 90%. The therapy is approved by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and recommended by us at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders!

At Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, you’ll be able to find TMJ professionals and dentists who can get to the root of your jaw problem and provide treatment for it. The first step to take is to make a simple consultation with us at our clinic. To do so, call us today. We are conveniently located at 2008 Swift Ave. Kansas City MO 64116. We serve patients from Kansas City MO, Sugar Creek MO, Parkville MO, Downtown Kansas City MO, Riverside MO, Northmoor MO, and surrounding areas.

We look forward to hearing from and seeing you soon!