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DENTURE RELINING IN BOULDER, CO TMJ/TMD IN BOULDER, CO

Explore Our Solutions For TM

Patients looking for TMJ treatment should consider complete health dentistry, as it focuses on how the patient’s overall health may affect and be affected by their condition. At best, TMJ is an annoyance. At worst, it is excruciatingly inescapable. A TMJ dentist knows how to address the root cause of this condition rather than just temporarily alleviating its symptoms.

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Why complete health dentistry is important

Complete health dentists take a more comprehensive approach to dentistry. Instead of treating a patient’s isolated symptoms, they consider all aspects of their health and how they may affect each other. As such, complete health dentists dedicate themselves to find the root cause of their patient’s conditions. This allows them to treat their overall health through their oral health. It also makes it possible to identify signs of other, broader health conditions.
This is especially important when dealing with TMJ since it is linked with so many other systemic conditions. Studies have shown that TMJ patients are more sensitive to pain. They also present body pain areas more frequently than their counterparts. Experts hypothesize that this implies a generalized dysfunction of the patient’s nociceptive system, the sensory nervous system’s way of encoding harmful stimuli. Thus, those with TMJ may have high rates of other painful conditions and systemic diseases occuring at the same time.
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Understanding TMJ

Complete health dentists take a more comprehensive approach to dentistry. Instead of treating a patient’s isolated symptoms, they consider all aspects of their health and how they may affect each other. As such, complete health dentists dedicate themselves to find the root cause of their patient’s conditions. This allows them to treat their overall health through their oral health. It also makes it possible to identify signs of other, broader health conditions.
It can be challenging to determine the exact cause of a patient’s TMJ disorder, especially since there may be several different factors at play. These include but are not limited to arthritis, genetics, and jaw injury. Those with jaw pain are also likely to have bruxism, a condition in which one clenches or grinds their teeth. However, not everyone with bruxism has TMJ (or vice versa).
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Call us to schedule an appointment today

When choosing a primary dental care provider, you want to make sure that they can cover all the bases — including treating your TMJ. Our complete health dentist at PeakView Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry may be able to help.
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Recognizing the Signs of TMJ

TMJ disorders can cause severe pain and discomfort, which may either be temporary or last years. This may affect either one or both sides of the face. It affects women more commonly than men, and it shows up most frequently in patients between the ages of 20 and 40. Common symptoms of TMJ include:
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A bite that suddenly feels uncomfortable
Feeling “tired” in the face
Jaws getting “stuck” or “locked” in the open- or closed-mouth position
Pain or tenderness in or around the ear
Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck, and shoulders
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Problems opening the mouth wide
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Swelling on the side of the face
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Trouble chewing
Many of these symptoms overlap with other conditions, making proper diagnosis critical. A complete health dentist will conduct a physical exam and ask the patient about their health history to rule out (or identify) any other health issues the patient may have. They will also check the jaw, bite, and facial muscles for functionality. Full-face X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may also be necessary, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition.
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Understanding TMJ

TMJ is associated with several other health issues, including but not limited to, orofacial manifestations, scoliosis, and periodontal disease. Orofacial manifestations of TMJ include painful chewing, maximal mouth opening, and TMJ morning stiffness. At least one study has also shown that scoliosis could contribute to the restricted range of motion associated with TMJ disorders by causing a muscular imbalance. Additionally, any unilateral chewing associated with chronic periodontitis may also cause structural changes in the temporomandibular joint and worsen any secondary symptoms. Thus, treating any of these conditions has the potential to treat all others. symptoms, they consider all aspects of their health and how they may affect each other. As such, complete health dentists dedicate themselves to find the root cause of their patient’s conditions. This allows them to treat their overall health through their oral health. It also makes it possible to identify signs of other, broader health conditions.
As complete health dentists are dedicated to a patient’s total wellness, they are well-aware of such issues and can identify and treat them accordingly. No condition exists in isolation; instead, they are all inextricably linked. With patients’ permission, complete health dentists can forward any relevant information to all pertinent healthcare providers to devise a comprehensive, custom-made treatment plan tailor-made to best meet their needs and improve their overall health.
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Treating TMJ

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TMJ symptoms sometimes go away without treatment. However, if symptoms persist, patients may need to seek medical treatment. A complete health dentist can identify the symptoms’ root cause and devise a customized treatment plan tailor-made for the patient’s unique and individual needs. If over-the-counter pain medication does not relieve a patient’s discomfort, a dentist may prescribe more potent pain relievers and anti-inflammatories on an as-needed basis.
Oral appliances, such as splints or mouth guards, may also help, as those with jaw pain often benefit from wearing a soft or firm device over their teeth. Certain jaw exercises may assist in stretching and strengthening the jaw muscles. Physical therapy for jaw pain may include ultrasound, moist heat, and ice. Surgery may be necessary if these treatments are insufficient. Such procedures include arthrocentesis, TMJ arthroscopy, modified condylotomy, and open-joint surgery. Some patients also benefit from corticosteroid injections.
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TMJ/TMD FAQs

Is there anything I can do to alleviate my TMJ symptoms at home?
TMJ flare-ups are common and typically resolve themselves within a few weeks. Still, this does not lessen the importance of treatment — especially if your symptoms cause discomfort. Encouraging the jaw joint to relax can assist in healing. You can do this by applying moist heat or ice to the affected area, resting the jaw by avoiding unnecessary use, supporting the jaw when , and reducing stress levels. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can also help. Reduce your stress levels if possible, and consider jaw exercises.
One exercise you can try is to push down on the bottom teeth with one hand while pushing upwards with your jaw. You may also want to try placing your thumb below the chin, putting light pressure on the chin bone. Open your mouth slowly, working against the resistance.
It is possible. Many people experience headaches and migraines due to TMJ pain, which may also radiate to the shoulders. It typically begins near the ears, forehead, or scalp. As such, TMJ headaches are commonly mistaken for tension headaches.
In splint therapy, a splint (also known as a mouth or bite guard) is placed over the teeth to prevent the patient from grinding their teeth, clenching their jaw, or doing any other movement that could aggravate their TMJ. Splints are custom-made for each patient’s individual needs, meaning they may be either soft or hard. Splints relax the muscles in the mouth and support the bite
As every patient is different, the answer to this varies on a case-by-case basis. Typically, however, patients should not wear a splint for more than six months at a time, as overusing a splint can cause further issues. Dr. Olsen can discuss this further with you while devising your individualized treatment plan.

Meet Our Doctors

Discover the passion and commitment that drives our dental team

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Dr. Kwiatkowski

Dr. Adam Kwiatkowski, a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, has received multiple awards for his outstanding achievements in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He is a recipient of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists’ Pre-doctoral Student Achievement Award and a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.

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Dr. Hearne

Dr. Hearne, originally from Las Vegas, was inspired to become a dentist at the age of 12 by a close family friend who was a renowned dentist. With a foundation in customer service and excellence from his early career in the hotel industry, Dr. Hearne was further inspired to become a compassionate caregiver for his patients after the passing of his younger brother to cystic fibrosis at the age of 7.

Dr. Olsen

I was born in Ogden, Utah and always knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. After serving an LDS mission in South Africa and getting married, I studied biology at Weber State University and attended the prestigious Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. There, I received multiple awards for clinical excellence before settling down in St. George with my family.

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Google Reviews

Patient-centered dental care that exceeds expectations

Andrea Haines

★★★★★ 5/5
June 27, 2024
The nice Dentist and his consultant were very easy to talk to and learn what the possibilities are to improve my smile. Very gentle and I am excited to improve my smile!!

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Steve DeHerrera

★★★★★ 5/5
June 26, 2024
Peakview Dentistry is a hidden gem in the heart of Boulder. Dr. Adam Kwiatowski and his staff are so professional and nice. I have been to several dentists and this one is hands down the best! I want to thank the team. Everyone in the team was wonderful! All I can add is what a wonderful experience! Great Job everyone!

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Kari Stark

★★★★★ 5/5
June 13, 2024
I had part 1 of a surgery done prior to moving to Colorado. It left me with major anxiety to have the next step done. Dr. Kwiatowski, Ashley, and… forgive me, but she knows… Cherry have made my experience so comfortable. The surgical assistants were also great and accomodated my nerves well. The clinic is clean, comfortable, and as the name implies, offers a great view. I’m so glad to have found you!!

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daren laesch

★★★★★ 5/5
June 2, 2024
Dr. K did an excellent job on my implant supported bridge. It was a little bit of a process, but he did an excellent job of fitting and refitting until my teeth were perfect!!!! Highly recommend Peak View!!!!!

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Pamela

★★★★★ 5/5
May 25, 2024
I am so grateful I found a dentist who provides excellence in every aspect of his practice. I can’t emphasize this enough. Truly impressed.

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Dan Aweida

★★★★★ 5/5
May 25, 2024
Dr. K and his team are so nice and professional! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a dentist in Boulder.

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Janet Frasher

★★★★★ 5/5
May 16, 2024
PeakView Dentistry is the best ! Here is where you’ll get the best treatment, caring staff,updated technology, knowledgeable and friendly surgeon & staff ever ! You’ll feel so welcomed and personally taken care of. Get in for a free consultation ! My insurance company wasn’t too helpful (implants).. but Peakview made it possible for me! They will work with you & your insurance company to get the best and affordable payment plan. I’m thrilled I found PeakView ! They are above & beyond what you’ll expect !! Thank you PeakView.

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Kian Shir

★★★★★ 5/5
May 15, 2024
From the minute I walked in I was greeting with kindness, care, and exceptional treatment. Ellie is an extremely warm and welcoming person, and she made the whole dentist office experience interesting, comfortable, and a lot less stressful than expected. Dr. K and the whole team also deserve the most praise, as they are all diligent, kind, respectful, and educated individuals who truly show care for their patients/clientele. I not only left with exceptional treatment, but newfound friends. Thank you everyone!

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(303) 578-5800

Ready To Change Your Smile?

Ready to change your smile?We offer the most innovative dental solutions to meet your individual needs and lifestyles, no matter your age.
Schedule Now
(303) 578-5800

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