TMJ Disorders in
Denver, CO

Cherry Creek in Denver offers advanced TMJ disorder treatments designed to restore balance and comfort to the jaw. Chronic pain, restricted movement, and facial tension often signal a deeper issue within the temporomandibular joint that can impact daily life in subtle but significant ways. Our specialized care addresses the disorder’s physical and functional aspects, offering options tailored to each individual’s condition and goals. Treatments range from conservative approaches to sophisticated surgical techniques guided by the precision and clinical experience of our triple board-certified surgeon, Dr. Nesiba.

Table Of Contents

table of contents

What Are TMJ Disorders?

TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to your skull and acts like a sliding hinge. These conditions cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement, often leading to symptoms such as pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking or locking of the joint. TMJ disorders may result from various factors, including injury, arthritis, teeth grinding, stress, or structural jaw problems. The condition can range from mild discomfort to severe, chronic pain that interferes with daily activities like eating and speaking. While some cases resolve with conservative treatments, others may require more comprehensive medical intervention to manage symptoms and restore proper jaw function.

Initial Consultation

Preparation for TMJ disorder treatment typically begins with a comprehensive consultation where Dr. Nesiba focuses on diagnosing TMJ through physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. During this initial assessment, we evaluate jaw movement, listen for clicking sounds, and identify pain points to determine the severity and specific type of TMJ disorder present. Patients may need additional testing, including bite analysis or electromyography, to assess muscle function and identify contributing factors like teeth grinding or malocclusion.

Before treatment, we discuss pain patterns, dietary habits, and stress levels, which can significantly impact treatment planning. Dr. Nesiba may also recommend temporary lifestyle adjustments before beginning formal care, such as avoiding hard foods, practicing stress reduction techniques, or applying heat or cold therapy to manage symptoms.

Our Treatments for TMJ Disorders

Conservative Treatments

Conservative treatments are the first line of defense against TMJ disorders, focusing on relieving pain and reducing jaw strain without invasive procedures. TMJ therapy typically includes rest for the jaw, application of heat or ice packs, and gentle stretching exercises designed to improve mobility and reduce muscle tension. Patients may be instructed to temporarily adopt a soft diet, avoiding foods that require excessive chewing. Pain management often involves over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or prescription pain relievers for more severe cases. Physical therapy techniques, including ultrasound, massage, and targeted exercises, help strengthen jaw muscles and improve joint function.

Oral Appliances (Splints or Night Guards)

Oral appliances represent a non-invasive, effective treatment for many TMJ disorder patients, particularly those with teeth grinding habits. These custom-fitted devices, including splints and night guards, are designed to fit over the teeth and prevent the upper and lower teeth from making direct contact. By properly positioning the jaw, the appliances reduce muscle tension, protect tooth surfaces from grinding damage, and allow the TMJ to rest in a more natural position. Night guards are typically worn during sleep, while stabilization splints might be prescribed for daytime use. Regular adjustments ensure the appliance maintains optimal effectiveness as the patient’s condition improves.

Arthrocentesis

Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting small needles into the affected joint space to irrigate it with sterile solution. This treatment effectively flushes out inflammatory byproducts and loosens adhesions restricting jaw movement. During arthrocentesis, the joint is lavaged with saline solution, and anti-inflammatory medications may be injected into the joint space. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes under local anesthesia and requires minimal recovery time. Patients often experience immediate improvement in jaw mobility and significant pain reduction following arthrocentesis, making it an excellent option for those with acute closed lock or disc displacement conditions.

TMJ Arthroscopy

TMJ arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera (arthroscope) inserted through a tiny incision to examine and treat joint problems. The arthroscope projects magnified images onto a screen, allowing Dr. Nesiba to visualize joint structures with exceptional clarity. He can remove inflamed tissue, reposition the disc, smooth irregular surfaces, or eliminate adhesions using specialized instruments during the procedure. Arthroscopy typically requires only small incisions, resulting in less trauma, faster healing, and fewer complications than open surgery. Patients usually return home the same day and can resume normal activities within a week, though full recovery may take several weeks.

Open-Joint Surgery

Open-joint surgery represents the most extensive intervention for TMJ disorders, reserved for individuals with severe structural problems. This procedure involves making a larger incision to access the temporomandibular joint structures for repair or replacement. Dr. Nesiba can perform various corrective operations, including disc repair or removal, bone reshaping, or joint reconstruction, using autogenous or artificial materials. Due to its invasive nature, open-joint surgery carries higher risks of complications and requires more extended healing periods, typically several weeks to months. Despite these considerations, it offers significant benefits for patients with advanced joint degeneration, tumors, severe trauma, or developmental abnormalities.

Modified Condylotomy

Modified condylotomy is a specialized surgical procedure that addresses TMJ disorders by altering the mandibular condyle (the jaw joint’s moving end) without directly operating on the joint itself. During this treatment, Dr. Nesiba makes strategic cuts in the mandibular ramus behind the joint, creating a controlled fracture that allows the joint end to reposition into a more functional alignment. This indirect approach relieves pressure within the joint space and can improve disc position without disturbing delicate joint structures. Modified condylotomy is particularly beneficial for patients with disc displacement that has not responded to conservative treatments. Recovery requires temporary dietary restrictions and physical therapy to establish new movement patterns, with most patients experiencing significant improvement in jaw function and pain reduction within a few months.

Candidates for TMJ Disorder Treatments

TMJ Diagnosis

Patients with an official temporomandibular joint disorder diagnosis following comprehensive evaluation by Dr. Nesiba are primary candidates for treatment. During clinical assessment, these individuals typically present with jaw pain, limited mobility, and observable joint dysfunction. Diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, MRIs, or cone beam CT scans, often reveals structural abnormalities in the joint. Such patients frequently report jaw stiffness upon waking and difficulty with normal jaw functions like chewing or speaking.

Craniofacial Pain

People experiencing craniofacial pain, characterized by persistent discomfort around the face, jaw, and head, often benefit from TMJ treatments. This pain typically stems from excessive muscle tension in the jaw and surrounding structures, creating a cycle of discomfort that can evolve into chronic pain conditions. Patients may describe the sensation as a dull, constant ache that worsens throughout the day or after specific activities. Such individuals frequently report pain that radiates from the jaw to the temples, ears, or face.

Sounds in the Jaw Joint

Candidates experiencing clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing their mouth often qualify for TMJ interventions. These audible symptoms typically indicate disc displacement or structural changes within the joint. Patients may notice these sounds are accompanied by irregular jaw movement or momentary catching sensations. While some joint sounds occur without pain, those associated with discomfort or functional limitations typically warrant treatment to prevent progression of joint damage.

Headaches, Especially Tension Headaches

Individuals suffering from frequent headaches, particularly tension-type headaches concentrated in the temples, forehead, or back of the head, may be suitable candidates for TMJ therapy. These unpleasant sensations often result from teeth clenching or grinding, creating sustained tension in the jaw and skull muscles. Patients typically describe such headaches as feeling like a tight band around their head, with pain that intensifies during stressful periods or after waking. Many report temporary relief through conventional remedies, but experience recurrence without addressing the underlying TMJ issues.

Neck Pain

People with neck pain related to TMJ disorders are potential treatment candidates, particularly when discomfort extends from overworked jaw muscles into the neck region. This pain pattern develops as neck muscles compensate for jaw imbalances, creating a chain reaction of tension through connected muscle groups. Patients often report stiffness, limited range of motion, and discomfort that worsens when chewing or speaking. This condition frequently contributes to poor posture and compensatory movement patterns that further exacerbate jaw and neck symptoms.

Benefits of TMJ Disorder Treatments

Reduced Tenderness of the Temporomandibular Joint

Treatment of TMJ disorders significantly decreases joint tenderness, allowing patients to touch their face without pain. The reduction in inflammation within the joint capsule creates immediate comfort around the ear and jaw areas.

Jaw Pain Relief

Effective TMJ treatments provide substantial jaw pain relief by addressing both structural joint issues and muscle tension. TMJ pain often diminishes dramatically within weeks of beginning appropriate therapy, allowing patients to eat, speak, and yawn without discomfort.

Alleviation of Headaches and Migraines

TMJ treatments often resolve persistent headaches and migraines that originate from jaw dysfunction and muscle tension. By restoring proper joint mechanics and reducing strain on connected structures, these interventions break the cycle of pain that triggers cranial discomfort.

Improved Jaw Function

After TMJ disorder treatments, patients experience significantly improved jaw function, with restored range of motion during speaking, chewing, and yawning. The smooth, pain-free movement allows normal dietary choices without fear of jaw locking or pain.

Prevention of Complications, Such as Further Joint Damage and Sleep Apnea

Timely TMJ treatment prevents serious complications, including progressive joint degeneration, disc perforation, and permanent mobility limitations. By addressing jaw misalignment, our procedures can prevent tooth damage from grinding and reduce the risk of developing sleep apnea caused by airway obstruction.

Cost of TMJ Disorder Treatment in Denver, CO

The cost of TMJ treatment in Denver ranges from $500 to $5,000, depending on the severity of the condition and the type of care required. Patients may begin with conservative therapies like mouthguards or splints, which are typically less expensive, while more advanced cases might require injections, dental work, or surgical intervention. Treatment plans are often tailored to each individual, and while insurance may reimburse part of the expense, it is essential to confirm coverage details in advance.

Dr. Nesiba provides personalized price quotes during the initial consultation.

What Makes Our TMJ Disorder Treatments Different From Others?

TMJ disorder rarely presents the same way twice, and that complexity demands more than routine care. At Cherry Creek, treatment is not boxed into templates — it is shaped by surgical precision and aesthetic intuition. Dr. John R. Nesiba’s background in orthognathic surgery and facial cosmetic procedures means every treatment plan considers both the function of the jaw and the balance of the face. He restores comfort without compromising the patient’s natural structure. With triple-board certification and over 1,000 implants placed, our approach merges reconstructive expertise with deep anatomical insight.

Call Dr. Nesiba to Relieve Pain From TMJ Disorders

Struggling with jaw pain, headaches, or a clicking sound when you chew? You don’t have to live with the discomfort. Call Dr. Nesiba, a leading TMJ dentist in Denver, to get to the root of your TMJ disorder and start on a personalized path to relief. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, Dr. Nesiba offers advanced diagnostic tools and a full spectrum of treatment options — from custom oral appliances to minimally invasive procedures — all designed with comfort and function in mind. Don’t wait for the pain to worsen — schedule your consultation today!

TMJ Disorders in Denver, CO