The human jaw (or temporomandibular joint) is truly an engineering marvel. This remarkable joint is in near-constant use, allowing us to perform essential tasks such as chewing, talking, and expressing emotions. However, if you’ve ever experienced a popping sound or discomfort in your jaw, it could be a sign that something is amiss. One common culprit for a popping jaw is a misaligned jaw. Other common symptoms of misaligned jaws include trouble opening or shutting the mouth, difficulty chewing, and frequent facial pain or headaches. Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? If so, it’s impo ..read more

Your jaw constantly feels overworked, tired, strained, and sore. It may click or pop when you open and close your mouth. Your jaws may lock, fingers may tingle, ears may ring, and your head may throb and ache. Maybe you even experience migraines. What the heck is going on? You, like 10 million others in America, may have TMJ disorder, also known as TMD. Have you googled your symptoms? Do you know if the answers you read are from an expert or novice? In today’s blog, Dr. Mickiewicz answers the top 10 questions Google users search for, so you’ll have expert answers to TMJ disorder questions, rat ..read more

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, commonly referred to as TMJ disorder, is an orofacial condition that affects the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles. Prolonged and untreated TMJ disorder can lead to discomfort, pain, and restricted jaw movement. In turn, this condition can have a significant impact on one’s daily life, overall comfort, and oral function.  That’s why addressing TMJ disorder is so important. Otherwise, it can cause a domino effect of other oral and systemic health issues that may turn into larger problems down the road.  If you’re experiencing jaw pain, frequ ..read more

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ disorder, can have debilitating effects. Even moderate cases can cause significant pain, while severe cases can impact your ability to eat and speak properly. But you might be surprised to learn that TMD is often connected to bruxism, as well as sleep disorders, most notably obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Timothy A. Mickiewicz is double certified through both the Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Disciplines and the Academy of Integrative Pain Management. He has been featured as “The Face of TMJ Therapy/Dental Sleep Medicine” by Sacramento Magazine ..read more

Chronic jaw pain, headaches, and migraines can have many underlying causes. Dental misalignment, damaged teeth, and tooth grinding can all contribute to facial pain and TMJ disorder. But you may be surprised to learn that your mental health can also play a huge role.  Stress, depression, and anxiety take their mental and emotional toll. They can also manifest themselves physically, affecting your digestion, your blood pressure, and your joints. Dr. Timothy Mickiewicz takes a holistic approach to the treatment of facial pain. In addition to addressing oral and functional issues, he will ta ..read more

Living with pain can be incredibly isolating. But, living with temporomandibular joint pain (also called jaw pain) can be downright devastating. From eating to speaking, temporomandibular disorder (TMD) can make your life considerably more challenging. Luckily, a qualified dentist can help you manage the disorder with life-changing TMJ treatments. Located in Sacramento, CA, Dr. Timothy E. Mickiewicz and his compassionate team have years of experience helping patients fight bothersome jaw pain. If you think that you’re suffering from a temporomandibular disorder, then schedule an appointment no ..read more

If you’ve been experiencing orofacial pain, then you’re likely living with pain in and around your mouth, face, jaw, and head. For some patients, the cause of this pain is known and treatment is available, manageable, and effective. For others, the cause is a mystery, which makes treatment almost impossible. Luckily, our Sacramento dentist is here to demystify orofacial pain.  Timothy E. Mickiewicz, D.D.S., has years of experience helping his patients diagnose and manage painful orofacial conditions. If you’re ready to experience life-changing dentistry, then contact our Sacramento, CA, d ..read more

If you struggle with TMJ disorder (TMD), you know that the condition can cause chronic and life-altering discomfort. Dr. Timothy Mickiewicz is an expert in the treatment of dental and facial pain. He offers a full spectrum of care and can combine various therapies to alleviate your jaw pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. Trigger point injections (TPI) are one of the cutting-edge treatments that we provide at our Sacramento, CA, practice. Typically, we will offer this solution in conjunction with one or more additional treatment options. Contact us today to learn more about trigger point injec ..read more

For some, even talking about their jaw pain is … a pain. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) causes pain and inflammation in the jaw that makes chewing, swallowing, and even talking uncomfortable.     There are a variety of treatments available for treating TMJ-related jaw pain. Some you can do yourself, others require professional help.  Home Remedies Jaw Exercises Jaw exercises are known to strengthen and stretch the jaw while increasing mobility. There are a number of movements including relaxed jaw exercises, goldfish exercises, chin tucks, and resisting opening a ..read more

Though BOTOX® is famously known for softening the signs of aging, medical professionals also apply BOTOX for therapeutic reasons. Dentists use BOTOX® therapy to help reduce myofascial pain and other side effects associated with TMJ disorders. Myofascial Pain Syndrome Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder that most commonly affects the temporomandibular region but can also cause sensitivity in the head and neck. Repetitive motions or stress-related muscle tension may cause muscles to contract repeatedly. This constant stress and contraction are typically followed by tension, fa ..read more