TMJ (TMD) Therapy in Trenton, Ontario

TMJ, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder, occurs when there is impairment with the joint connecting your upper and lower jaw. This joint allows you to move your lower jaw in a variety of positions, such as up and down and side to side. When there are issues with the joint, it can cause popping or clicking sounds or your jaw getting stuck. Doctors are still determining the exact cause of TMJ, but it’s believed to be caused by injury, genetics, or environmental factors like stress.

TMJ symptoms can vary from person to person so it can be difficult to know if you have TMJ. Your dentist can determine if you have TMJ with a complete diagnosis. This includes getting a complete overview of your dental and medical history as well X-rays to get an in-depth look of your oral tissues.

Common Causes of TMJ Disorder or TMD

The primary causes of a TMJ disorder (TMD) can be problems with the joint or the jaw muscles attached to the joint. Commonly, injuries to the head, neck or face can all lead to TMD. Other causes of TMJ Disorder include stress, patterns of clenching or grinding teeth (usually at night), and arthritis pain that cause tightening and clenching of jaw muscles or the face.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMD can be pretty painful or even be the cause of a great deal of discomfort. Symptoms that are commonly referred to contributing to TMD are:

• Lockjaw
• Clicking or popping jaw
• Difficulty opening or closing jaw
• Headaches
• Earaches
• Pain in face, neck or jaw
• Difficulty or pain while chewing
• Pain and tenderness in the face, neck or jaw
• Dizziness
• Ringing in ears
• Upper shoulder pain
• Toothaches

If it is determined that you have TMJ, your dentist will create a customized treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms. Recommend treatments can include:

• Relaxing the tense muscles by applying moist heat.
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers to help reduce pain.
• Wearing an oral appliance to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching. Because stress is a common contributor to TMJ, people who are stressed are more likely to grind or clench their teeth while sleeping, which can cause TMJ symptoms.
• Relaxation exercises to ease your tense jaw muscles.
• As a last resort, surgery may be recommended.

Dr. Lingamaneni, Dr. Patel, and Dr. KG, Trenton Dentists, are committed to helping you relieve your TMJ pain once and for all. Contact Trinity Family Dental to schedule an appointment with us today.

What are my TMJ treatment options?

Over-the-counter medication: We may prescribe the medications to help to relieve the pain or swelling caused by the TMD. We may also suggest exploring lifestyle choices that contribute to relaxing the muscles and decrease instances of clenching or grinding teeth.

Nightguard: One of the most commonly recommended treatments for TMJ Disorder are custom-molded plastic night guards that fit over the lower or upper teeth. They are designed in such a way to prevent subconscious grinding which typically occurs at night. It can also contribute to an improvement in biting form over time and increase airflow at night.

Possible Dental Work: Depending on the case, there may be protruding teeth or crowns/bridges that are contributing to pain in the jaw. This will have to be determined in the office during consultation and testing. In very severe circumstances, we may recommend a surgery with an oral surgeon.

Orthodontic treatment: a misaligned bite, or malocclusion, could be contributing to your jaw pain. Crooked teeth or an irregular bite create traumatic forces which put strain on your jaw joints and cause tooth wear.

For those experiencing TMD and are seeking TMJ Treatment, contact our office for an initial consultation. We will be happy to answer all of your questions and get you on the right path to a life free of jaw pain.