Jaw Pain Is Not Normal.
If you find yourself experiencing jaw pain as a regular part of your daily life, it might appear to be a common occurrence. However, it’s essential to recognize that jaw pain is not normal and could be an indication of a condition known as TMD, affecting one or both of your TemporoMandibular Joints (TMJs), which are the joints in your lower jaw. When there’s disease or misalignment in these TMJs, it can lead to inflammation in the TMJ area, resulting in pain and other associated symptoms.
What are the indications of TMJ disorder (TMD)?
- Headaches
- Earaches and tenderness around the ears
- Facial or jaw pain and tenderness
- Muscle discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding in the jaw
- Difficulty with chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth
How Do We Diagnose And Treat TMJ Disorder?
Diagnosis
The management of TMD commences with a thorough clinical assessment, which includes an evaluation of your facial features, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. Throughout your examination, we will assess for any discomfort or tenderness and pay attention to any clicking or popping sounds that occur when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If a diagnosis of the disorder is confirmed, the initial course of treatment often involves the recommendation of a bite splint or night guard.
Treatment and Relief
In our treatment approach, we utilize bite splints, which are individually crafted plastic mouthpieces designed to securely fit over either your upper or lower teeth. These devices effectively mitigate the grinding and clenching behaviors that frequently contribute to or exacerbate TMD. Additionally, the splint helps to reposition the jaw, relieving strain on the adjacent area.
Alternative Treatment Options
Should a misaligned bite or the absence of teeth be identified as the underlying cause of your symptoms, our recommendation may include orthodontic treatment or restorative dental procedures. In situations where your bite is exerting excessive pressure on the TMJs, we may propose reshaping specific teeth to evenly distribute the bite force.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Winner Of The Three Best Rated Award
Dr. Ameen is the winner of the 3 Best Rated award for Best Cosmetic Dentists in Thunder Bay.
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