For many people, oral pain is caused by gum disease or decay. For others however, jaw problems can be the source of significant discomfort. If you are suffering from sudden or persistent jaw pain, or you are experiencing a clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth, you might have TMJ, or temporomandibular joint syndrome. Wentworth Family Dental is here to help with your TMJ!
Your SW Calgary Choice for TMJ Pain Therapy!
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders associated with jaw movement and pain in and around the jaw joints. You may often hear TMD called TMJ or TM problems. The jaw joints, or temporomandibular (TMJ) joints, connect the lower jawbone to the skull. When your teeth are misaligned, or there is an improper bite position, there is an added strain on the head and neck muscles, joints, and teeth. Over time, this can lead to things like chronic headaches, muscle spasms, jaw pain, and soreness. Neck pain and back issues can also arise as your body tries to compensate.
What are the Symptoms of TMJ?
- You grind or clench your teeth during the day or night
- You experience frequent headaches and pain in your neck
- You hear a ‘clicking’ or ‘popping’ sound when you open your mouth
- It is painful and/or difficult when you open your mouth wide when yawning or eating
- You have ever suffered an injury to your neck, head or jaw
- You have arthritis in other joints throughout your body
- You notice that your teeth no longer tough when you bite together
Treatment Options for TMJ
Wentworth Family Dental offers a variety of treatment options for TMJ. Initial treatment options might include pain relievers and muscle relaxants. If pain relievers and muscles relaxants do not work, the next option is a custom oral splint or night guard. These have shown to be very successful for thousands of patients. Wentworth Family Dental will work with you to create a mouth guard that is custom made, using a custom mold, to fit your specific mouth and needs. Your dentist can also provide guidance and education to better understand whether you have any particular behaviours that might be aggravating your pain. Examples include teeth clenching or grinding, leaning on your chin, or biting your fingernails. If pain relievers or a night guard do not work, your dentist may recommend corticosteroid injections into the joint or Botox® into the jaw muscles, both of which have shown to be highly effective in pain management. Surgery is always a last resort. However, since surgery involves more risks than other options, it should be considered very carefully father all other remedies have been exhausted.
