TMD/TMJ
TMJ & TMD Treatment in Scarborough
What are TMJ’s?
Temporomandibular joints – or TMJs – are located on both sides of the face in front of the ears, connecting the jawbone to the skull. They’re the most complex joints in the human body, providing rotating and pivotal movement, as well as sliding movement to your teeth and entire jaw. These joints are what allows us to open our mouths wide, chew, and move our jaws from left to right.
What is Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)? What causes it?
Temporomandibular disorder – TMD, often incorrectly called TMJ – is a condition affecting the temporomandibular jaw joint, arising from an imbalance in the working relationship of the jaw and skull with the muscles that move it.
TMD can arise from a multitude of different causes. Our dentists suggest that stress may often cause an increase of TMD symptoms. Patients with TMD often clench or grind their teeth while sleeping, tiring the jaw muscles, wearing down teeth, and leading to pain and discomfort.
Severe trauma or injury to the jaw or temporomandibular joint can also cause TMD. Whiplash, or a heavy blow to the face from playing sports, for example, can easily disrupt the smooth motion of the jaw and cause pain and stiffness.
Do you have TMD?
Some common signs and symtoms of TMD
TMD can manifest itself in a combination of symptoms, including headaches, ear pain, pain in the jaw, uncomfortable bite, neck pain, shoulder pain, swelling on the sides of the face, and hearing problems.
Here are some useful questions to ask yourself if you think you might have TMD:
- Do you experience constant headaches, or pain in your face or around (below or in front of) your ears?
- Do your ears often feel muffled or clogged?
- Does your jaw or jaw joint (located in front of your ears) hurt when you chew, or make clicking or crackling noises?
- Do your facial muscles feel tired or stiff when you wake up, or after speaking or yawning?
- Do you clench or grind your teeth together while sleeping or awake? (A partner or spouse can often inform you about jaw muscle activity during sleep.)
- Do you have headaches in the sides of your temples?
- Are you able to open your mouth freely and widely, or move your jaw from side to side without any pain?
- Do you experience episodes when your jaw feels locked open or shut?
- Is your bite comfortable? Is chewing foods uncomfortable or painful?
- Do you experience dental pain in a lot of teeth, especially near the back of the mouth?
If you have answered YES to a combination of these TMD symptoms, you may have TMD and should call our experienced Scarborough dentists to receive proper treatment.
How is TMD diagnosed and treated?
If TMD symptoms are left untreated, they can lead to very serious dental and facial problems including severely worn teeth and permanently damaged ligaments and tendons in and around the jaw.
One of our highly experienced dentists will conduct a careful patient history and clinical examination to determine the exact cause of your TMD symptoms. In some cases, X-rays may be needed to allow our dentist to view the entire jaw and teeth and make sure other problems aren’t contributing to your TMD symptoms.
Effective TMD treatments range from simple patient self-care practices, to injections and surgery for more complicated cases. Often, simply wearing a plastic night guard while you sleep, similar to a protective mouth guard, lessens the effects of teeth grinding.
Our Scarborough area dentists will discuss with you every possible treatment and ensure you receive the best possible care for your TMD symptoms.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding TMJ/TMD Treatment, feel free to contact us and set up a consultation appointment with Dr. Pasha.
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