Jaw Pain Is Not Normal
If jaw pain is a regular part of your life, it might feel normal to you, but the reality is that jaw pain is not normal. It could be a symptom of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), which affects one or both of your TMJs—your Temporomandibular Joints, located on either side of your lower jaw. When these joints experience misalignment or disease, inflammation occurs, leading to pain and other symptoms.
- Headaches
- Earaches or tenderness around the ear
- Face or Jaw Pain and tenderness
- Muscle Pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)
- Clicking, Popping, or Grinding in the jaw
- Difficulty Chewing, Yawning, or Opening Your Mouth
Signs of TMJ Disorder (TMD):
If you experience any of these symptoms, it may indicate a TMJ disorder. Seeking evaluation and treatment can help alleviate your discomfort and restore normal jaw function. Contact our Ajax office to explore TMJ therapy options tailored to your needs.
How Do We Diagnose and Treat TMJ Disorder?
Diagnosis
The first step in treating Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is a comprehensive clinical examination. During your appointment, we assess your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. This includes checking for pain, tenderness, and any clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If TMD is diagnosed, a bite splint or night guard is often the initial recommended treatment.
Treatment and Relief
Our primary treatment involves the use of bite splints, custom-made plastic mouthpieces designed to fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. These devices help prevent grinding and clenching, which are common causes of TMD. Additionally, the splint works to realign the jaw, relieving stress on the surrounding muscles and joints.
Alternative Treatment Options
If your symptoms are caused by a misaligned bite or missing teeth, we may recommend orthodontic treatment or restorative dental work to address the underlying issue. For cases where an uneven bite places excessive pressure on the TMJs, reshaping individual teeth may be suggested to help distribute bite force evenly.
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. Asad Hasan is the winner of the 3 Best Rated award for Best Dentists in Ajax.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint. When this joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it is referred to as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).
TMD symptoms may include:
- Pain or tenderness around the ear, jaw joint, or jaw muscles.
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
- Clicking, popping, crunching, or grinding sounds when chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth.
- TMD may also cause neck pain and headaches.
TMD can result from several factors, including:
- Jaw injuries or joint diseases like arthritis.
- Bruxism (clenching or grinding of teeth).
- Muscle tension in the head or neck.
- Stress, which may exacerbate symptoms.
- Poorly fitting dentures or habits like fingernail biting or pen chewing.
Because of the variety of potential causes, diagnosing TMD can be complex. Booking an appointment is the best way to evaluate your jaw pain symptoms.
Headaches have many possible causes, and no doctor can determine their origin without a physical examination.
Most TMJ issues can be treated effectively with non-invasive therapies. Surgery is only considered in very rare cases. We prioritize your health and happiness by exploring all treatment options, beginning with the safest and least invasive. The final decision is always yours.
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