TMJ Burlington

Understanding TMJ Disorder, Diagnosis and Treatment

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder affects the joints that connect your jawbone to your skull. These joints, located on either side of your head just in front of your ears, allow you to open and close your mouth, chew, and speak. When these joints are not functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and impact your quality of life.

What is TMJ Disorder and What Causes It?

TMJ disorder, also known as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), refers to a range of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints, the muscles surrounding them, or both. These issues can arise due to various reasons, such as:

Injury or trauma to the jaw or surrounding muscles
Arthritis, which can affect the cartilage within the joint
Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), which places stress on the joint
Structural issues with the joint itself or the way the upper and lower teeth align
Stress can cause tension in the jaw muscles

Common TMJ Symptoms to be Aware Of

Jaw-Related Symptoms

Sore jaw muscles, especially when chewing or speaking
Stiffness and pain in the jaw
Hearing a clicking or popping sound in the jaw when opening or closing your mouth
Locking of the jaw (lockjaw), where the jaw gets stuck or feels difficult to move
Difficulty chewing, with a feeling that your bite is misaligned
Changes in the way your teeth fit together

Ear-Related Symptoms

Earaches or pain near the ears
Tinnitus, or ear ringing, is sometimes linked to TMD
A sensation of fullness in the ears without any ear infection

Facial, Neck and Head Symptoms

Headaches, particularly in the temples or around the jaw area
Facial pain, which may feel like soreness or tension in the muscles
Neck and shoulder pain, often related to muscle strain caused by jaw issues
Dizziness or a sense of imbalance

How Our Dentist Diagnoses TMJ Disorder

Because symptoms of TMJ overlap with other conditions, such as ear infections or migraines, our dentist uses a combination of techniques to pinpoint the issue. This could include asking about your symptoms and inquiring about any habits, such as clenching or grinding your teeth or if you’ve experienced recent trauma to the jaw. The dentist will also examine your jaw for tenderness, swelling, or abnormalities and listen for clicking or popping sounds. In some cases, digital X-rays will further help assess the situation, and from there, treatment options can be discussed.

Everyone's TMJ Treatment Plan Will Vary. Here are Some Common TMJ Treatment Options

Lifestyle Changes

Some mild cases of TMJ disorder may be managed with simple lifestyle changes, including jaw exercises to improve mobility and reduce tension or stress management techniques such as yoga, physiotherapy, or meditation to help prevent or reduce clenching or grinding your teeth.

Oral Appliances

We may recommend custom-made oral appliances, such as mouthguards or nightguards. These appliances are worn while sleeping to prevent teeth grinding, reduce pressure on your joints, and may help relieve pain.

Dental Treatments

Orthodontic treatment or restorative dentistry may be recommended if your TMJ pain or symptoms are linked to dental issues such as misalignment. Invisalign, dental crowns or bridges, for example, can provide relief by straightening your teeth, closing gaps, and repairing bite issues.

Don't Live in Pain and Discomfort – Our Dental Care Team Can Help

If you’re suffering from TMJ, our dental care team can help you alleviate the symptoms. You don’t have to just “live with it” or try to manage jaw pain yourself. Our dental care team can help identify and treat TMJ disorder and help you find relief or manage pain with a personalized care plan tailored to your needs. We can help you regain control of your jaw function and jaw mobility in various ways to improve your quality of life and overall well-being. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities.

Contact us Today to Book an Appointment and Get the Treatment you Deserve

Located in Burlington, our dental care team wants to help you achieve optimal oral health and well-being. Take the first step in TMJ management by giving us a call to schedule an appointment or fill out an appointment request form online. Don’t wait. As soon as you notice symptoms, it’s important to seek the treatment you deserve.