Jaw pain is not normal
If jaw pain is part of your daily life, it might seem normal to you. The truth is, jaw pain is far from normal and may signal a condition called TMD affecting one or both of your TMJs. These are the joints of your lower jaw, known as Temporomandibular Joints. When disease or misalignment occurs, the TMJ and surrounding tissues become inflamed, causing pain and other symptoms.
- Headaches
- Earaches or tenderness around the ear
- Pain or tenderness in the face or jaw
- Muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Ringing in the ears
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
- Difficulty chewing, yawning, or opening the mouth
What are the signs of TMJ disorder (TMD)?
If you experience jaw pain or discomfort, let a caring Dentist Vancouver families trust diagnose and treat your condition. Contact us today to book a consultation.
How do we diagnose and treat TMJ disorder?
Diagnosis
Treatment begins with a thorough clinical examination of your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. During your visit, we check for pain, tenderness, and listen for clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If diagnosed with TMD, a bite splint or night guard is often the first recommended treatment.
Treatment and relief
We create custom bite splints, which are plastic mouthpieces that fit over your upper or lower teeth. These devices prevent grinding and clenching that can cause or worsen TMD. The splint also helps realign your jaw, reducing stress on the area.
Alternative treatment options
If misaligned bite or missing teeth cause your symptoms, orthodontics or restorative dental work may be suggested. If your bite puts extra pressure on the TMJs, reshaping individual teeth to balance bite force might help.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ is the Temporomandibular Joint. When this joint is misaligned or inflamed, it is called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMD.
Symptoms include pain and tenderness around the ear, jaw joint, or muscles of the jaw, face, or temples. Other signs are difficulty opening or closing your mouth and clicking, popping, crunching, or grinding noises when chewing or yawning. TMD may also be linked to neck pain and headaches.
TMD can result from jaw injuries, joint diseases like arthritis, tooth clenching or grinding, and muscle tension in the head or neck. Stress might worsen symptoms but its role is unclear. Poorly fitting dentures and habits like nail or pen biting can contribute. Because of many causes, TMD can be hard to diagnose. Booking an appointment is the best way to understand your jaw pain.
Many factors cause headaches. Only a physical examination by a doctor or dentist can determine the cause.
Most TMJ pain is treated effectively with non invasive therapies. Surgery is rarely needed. Your health and comfort are our priorities. We will discuss all options with you, starting with the safest and simplest, and you will decide on the next steps.
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