Our family dentists at Apple Dental Care in Edmonton offer a wide range of services and treatment options for patients that suffer from TMD and TMJ.
What is TMD?
The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull (the bones which connect to the front of your ear). The joint is responsible for the movement of your jaw. It allows you to talk, chew, yell and even yawn.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) cause problems with the movement of your jaw and the muscles in your face.
Causes of TMD
You may experience TMD symptoms, if you experience the following:
- Injury to your jaw, the joint, or the muscles of your head or neck (it can even be caused by whiplash)
- Constantly grinding or clenching of your teeth
- Arthritis
TMD Symptoms
- Difficulty in opening your mouth wide open
- Jaw gets locked
- Clicking, popping or grating sound when you move your jaw
- A constant jaw ache
TMD Treatment
Medication
Prescription drugs provide relief for pain caused by TMD. Muscle relaxants help to control and stop jaw grinding, allowing your jaw to heal.
Splint Mouth Guard
The purpose of a splint mouth guard is to protect your teeth from constant grinding. We’ll take a mold of your teeth and craft the splint mouth guard at our office.
Surgery
We may recommend surgery if non-surgical treatments fail, but such measures are rare
What You Can Do
If you suspect that you have a temporomandibular disorder, please contact us to schedule a dental appointment. Any jaw pain and aches should not be ignored.
The longer you wait to treat this condition, the more damaged your jaw may become.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. It is also different than any other joint in your body, because it moves like a sliding hinge. In fact, it is known as a sliding hinge joint, and when it is inflamed or is out of place, it can cause a unique and painful feeling.
You may have TMJ if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- An aching pain in or around your ear
- Aching facial pain
- Jaw tenderness or pain
- Difficulty chewing
- You experience a clicking sound when you chew or open your mouth
- You experience a joint that locks when you open and close your mouth
Types of appliances
- Neuromuscular Orthotic – guided with EMGs & muscles relaxed with TENS
- Bruxism guard
What You Can Do
For extreme cases of TMJ, surgery might be needed, but should be viewed as a last resort, after you’ve exhausted all less invasive options.
The goal is to treat your TMJ before it becomes severe, so you can avoid surgery.
We believe it’s always better to undergo the least invasive treatment first.
If you think you have TMJ please contact Apple Dental Care in Edmonton, and take care of your TMJ symptoms before they become severe.
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