Have you recently been diagnosed with temporomandibular disorder by your dentist? Don't be intimidated by the name. It simply describes problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in your jaw. Often those that have TMD syndrome experience pain and noises in their jaw, and have problems with movement in the area. If you've been experiencing these problems, it's likely that your dentist will want to have it treated before it leads to further pain and more serious problems down the road. To be better informed about this condition, here is all the information you need to learn about the symptoms, causes, and how we can help when you're dealing with TMD.
What Causes TMD?
The temporomandibular joint works to connect the jawbone to the skull. Without it, you wouldn't be able to chew, talk, or open and close your mouth. Problems in this area are often caused by injury to the teeth or jaw, teeth grinding, excessive gum chewing, misalignment of the teeth and even poor posture and arthritis.
What Are The Symptoms?
TMD is often accompanied by pain in the jaw joint. You may also experience a clicking and popping sound, sore jaw muscles, pain in the temporal area, a locking of the jaw, and also ear pain. If you notice any issues with the jaw or surrounding area, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your doctor or dentist for a further examination.
What Are The Available Treatment Options?
At Kemptville Smiles, we offer a variety of successful treatment options for our patients. In most cases, surgery will not be required to correct the pain and discomfort of TMJ. Our clinic prefers to recommend less invasive corrective options when possible. For instance, when grinding and misalignment are the underlying causes, dental splints and nightguards are recommended to keep the teeth aligned and to prevent excess movement in the jaw during sleep. Our team members also endorse trigger point acupuncture to help alleviate pain in the area. And if the patient's TMD is associated primarily with muscle tightness, Botox is available to provide relief.
No matter what treatment is recommended, we always ensure that the method used is the best solution for achieving a positive result.
Why Kemptville Smiles?
When you're dealing with the painful symptoms of TMD, we can help! Our dental professionals will examine the jaw and listen for any unusual sounds or abnormalities. Once the root cause has been identified, we'll recommend the most effective treatment option for your condition.
If you or a loved one is suffering from jaw problems and you believe it is TMJ, come visit us as Kemptville Smiles so one of our professionals can examine your condition. You don't have to deal with TMD pain. We can help. Contact us today at (613) 258-7373!