Are you experiencing sudden or severe pain in the jaw, neck, or head? Does your face ache when you chew? Turn to Garibaldi Dental Crossing to find relief. The jaw is the most overused and underlooked part of the body. While many people seek care for other areas, from getting massages to exercising various muscle groups, the jaw is oftentimes forgotten. This can lead to pain, tightness, and inflammation in the joints and muscles, causing unbearable and overwhelming discomfort. Fortunately, our dental team provides specialized treatment for patients living with TMJ. At Garibaldi Dental Crossing, we promise customized treatments and significant relief, once again giving you something to smile about.
Trust in Garibaldi Crossing Dental to be your partner in achieving and maintaining optimal oral health.
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What is TMJ?
TMJ disorders are a spectrum of diseases with signs and symptoms that affect the joints, muscles, teeth and ligaments of the jaw. These conditions can lead to several issues, including jaw pain, popping, clicking, headaches, difficulty chewing, tooth wear and resistance when opening or closing the mouth. While this condition is commonly referred to as TMJ, “TMJ” refers to the temporomandibular joints (jaw joints) specifically, whereas “TMD” stands for temporomandibular joint disorder.
Each person has one TMJ on either side of their face, just in front of the ears. These jaw joints act as a sliding hinge, connecting the lower jawbone to the skull to help with speaking and chewing. While these are common movements for most people, for some, they can be a source of pain and discomfort. At this point, a person may be diagnosed with a TMJ disorder.
What causes TMJ Disorders?
The exact cause of TMJ disorders can be difficult to determine. If you are experiencing jaw pain, it could be due to various factors including injury, genetics, arthritis, overuse, or a combination of them. While the symptoms associated with TMJ disorder may be remedied through self-managed care and non-surgical interventions, it is essential to have it addressed early on. If not, the condition might worsen, especially since individuals with jaw pain tend to clench or grind their teeth, putting more stress on their joints.
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
- Pain and/ or tenderness of the jaw
- Pain in both or one of the temporomandibular joints
- Stiffness of the joints
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
- Headaches
- Pain or aching of the face
- Pain or aching in or around the ear
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Change in the way the teeth fit together (malocclusion)
- Toothache
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth due to locking of the joint(s)
- Clicking, popping, or crepitus sounds while chewing or opening the mouth
- Grating sensation while chewing or opening the mouth
- Clenching or grinding of the teeth (bruxism)
- Wearing down of the teeth, chipping and fractures
- Mobility and migration of teeth
- Changes in the bite
Should You Seek Treatment For TMJ?
If left untreated, TMJ disorders can lead to a range of complications such as chronic and severe pain, limited mobility and chewing function, and wear and tear due to bruxism. When you come in for your dental appointment, we will determine if you have a TMJ disorder by:
- Observing your range of motion when opening or closing your mouth
- Feeling and examining your jaw joints when opening or closing your mouth
- Applying slight pressure on your face and jaw to find areas of discomfort
- Taking dental X-rays to get a closer look at your jaw joints and facial structure
How We Treat TMJ Disorders
At Garibaldi Crossing Dental, we offer non-invasive treatment to alleviate TMJ symptoms. We can help restore relaxation and diminish pain with a custom-fit night guard or splint. The night guard is like a clear retainer that acts to separate the teeth and relax the muscles of the face. It also helps to prevent pain and fracturing of the teeth while also decreasing sensitivity.
While you can buy night guards over the counter, we specialize in creating custom-fit appliances, ensuring optimal alignment and comfort. While we usually recommend non-surgical interventions as a first step for treating TMD, we may suggest jaw surgery in more severe cases.
Book a Consultation Today!
You don’t have to live in pain. At Garibaldi Crossing Dental, we prioritize your comfort and oral health above all else. If you are experiencing jaw pain or discomfort, our team is here to provide comprehensive care and non-invasive treatments. Call us today to book a consultation for your TMJ.
