TMJ Treatment Near You
Millions of people suffer chronic discomfort and pain around their jaw. This can include pain in the jaw, headaches, and earaches. Many of these people don’t know that this could be related to their temporomandibular joints or TMJ. TMJ is one of the most important joints in the body. It helps us breathe, eat, and talk. When you experience issues surrounding it, it can be detrimental to your health and make it more difficult to perform everyday oral functions.
You don’t have to panic when you suspect you have a TMJ disorder or TMD. Professionals like the ones at Valley Ridge Dental can easily treat these disorders, and provide you with more information to help relieve your pain and prevent it in the future. We are happy to provide TMJ treatment near you.
What is TMJ?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint. Many people mistakenly believe TMJ is the name of a specific condition. Instead, TMD is the distinction for temporomandibular disorders. TMD can be any disorder related to the TM joint and the nerves and muscles in the face. TMD may be caused by clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth. You can also develop this condition when you have a misaligned bite or have suffered an injury to the jaw or face. If you have arthritis or experience stress, these may also cause pain in the TM joint.
If you’re looking for TMD treatment near you, schedule an appointment with us today!
What are the Symptoms of TMD?
The following symptoms may indicate that you are suffering from TMD:
- Face swelling
- A tired feeling in the face muscles
- Ear pain, in or around the ear
- Neck aches and headaches
- Pain in the jaw when yawning, biting, or chewing
- A sore jaw or jaw pain during the late afternoon or early morning
- Pain or difficulty when opening or closing the mouth
- Popping or clicking noises when opening the mouth or moving the jaw
- Sensitive teeth without symptoms of other dental problems
- Tenderness in the jaw muscles or in the jaw itself
Any professional dentist or orthodontist, like the ones at Valley Ridge Dental, can determine whether or not these symptoms are related to the TMJ. There are other conditions that exhibit these symptoms as well, like sinus problems and toothaches. Regular checkups with your dentist ensure TMD is properly diagnosed by an expert. We provide TMJ treatment in NW Calgary, AB T3B 5V4 to help relieve your discomfort and pain.
If you have any concerns about receiving TMD treatment near you, please contact us.
Diagnosing TMD
Properly diagnosing your condition is the first step to receiving the proper treatment for your TMJ. There isn’t a standardized test to determine TMJ related conditions. Behavioural, physical, and psychological factors can even combine to cause TMJ near you.
Most diagnoses come about by simply talking to your dentist and discussing your symptoms. They will also conduct a simple physical examination of the jaw and face muscles. This method can provide plenty of information when determining the presence and severity of TMD. Taking X-rays is another option for many dentists. From this, they can make a cast of their patient’s teeth and examine their bite and alignment of the jaw. You should visit the dentist regularly to update your dental records. This can help your dentist know if your TMJ is getting better or worse.
TMJ Treatment in NW Calgary
There are a wide variety of TMJ treatment options you can discuss with your dentist. We are happy to provide TMJ treatment near you at Valley Ridge Dental.
Medication
You can easily reduce swelling and pain with prescription medication like NSAIDs. You may also receive a muscle relaxer so you don’t clench your jaw or grind your teeth. Anti-anxiety medication may also alleviate stress-related TMD.
Night Guard/Splint
A night guard or splint is a plastic cover that prevents your top and bottom teeth from touching. This helps to avoid clenching and grinding, especially when you are sleeping. A night guard is used when you sleep, but a splint is used all the time.
Dental Work
If your bite is uneven, or the surfaces of your teeth are broken, this may cause pain in your TMJ. In these cases, regular dental work can help solve the problem. Crowns, bridges, braces, and Invisalign can all help align your teeth properly and fix your bite.
TMJ Therapy
TMJ therapy and massages can sometimes instantly alleviate symptoms. The medial pterygoid and masseter muscles are often targeted during a massage. These muscles can be stimulated from inside or outside the mouth.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you have been experiencing jaw pain or discomfort in your facial muscles, our professional dentists are here to help. We offer the latest therapies and TMJ treatment in NW Calgary.
For more information on TMJ and our dental treatments offered, contact us today to schedule an appointment and improve your oral health! Seeking TMJ treatment near you can reduce your pain and restore the quality of your life.