Why Choose Dentistry to Treat Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction?
At our dental practice, we recognize that oral health is not limited to just teeth – it encompasses the entire complex system of your face, jaws, and bite. A misaligned bite can lead to muscle tension in these areas, causing symptoms like teeth grinding and other temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms. Additionally, trauma or injury to the jaw can result in increased muscle tension, as seen in cases of whiplash.
By taking a holistic approach to oral health, we can identify and address the root causes of TMD symptoms, such as teeth grinding, sore jaw muscles, neck aches, chronic pain, and spasms. Through careful evaluation and treatment, we can help prevent these symptoms and improve your overall oral health.
TMJ and Headaches at Big Lake Dental
The temporomandibular joint, commonly known as the jaw joint or TMJ, is the most complex joint in the human body. When it doesn’t function properly, it can cause significant pain and discomfort, leading to limited ability to eat solid food. TMJ pain can also manifest as severe headaches, which can be misdiagnosed as migraines.
If you suffer from jaw, facial, neck or shoulder pain, or have unresponsive migraine treatments, visiting your Edmonton dentist could be an option worth exploring. Oral appliances or splint therapy can be offered as alternative treatments to bring you long-term relief.
TMJ dysfunction can be caused by jaw damage in an accident, bruxism, misaligned teeth, a misaligned bite due to old dental work, or a combination of these factors. At Big Lake Dental, our dentists are trained in neuromuscular dentistry to create personalized treatment plans that solve TMJ pain.
By understanding the relationship between the joint, muscles, and teeth, our team can identify the source of your TMJ pain and provide effective treatment options to alleviate headaches and jaw pain.
Contact us to learn more about how we can help you free yourself from pain.
Symptomps Of TMJ-D
Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:
- Pain or tenderness of your jaw and the surrounding muscles
- Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
- Facial pain (e.g. aching or sore facial muscles)
- Aching pain in and around your ear
- Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
- Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
- Premature wear and tear on the upper and lower teeth from teeth grinding
- TMJ-related jaw disorders can also cause a clicking sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or chew. But if there’s no pain or limitation of movement associated with your jaw clicking, you probably don’t need treatment for a TMJ disorder.
