Jaw Pain Is Not Normal
If jaw pain feels like a regular part of your life, it may seem normal to you. However, jaw pain is far from typical and could be a sign of an issue with one or both of your temporomandibular joints (TMJ). When misalignment or disease affects the TMJ, inflammation occurs, leading to pain. At Sheppard Village Dental, we’re here to help you find the best solution for your TMJ, bringing comfort and ease back to your smile.
How do we diagnose and treat TMD?
Understanding TMJ and TMD
Chronic jaw pain is the most common symptom of TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), but other symptoms, such as headaches, earaches, neck, shoulder, or back pain, or ringing in the ears or dizziness, can also be linked to the condition. TMD can be tricky to diagnose because these symptoms may be related to other health issues. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to consult with your dentist so we can guide you toward the right treatment for your oral and overall health.
Diagnosis
The treatment of TMD starts with a comprehensive clinical examination, where we assess your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. At Sheppard Village Dental, we check for pain and tenderness, and listen for any clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If TMD is diagnosed, a bite splint is often the first treatment recommended.
Treatment and Relief
Our primary treatment for TMD involves custom-made bite splints, which are plastic mouthpieces that fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. These devices help prevent grinding and clenching, which often cause or worsen TMD. The splint also works to realign your jaw, relieving stress on the surrounding muscles and joints. At Sheppard Village Dental, we will guide you in selecting the best appliance therapy for your specific condition and provide both in-office and at-home instructions to help with your recovery.
Alternative Treatment Options
If your TMD symptoms are caused by a misaligned bite or missing teeth, we may recommend orthodontic treatment or restorative dental work. If your bite is putting pressure on your TMJ, reshaping individual teeth may be suggested to better distribute the bite force evenly across your mouth.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joints, which connect your lower jaw to your skull. TMD, or Temporomandibular Disorder, occurs when these joints become misaligned, causing pain and inflammation.
Symptoms of TMD include pain and tenderness around the ear, jaw joint, or muscles of the jaw, face, or temples. You may also experience difficulty opening or closing your mouth, along with clicking, popping, crunching, or grinding noises when chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth. TMD can also be associated with neck pain and headaches. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your doctor promptly.
TMD is often caused by a combination of factors, including jaw injuries, joint diseases like arthritis, and bruxism (tooth clenching or grinding). Head or neck muscle tension and stress may also contribute. In some cases, poorly fitting dentures or habits like nail-biting and pen chewing can worsen symptoms. With so many potential causes, TMD can be difficult to diagnose. Booking an appointment is the best way to understand your symptoms.
Headaches can have many causes. The best way to determine if TMD is linked to your headaches is to schedule a consultation where we can assess your condition.
In most cases, TMJ pain can be treated effectively with non-invasive therapies. Surgery is rare and only recommended in extreme cases. We will explore all options with you, starting with the safest and most effective non-surgical treatments. If surgery is necessary, we’ll work closely with you to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.
If you feel anxious or worried about any dental procedure, let us know. We offer solutions and will work with you to ensure you feel comfortable and at ease throughout your treatment.
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