Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder is the inflammation of the soft joint between your lower jaw and skull. Patients suffering from TMJ disorder can experience headaches, popping or clicking sounds in their jaw, and difficulties moving their jaw.
TMJ Treatment Near You
If you’re looking to receive TMJ treatment near you, there are two stages.
The first stage is wearing a mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding. Only custom mouth guards from your dentist are effective in treating TMJ disorder.
The second stage of treatment is to reshape the biting surfaces of your teeth. If your symptoms persist after both stages of treatment, your dentist may recommend jaw surgery or orthodontics. You can ask what things make TMJ worse and how to prevent it.
The symptoms of TMJ disorder often overlap with the symptoms of sleep bruxism (clenching and grinding your teeth in your sleep). Symptoms of sleep bruxism include increased tooth sensitivity, toothaches, damaged dental work, and worn enamel. The sleep bruxism symptoms that coincide with TMJ include headaches, difficulties moving your jaw, fatigue, and jaw, neck, and face pain.
TMJ Disorder Screening
Our dentist will begin the TMJ screening by asking the following questions:
- Do you hear popping or clicking sounds in your jaw?
- Do you grind your teeth?
- Do you find it challenging to move your jaw?
These three questions will help us identify the cause of your TMJ disorder to develop an effective treatment plan.
Key Points About TMJ Treatment
- Sleep bruxism can also be treated by wearing a customized mouthguard.
- Treatment for TMJ disorder and sleep bruxism can involve doctors and dentists. Remember to mention any symptoms affecting your jaw, head, face, sleep, and neck during your dentist appointment.
Looking for TMJ therapy near you? Our office offers TMJ treatment in Okotoks, AB, to restore your jaw’s functionality.