Get Relief from TMJ Pain in Sherwood Park
At Park Dental Wellness Centre, we specialize in diagnosing and treating problems related to Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders. TMJ issues can cause symptoms such as headaches, jaw, neck, and shoulder pain.
The TM joints connect your lower jawbone to your skull and are essential for activities like talking, chewing, and yawning. Problems with these joints and muscles are complex, and proper diagnosis requires knowledge and experience.
If you’re experiencing TMJ pain, our Sherwood Park dental clinic offers thorough assessments and personalized treatment plans to alleviate your discomfort.
How We Diagnose TMJ Disorders
We use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate TMJ problems:
- CBCT 3D Imaging: Low-radiation, detailed scans help us identify issues such as joint wear and other TMJ problems that aren’t visible on regular x-rays.
- Comprehensive Assessments: Our team evaluates your jaw function, bite alignment, and muscle activity to determine the source of your pain.
Complimentary Head, Neck & Facial Pain Screening
TMJ Symptoms
TMJ disorders occur when your jaw joints and chewing muscles do not work together correctly. Common signs include:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders
- Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide or chewing
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Stiff or sore jaw muscles, especially in the morning
Ask Yourself
- Do you clench or grind your teeth?
- Do you wake up with jaw pain or stiffness?
- Does stress worsen your jaw pain?
- Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
- Do you have difficulty biting, chewing, or yawning?
The more “yes” answers, the more likely you may have a TMJ disorder.
Causes of TMJ Disorders
- Clenching or grinding teeth, which strains the jaw muscles and joints
- Injury or trauma to the jaw, head, or neck
- Arthritis or joint damage that affects cartilage and ligaments
- Misaligned bite or improper tooth contact
- Stress, which can exacerbate clenching and jaw tension
TMJ Treatment Options
Treatment depends on your specific diagnosis and usually involves a combination of self-care and professional care.
Self-Care Techniques
- Resting your jaw and avoiding excessive chewing
- Keeping your teeth apart when not eating or swallowing
- Eating soft foods
- Applying ice or heat to reduce pain
- Jaw exercises to improve mobility
- Practicing good posture
- Stress management techniques, such as biofeedback or physical therapy
Oral Appliances
Custom appliances are highly effective in relieving TMJ pain:
- Nightguards: Reduce teeth clenching or grinding, protect teeth, and relieve muscle tension
- Orthotic splints: Rebalance your bite, reduce joint stress, and can be worn at night or full-time, depending on the recommendation
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Advanced Treatment: Bite Correction
In cases where TMJ disorders have caused bite misalignment or severe joint damage:
- Bite adjustments or equilibration
- Orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction
- Restorative dental work
Restore Quality of Life
Personalized TMJ care can help you:
- Relieve jaw pain: Reduce strain on the jaw joint for smoother, pain-free movement
- Improve jaw function: Restore normal biting, chewing, and speaking abilities
- Reduce headaches: Address tension linked to TMJ for fewer chronic headaches
