Do you suffer from radiating pain in your jaw or face? Do your jaw muscles stiffen or lock when you chew? Is there a painful pop or click in your jaw when you open and close your mouth? Are your teeth starting to chip, crack or wear due to a bad bite or grinding?
If you said yes, you're not alone and you may have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, or TMD. Though the discomfort can be intense, relief is possible and several treatment options are available. We will help you find an answer.
The temporomandibular joints are what connect your lower jaw to your head on either side of your face, like hinges. When you have a TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, you may experience pain in the joint itself or in the muscles that move your lower jaw.
There's no single answer to what causes these problems in the temporomandibular joint, but some causes may include:
Grinding and clenching teeth
Poorly aligned bite
TMJ injured from an impact or injury
Structural problem within the joint
Arthritis
Women aged 20 to 40 are more likely to develop temporomandibular joint dysfunction, but men and women of all ages come to Northmount Dental Care for treatment.
We offer many options for TMJ treatment to reduce your pain and discomfort in our Calgary NW dental clinic. Our staff will help you find the option that works for you.
The staff and dentists at Northmount Dental Care understand that discomfort from TMJ disorders can be extremely difficult to deal with, especially if it has persisted for some time. That's why our dentists use their experience to evaluate your condition and suggest several options to alleviate the issue.
If you've been treated for a TMD before and still experience symptoms, please book a complimentary consultation to discuss your history with one of our dentists. There are several treatment options available that could be a solution to your discomfort.
Bite guards are the most commonly known treatment for TMJ. Also called oral splints, they are put over your teeth to prevent grinding and clenching, but they are not an ideal choice for everyone. Our dentists will present the options based on your needs, but you'll be the decision-maker on which treatment is right for you.
Depending on the solution that's pursued, your dental insurance plan may cover all or part of the cost. Book a complimentary consultation and allow us to help you understand your coverage options.