Understanding TMJ Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments at Harvest Hills Dental Care
Consider how essential your jaw is to daily life. It is not just for chewing food—it actually plays a vital role in speaking, smiling, yawning, and expressing emotion. However, the temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, which enable all these functions, can sometimes develop issues causing a condition known as TMJ disorder. This can result in discomfort and inflammation. But do not worry! At Harvest Hills Dental Care in East Gwillimbury, Ontario, our proficient team of dentists is here to diagnose and manage this condition, relieving your pain and helping you return to the activities you love!
What can cause TMJ disorder?
Several factors might contribute to the onset of TMJ disorder, leading to varied symptoms among different individuals. In some cases, the precise cause might not be clearly identifiable. However, frequently observed factors that could potentially trigger TMJ disorder may include:
- Sustaining trauma to the mouth or joint
- Teeth clenching and grinding also referred to as bruxism
- Misalignment of the bite, or malocclusion
- Arthritis affecting the joint
- Certain behavioural habits, like maintaining bad posture or biting on ice, gum, or solid objects
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What are the symptoms of TMJ/TMD?
Certain symptoms of TMJ disorders may be directly related to your jaw, including noticeable clicking, popping, or grinding noises and discomfort in the joint. However, some symptoms might not be easily identifiable. Our comprehensive evaluation includes looking for:
- Frequent headaches
- Discomfort in your jaw, neck, ears, or shoulders
- Stiff jaw muscles
- The feeling of a “trapped” jaw or restricted movement in the jaw joint
- Irregular degradation of your teeth
- Improperly aligned bite
- Absence of teeth
- Damaged or worn-out dental restorations
How can I treat TMJ/TMD?
Our experienced dental team takes the time to customize solutions for your TMJ disorder by conducting a thorough examination of your unique situation. This detailed approach ensures that you receive the appropriate relief from your discomfort. For instance, if your symptoms stem from misalignment in your jaw or teeth, we may recommend the use of an orthodontic device to help correct the issue. On the other hand, if your TMJ disorder is primarily caused by grinding or clenching your teeth during sleep, we might suggest an oral appliance designed specifically for that purpose. Furthermore, we offer behavioural therapies, updates to existing dental restorations, replacements for missing teeth, and various other solutions that are carefully developed to address your specific requirements and enhance your overall oral health.
Who can I reach to find a dentist for TMJ disorder and appropriate treatments?
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction treatments vary from patient to patient. Find the solution that best fits your needs by consulting with our professionals at Harvest Hills Dental Care. You can reach us by calling (365) 659-1008 to request an appointment.
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