TMJ/TMD Treatment Near You
Your jaw is a vital part of daily life, from eating and communicating to smiling and showing emotions. Although we never really think about this joint, it is crucial to functioning and comfort. After your jaw joint is inflamed or injured, it can give rise to a chain of uncomfortable symptoms that impact your oral health and overall well-being.
Pain, clicking, or chewing problems usually indicate a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issue, where your lower jaw bones attach to your skull. Treatment in the early stage will prevent complications and enhance the quality of life.
What Is the TMJ and What Does It Do?
The TMJ is a hinge joint on each side of your face, in front of and below your ears. It enables your jaw to open, close, and slide smoothly in numerous directions. If the joint or the muscles that surround it become inflamed or stretched, it can result in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), an illness that ranges from mild pain to severe pain.
Signs of TMD can be:
- Pain or jaw stiffness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding on opening or closing the mouth
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Migraines or headaches
- Pressure or pain in the ear
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Pain when biting or chewing
Most people requiring TMJ treatment near you have one or more of the following common symptoms. Because they are incapacitating for everyday activities, diagnosis and prompt treatment are the key to relief.
What Causes TMJ Problems?
TMJ issues may be triggered by various factors. These can include:
- Direct trauma to the face or jaw
- Chronic teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Misaligned bite or jaw
- Stress that causes tension in facial muscles
- Arthritis or joint inflammation
- Habits such as chewing gum excessively or biting nails
A dentist will carefully evaluate your symptoms and perform an oral exam to determine the source of your discomfort. Imaging, such as X-rays or digital scans, may also be used to help diagnose the condition.
Available TMJ Treatment in NW Calgary and Relief Options
TMD treatment will also be based on the severity of your case. Most patients are relieved by a blend of therapies based on their needs. If you are looking for TMJ treatment in NW Calgary, your dentist near you will prescribe any one or several of the following:
- Lifestyle Changes: Soft diet, softening biting surfaces on teeth, relaxing muscles through gentle jaw stretches, and stress management can ease tension and inflammation.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relief, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant medications can ease symptoms.
- Night Guards or Splints: These oral appliances are individually moulded and frequently prescribed to discourage clenching or grinding during sleep and ease joint tension.
- Orthodontic Treatments: In cases of misalignment, orthodontic realignment of your bite with the help of braces or aligners can ease TMJ pressure.
- Physical Therapy: Massage and exercise techniques can enhance jaw mobility and alleviate pain.
- Surgical Treatment: In more severe or chronic TMD that is not alleviated with other interventions, a referral to a specialist for surgery might be required.
Patients being treated for TMJ treatment near you in the clinic should also return on a regular basis to check progress and adjust their treatment protocol as necessary.
When to Seek Help
If jaw pain is disrupting your lifestyle or becoming progressively worse, don’t discount it. TMD is not just about your teeth, interference can extend to your sleep, your posture, and even eating normally. Treatment at this stage can bring lasting relief and avoid the development of more severe issues.
Get the Support You Need for a Stronger, Healthier Jaw!
You don’t have to endure jaw pain or stiffness. Regardless of how severe the symptoms are, a customized treatment plan can make you feel at ease and in motion again. To know more book your visit with Beddington Dental Clinic now, and take a step toward long-term jaw comfort.