TMD in Hamilton (Jackson Square), Burlington, Cambridge and St. Catharines!
What is TMD (Temproramandibular Disorder)? (TMD)
TMD is a facial pain disorder that many people confuse with TMJ. TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, which consists of the two (left and right) that connect the jaw to the skull. Many people with TMD will experience headaches, jaw pain or a clicking type sound when opening and closing their jaws. Luckily, our team of professionals can help you treat this condition. The two basic types of TMD includes jaw joint generated pain and muscle generated pain. Both can produce long-term pain and should be addressed right away to be treated.
Face and Jaw Related Issues
So what causes TMD? This disorder can develop for a variety of reasons but typically consists of a combination of several factors working together. People who grind or clench their teeth often are causing stress to their TM joint. An injury or disease may have damaged your jaw leaving you with TMD. You might experience pain or have problems opening your mouth, have headaches regularly, hear a clicking noise when you open your mouth, and you could possibly have a misaligned bite. Regardless of the problems you’re having we are here to help you get relief with proper treatment for your TMD.
Signs of TMD
- Waking up with stiff and/or sore jaw muscles
- Frequent neck pain or headaches
- Increased teeth clenching when stressed
- Grinding of the teeth
- Noise from the jaw when opening your mouth
- Past injury to the head, neck or jaws
- Pain or trouble opening your mouth
- Sensitive, broken, worn or loose teeth
- Teeth that do not touch when biting
Treating TMD
f you have been diagnosed with TMD our expert team will determine the best approach for treatment. We take many factors into consideration and want patients to understand there is no ‘miracle’ fix to TMD. Self-management and factor control is necessary for treating TMD.
There are conservative management techniques that have proven to be an effective, safe way to treat most TMD cases. Relieving the pain of muscles or joints is the primary goal and often accomplished through medication as prescribed by your orthodontist. Certain jaw exercises can be very helpful as well as self-care treatment but we will discuss this further with each patient.
Some TMD patients find that using a splint or nightguard helps significantly. Especially for those who may grind their teeth at night unconsciously. However, there are different appliances that serve different purposes and your provider will be able to determine the one best suited for your specific needs.
Surgery and Bite Correction
Invasive treatment is not typically required for TMD patients, even those who have severe and/or long-lasting pain or symptoms.
It all comes down to letting your provider examine your mouth and help you determine the best course of treatment based on your symptoms. Correcting the bite is not always the best solution and often times we can help you get relief in less invasive ways.
Call Martindale Dental today if you suspect you have TMD or you have already been diagnosed with it and need help finding relief.
Martindale Dental provides both general and specialty dentistry under one roof. For more than 20 years, our dentists have been advocates for their patients oral health care needs. Our dental offices are conveniently located in Hamilton (Jackson Square), St Catharines, Burlington and Cambridge, Ontario. We offer convenient appointments before or after work & on weekends.
