TMJ Treatment in Beaverlodge, AB
TMJ disorders are complications associated with the temporomandibular joint, where your jaw and skull come together. Although this joint is small, it can cause chronic pain and symptoms that make everyday tasks painful and difficult. The symptoms of TMJ also differ from patient to patient, with some reporting pain that comes and goes and others describing symptoms that persist chronically for many years.
Did you know? TMJ disorders can occur at any point in your life, but that they are most commonly diagnosed in young adults between the ages of 20 and 40 years old. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons have also reported that TMJ disorders are far more common among women than men.
Although there is no way of knowing exactly how many people suffer from TMJ disorders (many go undiagnosed), the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that approximately 10 million people in the U.S. currently suffer from TMJ conditions.
Do I Have TMJ Disorder?
We can help you diagnose TMJ disorder, but here are some signs and symptoms to look out for that could indicate the need to visit our practice:
- Your jaws’ pop’ in and out of place
- Your jaws get stuck in certain positions
- You cannot open your mouth very wide
- You hear grating or popping sounds when chewing your food or speaking
- You have swelling on one or both sides of your face
- You have pain in your face, neck, or shoulders when speaking, eating, or opening your mouth
- You have chronic headaches or upper shoulder pain
- You frequently experience dizziness
- You have problems with your ears, such as earaches, ringing, or difficulty hearing
What to Expect During Your Treatment
Your treatment experience will vary based on your diagnosis. We’ll first attempt to treat your disorder using conservative methods like pain relievers and muscle relaxants. If this doesn’t substantially relieve your symptoms and you require further treatment, we’ll create custom bite guards for you to use. Joint injections can also be used to reduce inflammation and prevent pain.
Will I need to make any lifestyle changes?
TMJ disorders are often worsened by stress and the habits that form as a result of stress. For example, if you tend to clench your jaw or grind your teeth when under stress, you may find that your TMJ symptoms worsen during those times. We’ll recommend steps to help reduce your stress levels. This can include massages or physical exercises. We might also advise you to avoid foods that could be hard on your jaws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TMJ disorder be cured?
While TMJ disorder cannot always be completely cured, we help our patients manage their symptoms. Our goal is to help reduce your pain, improve your jaw function, and prevent any further damage.
Does TMJ cause my headaches?
While stress isn’t the only cause of TMJ disorder, it can be a contributing factor. As many of us know, when you are stressed, you may be more likely to grind your teeth or clench your jaw, which can put strain on the joint and cause headaches.
Can TMJ disorder affect my sleep?
Unfortunately, TMJ disorder can disrupt sleep in several ways. The pain and discomfort associated with this disorder make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. The grinding and clenching associated with this disorder can also lead to jaw soreness and fatigue.