If you’ve ever experienced pain or discomfort in your jaw, you may have heard of TMJ, short for temporomandibular joint disorder. This condition affects millions of people worldwide and can cause a variety of symptoms, from headaches and ear pain to difficulty chewing and speaking. At Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry, we understand the impact that TMJ can have on your daily life, and we are here to provide comprehensive care and support to help you find relief. There are various treatment options available, depending on the severity and type of TMJ disorder. These may include dental splint, botox on masseter/clenching muscle, Fotona dental laser, or comprehensive TMD treatment. A proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from our dentist at Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry in Toronto can help you find relief and improve your quality of life. Whether you’re a long-time sufferer or just starting to notice symptoms, we’re here to help you get back to feeling your best.
What is Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)?
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD), also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), is a condition that affects the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. This joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body, and when it is not functioning properly, it can cause a range of painful symptoms.
Symptoms of TMD can include pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, or neck, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, and headaches. Some people with TMD may also experience a locking of the jaw, making it difficult to open or close the mouth.
The causes of TMD are not always clear, but several factors have been identified as potential triggers. These can include a misalignment of the teeth or jaw, teeth grinding or clenching, arthritis in the joint, and injuries or trauma to the jaw.
Diagnosing TMD can be challenging, as there is no single test to confirm the condition. A healthcare provider will typically perform a physical exam, take a medical history, and order imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI, to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms. Additionally, dentists may use diagnostic techniques such as measuring the range of motion of the jaw or assessing the patient’s bite to aid in the diagnosis of TMJ.
Unusual TMJ symptoms
There are certain signs of TMJ that often go ignored because people don’t realize there is a correlation. These signs include:
- Hearing loss: In rare cases, TMJ can cause hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). This is because the temporomandibular joint is located close to the ear, and when it is not functioning properly, it can affect the surrounding tissues.
- Neck and shoulder pain: TMJ can cause pain and tension in the neck and shoulders, as well as headaches and migraines. This is because the muscles and nerves in the jaw and face are interconnected with those in the neck and shoulders.
If you experience any of these symptoms or signs, it’s important to schedule a consultation with our Toronto TMJ dentist to determine if TMJ treatment is necessary.
Common Symptoms of Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
Jaw Pain
Pain in the jaw is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ. The pain may be felt in one or both sides of the jaw and may be dull or sharp in nature. The pain may also be accompanied by a feeling of tightness or stiffness in the jaw.
Clicking or Popping Sounds
Many people with TMJ experience clicking or popping sounds when they open or close their mouth. These sounds are caused by the movement of the jawbone over the disc that separates the jawbone from the skull.
Difficulty Chewing or Opening the Mouth
TMJ can make it difficult to chew food or open the mouth wide. Some people may feel like their jaw is “locked” or “stuck” in a certain position, making it difficult to move the jaw at all.
Headaches and Dizziness
TMJ can cause tension headaches, which are often felt in the temples or the back of the head, and may be accompanied by dizziness. These headaches are caused by the muscle tension that is associated with TMJ.
Neck Pain and Facial Muscle Soreness
TMJ can lead to pain in the neck and soreness in the facial muscles, particularly around the cheekbones or temples. This pain may be constant or intermittent and may be accompanied by a feeling of pressure or tightness in the face.
Chronic Tooth Pain and Sensitive Teeth
TMJ can cause chronic tooth pain and sensitivity in teeth due to the strain and misalignment of the jaw.
Limited Ability to Open Mouth and Jaw Discomfort
Patients with TMJ may have a limited ability to open their mouth and often experience jaw discomfort or a locked jaw when talking, yawning, or eating.
More Questions about TMJ?
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We can answer any questions about TMJ treatment and address any issues unique to your specific situation. We look forward to seeing you.
What to expect during A TMJ examination
Expect Questions
During the exam, our dentist will ask you questions about your medical history and any symptoms you are experiencing in order in pinpoint the source of discomfort.
Expect A Physical Exam
Our dentist will perform a physical examination of the jaw, including checking for pain or tenderness and assessing your range of motion. You will be asked to open and close your jaw in order to check your bite and alignment.
Expect Xrays
We may also take X-rays or other imaging tests to further evaluate the joint and surrounding structures. Based on the findings, your dentist will develop an appropriate treatment plan to help manage your TMJ symptoms.
Expect Photos
We may take photos for our records. Please avoid wearing loose clothing to ensure clear images of posture. Rest assured, all photos are kept confidential.
Ready for a TMJ consult?
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We can answer any questions you have about TMJ and address any issues unique to your specific situation.
Lifestyle Modifications and home remedies
For most patients, TMJ symptoms can be improved with some of the following lifestyle modifications:
- Reduce stress and practice relaxation techniques
- Use over the counter pain relievers, and anti-inflammatories
- Practice jaw exercises as instructed by your dentist
- Use warm compresses
- Eat softer food during TMJ flareups
- Avoid chewing gum
- Be mindful of overextending the jaw when yawning
- Massage therapy can relieve tension in the jaw muscles and reduce TMJ pain
If you experiencing TMJ pain, call us to schedule a TMJ evaluation with our Toronto TMJ dentist.
TMJ Treatment Options
For those with moderate to severe TMJ symptoms, treatment options include:
- Bite correction: Custom dental splints called “mouth guards” can reduce and manage TMJ pain. A bruxism mouthguard will help provide cushioning against tooth grinding and reduce pain. A TMJ mouthguard will also reduce clenching and keep the teeth aligned. For some patients, orthodontic treatment provides the perfect solution. Dental braces can straighten the teeth and aligning the jaws to eliminate TMJ pain.
- Injections: Injections of corticosteroid can reduce inflammation and chronic jaw pain. Botox injections can also be used to paralyze the jaw muscles to alleviate symptoms and prevent clenching.
- Laser Treatment (Fotona / Weber Helmet): Fotona and Weber Helmet laser therapy are non-invasive treatment options for TMJ that use laser energy to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the temporomandibular joint. These therapies can help alleviate pain and improve jaw function by targeting the deep tissues without the need for surgery.
Arthroscopy, anthrocentesis and jaw surgery are options for the most severe cases of TMJ. These are procedures that are only performed by oral or maxillofacial surgeons and should only be considered after non-invasive options have been exhausted.
If you are suffering from TMJ pain, call us today for a consultation.
Why is TMJ treatment necessary?
TMJ treatment is necessary to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders. If left untreated, TMJ disorders can worsen and cause long-term damage to the jaw joint and surrounding structures. TMJ treatment can improve jaw function and restore proper alignment of the jaw. It can also improve overall quality of life by reducing pain, headaches, and other symptoms associated with TMJ disorders.
The Weber Helmet helps alleviate TMJ symptoms by delivering precise laser therapy that reduces inflammation and promotes healing in the temporomandibular joint. Its targeted treatment enhances blood circulation and relaxes the jaw muscles, providing effective pain relief and improved jaw function.
TMJ BEFORE AND AFTER
ADDITIONAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TMJ TREATMENT
What is TMJ, and how is it treated?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint disorder, which is a condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Treatment for TMJ can vary depending on the severity of the disorder, but can include lifestyle modifications, bite correction with splints or mouthguards, injections, arthroscopy and arthrocentesis, and in rare cases, surgery.
What are the different types of dental splints for TMJ treatment?
There are two main types of dental splints for TMJ treatment: TMJ mouthguards and bruxism (tooth grinding) mouthguards. A TMJ mouthguard is a hard piece of plastic that repositions and stabilizes the jaw, while a bruxism mouthguard can be made of either hard plastic or soft and pliable material to cushion and reduce pain associated with clenching.
What are laser treatments (Fotona and Weber Helmet), and how do they help with TMJ?
Fotona lasers can help with TMJ symptoms by reducing pain and inflammation, relaxing muscles, and promoting tissue healing. Weber Helmet low-level laser therapy also eases pain and inflammation, speeds up healing, and improves joint function. These laser treatments are non-invasive and can provide relief without the need for surgery or medication.
How does Botox help with TMJ, and what are the side effects?
Botox is a neurotoxin that paralyzes the muscles in the jaw, preventing clenching and alleviating TMJ symptoms. The procedure is minimally invasive with minimal side effects.
Is there a dentist near me in Toronto that offers TMJ treatment?
Yes. At our Toronto dental office we offer TMJ treatment to patients from Toronto and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
