TMJ Treatment in Burnaby, BC

What is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)?

TMD, sometimes referred to as TMJ or ‘lockjaw,’ is a joint disorder that affects the hinge connecting the jawbone and the skull – the temporomandibular joint (abbreviated TMJ). It is hard to pinpoint the specific cause when a person suffers from TMD as it can be due to a combination of factors. It is extremely painful and may recur regularly until you seek treatment. People who suffer from bruxism (a disorder when people grind their teeth) may also suffer from TMD. This is because the constant grinding of the upper and lower jaw may affect the opening and closing of your mouth, leading to a misaligned jaw.

These are some of the common TMJ symptoms:

• Pain in the jaw
• Difficulty in chewing
• Restricted jaw movement (or lockjaw)
• Tenderness in the jaw
• Toothaches
• Headaches
• Hearing Issues

While having these symptoms might not necessarily mean you have TMD (as it can arise from other medical conditions), you are advised to pay a trip to your local dentists for a checkup and accurate diagnosis.

How can TMJ be treated?

Usually, TMD is temporary, and the pain can be relieved by relaxing your jaw muscles through jaw exercises. Another way people have treated TMJ pain is by taking aspirin, which is a good way to reduce inflammation or muscle relaxants. Your last option to treating TMJ would be through jaw-joint surgery. However, this is only recommended if you’ve tried all other options and your TMJ is a recurring issue.

How can TMD be prevented?

TMD can be prevented with proper dental care and regular visits to the dentists. Your dentists will be able to diagnose any potential issues with the alignment of your jaw during checkups. When eating, you should chew with both sides of your mouth as this will help ensure you aren’t putting too much stress on one side. You can also avoid eating hard, or chewy foods as the repetitive motion from chewing will put additional strain on your jaw.

Emergency Dental Care

Here at Vega Dental, we provide emergency dental care for anyone in Burnaby, BC. We understand that a situation may arise where it needs immediate medical attention. TMD can be extremely painful and may lead to more serious dental issues if left untreated. Contact our dental clinic today!