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TMJ Treatment in Guelph
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is a joint positioned just in front of your ears on either side of your head. Your mandible (jawbone) and temporal bone or skull are linked by these joints. TMJ is a complex joint, which may rotate and move forward, backward, and side to side. Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) occurs whenever you have problems related to muscle, bone, or other tissue in and around the TMJ. At Westwood & Starwood Dental in Guelph, we offer TMJ treatment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our dentists.
Causes of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
TMDs are caused by a mix of causes, such as jaw injuries and joint disease, like arthritis, in most instances. TMD symptoms may be exacerbated by bruxism (tooth clenching or grinding) and head or neck muscle stress. Stress could also be a factor. It's unclear if stress causes TMDs or is a result of them.
TMDs can also be caused by improperly fitting partial or complete dentures and specific habits such as pen or pencil biting and fingernail biting.
Recognizing the Symptoms of TMD
Many suffer from Temporomandibular Joint pain or Temporomandibular Dysfunction.
Symptoms include:
​ Pain on opening
​ Inability to open wide or move from side to side comfortably
​ Neck and shoulder pain.
​ Ear pain, hearing loss.
​ Ringing in the ears.
​ Clenching, night grinding
​ Chronic fatigue
​ Noise, grating or popping in joint
​ Chronic Temporal or occipital headache
​ Chronic Temporal or occipital headache
Treatment of these problems can be complicated. The cause can often be multifactorial. Successful treatment may involve other professionals; Physiotherapy, Chiropractors, Massage Therapy, Cranio-mandibular specialists, and Physicians.
Meaningful treatment begins with proper diagnosis. Our team of dentists will do a thorough evaluation of your problem to determine the best way that we can help and the appropriate therapy.
If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us today
Treatment for TMJ/TMD
Treatment of the above-mentioned problems can be complicated. The cause can often be multi-factorial. Successful treatment may involve other professionals. Physiotherapy, Chiropractors, Massage Therapy, Cranio-mandibular Specialists, and Physicians.
Given below are some of the major treatment options:
- Medication
Tricyclic antidepressants, anti-inflammatory medicines, muscle relaxants and over-the-counter pain killers are commonly used for people experiencing a lot of discomfort due to TMD.
- Therapy
Certain behavioural patterns can trigger these disorders. With the right counselling and education, it can be avoided. Other things that may help include oral splints, physical therapy, and mouth guards.
- Surgery
TMJ arthroscopy, arthrocentesis, open-joint surgery, and modified condylotomy are some of the surgeries that can be used to treat TMJ disorders. Injecting corticosteroids into the joints may also help some people.
Meaningful treatment begins with the proper diagnosis. Dr. Pate and associates will do a thorough evaluation of your problem to determine the best way to help and the appropriate therapy.