TMJ Treatment at Medicine Hat

Are you experiencing a lot of pain in your jaw for no apparent reason? Have you recently injured your head or face and now hear a clicking sound when you open and close your mouth? You could have TMJ. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a painful disorder affecting the joints and jawbone on one or both sides of your mouth. There are several treatments to deal with the discomfort of TMJ. Your dentist at Park Meadows Dental will help you find ways to get rid of the pain or at least reduce it.

When your jaw has sustained an injury, it can cause the joints to function incorrectly. Sometimes TMJ can sneak up on you until you notice a feeling of grinding, clicking or pain. Perhaps you did not injure yourself so why else would you experience the symptoms of TMJ? Poor habits such as grinding your teeth or constantly clenching your jaw and genetic issues such as arthritis may be the culprit. When you know something is not quite right with your jaw movement, it’s time to check with your dentist.

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What are some signs of TMJ?

  • Clicking sound in your jaw
  • Pain when you chew
  • Difficulty with moving your jaw like opening/closing your mouth
  • Pain near your earlobe
  • Pain on both sides of your jaw
  • A bruise-like feeling in your jaw
  • Ringing in your ears

Getting TMJ treated will help alleviate the pain and discomfort of this issue. The sooner you get it treated, the sooner you will get your mouth back to feeling normal again.

What can you do to treat TMJ?

  • Anti-inflammatory medications, aspirin, and over the counter pain relievers can help
  • Using a heating pad or moist heat on the painful joint
  • Your dentist may suggest a stabilization splint to reduce poor habits like clenching and grinding
  • Avoid foods that require a lot of pressure to chew
  • Try relaxation methods such as yoga or meditating
  • No chewing gum or biting your nails
  • Release stress by exercising, counselling or massage therapy

*Note that we offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to treat the psychological parts of your pain from TMJ, also known as TMJD.

Ignoring the symptoms of TMJ will not make them go away. If you have problems with the joints in your jaw, you need to have it treated by a professional. Your dentist is the best person to speak to if you suspect you have TMJ. If left too long, extreme cases of TMJ may require surgical intervention to relieve pain and suffering. There are options available to help you if you have TMJ. Contact Park Meadows Dental to set up an appointment to discuss what can be done for you.

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