Joint and muscle problems associated with the jaw are often a result of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This is when the joint that connects your jaw to your skull, known as the TMJ, becomes inflamed, overworked, or otherwise irritated. The TMJ is considered one of the most complex joints in your body because it can rotate, move backward and forwards, and side to side. This also means that it is susceptible to several issues, many of which can lead to TMD.
If you have issues associated with your TMJ, you may be dealing with the painful symptoms of TMD. At Sidney Harbour Dental, we are happy to provide TMD treatment in Sidney to help alleviate your discomfort and enhance your quality of life.
Symptoms of TMD
There are many symptoms associated with TMD, which is why it can be tough to diagnose accurately. Some common signs and symptoms of TMD include tenderness and pain around the ear, face, jaw joint, and face. Other common signs include challenges opening and closing the mouth and popping or clicking noises when you chew, speak, yawn, or otherwise open your mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact our dentist in Sidney right away.
What Causes TMD?
In most cases, TMD is caused by a combination of things such as jaw injuries, bruxism, and joint disease. Stress is also listed as a possible factor for TMD. Other things that may lead to TMD include poorly-fitting dentures and bad habits such as fingernail biting and pencil biting.
What Are Your Treatment Options?
In most cases, people with TMD get better on their own without treatment. Our dentist near you will often start with conservative treatment options in mild cases. This will include using warm or cold compresses against your jaw, massaging your jaw muscles, and sticking to a soft-food diet. If you clench and grind your teeth during the day, this will also involve actively relaxing your jaw and working on keeping your teeth apart. You will also focus on breaking bad habits such as chewing on hard, in-edible objects such as the backs of pens or your fingernails.
More serious treatments may be necessary if you have moderate to severe TMD. After evaluating your jaw through radiographs and visual inspection, your dentist may offer you alternative treatment options to alleviate your pain. This may involve our dentist creating a custom night guard for you to wear to keep your teeth apart during the night or providing cosmetic injectables to help keep your jaw relaxed. In some cases, your dentist may need to refer you to an oral maxillofacial specialist for more advanced TMD treatment near you.
Visit Sidney Harbour Dental for TMD Treatment
TMD can be very debilitating, and no one should have to deal with its effects. If you are dealing with the pain and discomfort associated with TMD, please don’t wait to reach out to our dedicated team of dental professionals at Sidney Harbour Dental. We are happy to evaluate your jaw and help you find the relief you need to live an excellent quality of life. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to book your comprehensive oral examination with our experienced dentist today.
