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TMJ Treatment
in Toronto, Ontario
Say goodbye to TMJ discomfort and hello to a pain-free life.
What is TMJ treatment?
TMJ treatment, or temporomandibular joint treatment, involves managing issues related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jawbone to your skull. Problems with the TMJ can lead to discomfort or pain in the jaw, face, neck, and even headaches.
What is TMJ treatment?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can manifest in various symptoms, including:
- Jaw pain or tenderness.
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing.
- Jaw muscle stiffness.
- Jaw locking.
- Ear pain.
- Headaches.
- Clicking or popping sounds.
- Changes in bite alignment.
- Facial swelling.
- Dizziness or vertigo.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough diagnosis and appropriate management. If you need a consultation right away, contact BK Dental today.
How to treat TMJ permanently?
Treating TMJ disorder permanently can be complex and may vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. While there is no single guaranteed permanent solution for everyone, several approaches can help manage symptoms and improve long-term outcomes:
1. Begin with a professional evaluation by consult a healthcare professional, such as a dentist, oral surgeon, or TMJ specialist, for a comprehensive assessment. We can assess your symptoms, conduct necessary tests, and devise a personalized treatment plan.
2. Many cases of TMJ disorder respond well to conservative treatments, including:
- Self-care techniques: Applying ice packs, practicing relaxation techniques, and avoiding hard or chewy foods can alleviate symptoms.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy: Jaw exercises, stretches, and massage techniques can enhance jaw mobility and reduce muscle tension.
- Splints or mouthguards: Custom-fitted oral appliances can stabilize the jaw joint and prevent teeth grinding or clenching, which may contribute to TMJ symptoms.
3. Lifestyle modifications such as:
- Stress management: Learning stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or counseling can minimize jaw clenching and tension.
- Dietary adjustments: Avoiding hard, chewy, or excessively crunchy foods can lessen strain on the jaw joint.
- Posture correction: Maintaining good posture, especially when sitting or working at a computer, can alleviate strain on the neck and jaw muscles.
4. Dental interventions may be necessary in some cases, including:
- Orthodontic treatment: Correcting bite misalignment or malocclusion through braces or other orthodontic appliances can relieve TMJ symptoms.
- Restorative dentistry: Dental procedures like crowns, bridges, or dental implants may restore proper bite alignment and function.
5. For severe or persistent cases of TMJ disorder unresponsive to conservative treatments, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgical options may include:
- Arthrocentesis: A minimally invasive procedure, including the insertion of needles into the joint space to irrigate and flush out debris or inflammatory substances.
- Arthroscopy: A surgical technique using a small camera and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat TMJ problems through small incisions.
- Open joint surgery: In rare cases, open surgery may be indispensable to repair or replace damaged joint structures.
It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. Regular follow-up visits and ongoing management are often necessary to maintain symptom relief and optimize long-term outcomes.
Things that make TMJ worse?
Whether your jaw feels sore or painful because of TMJ, avoiding things that make it worse is key to managing your condition and avoiding flare-ups. These are;
- Habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, especially during sleep.
- Foods that require extensive chewing, such as tough meats or gum.
- Slouching or maintaining improper posture, especially when sitting for extended periods.
- Emotional stress and anxiety.
- Activities that involve extensive or repetitive jaw movements, such as prolonged talking, singing, or yawning excessively.
- Inadequate sleep or sleeping in positions that place pressure on the jaw joint.
- Habitually chewing on objects like pens, pencils, or fingernails.
- Some individuals may unknowingly clench their teeth during physical activities like weightlifting or intense workouts.
- Dental issues such as malocclusion or misaligned teeth.
- Conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Don’t let TMJ symptoms worsen. Take action today and find relief.
Avoid the discomfort and inconvenience of worsening TMJ symptoms. Seek expert care today.
Identifying and avoiding these aggravating factors, along with implementing appropriate treatment and self-care strategies, can help manage TMJ symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
If you’re experiencing persistent or severe TMJ symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations.
