OFFICE FEATURE

  


 

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The TMJ is the most frequently used joint of the entire body. It is responsible for the opening and closing of our mouths when we are speaking, eating, swallowing, and breathing. The TMJ joint connects the lower jaw and the skull, it is surrounded by a network of muscles and nerves. TMJ dysfunction can cause pain and discomfort in the head and neck region. Symptoms are more notable in adults but some children suffer from TMJ dysfunction.

Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction:
  • Headaches, neck pain, or neck stiffness
  • Earaches, congestion or ringing in the ears
  • Clicking, popping or grating sound when opening and closing the jaw
  • Sensitivity or strain felt when chewing
  • Limited opening of the jaw
  • Dizziness and fainting
  • Difficulty closing the comfortably teeth together
  • Difficulty or pain felt when swallowing
  • Facial pain or pain behind the eyes

Causes:
TMD (Temporomandibular Dysfunction) occurs when the positioning of the lower jaw is conflicting with that of the upper jaw. Displacement of the TMJ disc results when the lower jaw positioning is further back and placing pressure onto the TMJ. Stress and pressure over time can damage the TMJ and cause great amounts of discomfort.
  • Malocclusion - Improper growth and development of the jaw
  • Orthodontics - Cranial strain resulting from headgear, chin cups, and posteriorly positioning of the jaw
  • Excessive Tooth Loss resulting in bone loss and unbalanced jaw positioning
  • Acute Trauma - Sports, automobile, violence, surgery, excessive opening of the jaw
  • Clenching or Grinding
  • Lower jaw position - Deep Overbite causes strain of the TMJ
  • Bad posture

    Treatment:
    Many non surgical options exist to help TMD symptoms. A thorough diagnosis and personalized treatment plan can reduce pain, inflammation, earaches, and muscle spasm. Most treatments involve using a comfortable dental orthotic (splint) to hold the jaw in proper upper and lower alignment and allow you to have relief and help the jaw heal.

    Speak with our Dentists to learn more about our TMJ program or call 613-521-3368 to schedule a TMJ evaluation.

 

To help with the evaluation of your Head and Neck pain we recommend that our patients complete a TMJ Questionnaire. Please print this from the link below and bring the answered questionnaire to your TMJ consultation. We offer free consultations for TMJ to provide you with helpful information, an understanding of the treatment that we offer, and an estimate for the costs involved. Call to book a free TMJ consultation at 613-521-3368.

Print TMJ Questionnaire