•  
    401 N Railway St Morden MB R6M 1S8 CA

Now welcoming patients with Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) coverage!

TMJ: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Commonly referred to as TMJ, the temporomandibular joint is one of the body’s most complex joints. Today, our Morden dentists explain three types of TMJ disorders (TMD), symptoms and available treatment options.

What is TMJ Disorder?

The TMJ is the joint connecting the temporal bones of your skull - located just below your temple, in front of your ear - to your jaw. You use this hinge to do everything from moving your jaw to eating, talking and even breathing.

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) happen when there is an issue with your jaw and facial muscles. You begin to experience pain in the area and if the disorder progresses to a severe state, the joint may eventually be unable to move.

Types of TMJ Disorder

There are actually three main types of TMJ disorders:

Joint Degenerative Disorders

Most commonly known as osteoarthritis, this degenerative joint disorder happens when cartilage holding the round ends of the two bones in your jaw together breaks or wears away.

Cartilage absorbs shocks during movement and allows your bones to glide easily over each other. When the cartilage erodes, pain and swelling will occur, and you may not be able to move your jaw.

Muscle Disorders

Also referred to as myofascial pain, muscle disorders involve pain and discomfort in all the muscles controlling the function of your jaw. You may also experience pain in your jaw muscles, shoulders and neck.

Joint Derangement Disorders

A soft, small disc located between the temporal bone and the condyle makes the opening and closing of the jaw smooth and easy. This disc is also important as it absorbs shocks to the jaw joint that happen during movement.

When an individual has a joint derangement disorder, the inner workings of the jaw are disrupted or unbalanced due to a dislocated disc or damaged bone.

This displaced disc causes internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint. Currently, there is no surgical solution to this problem.

Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

With every type of TMJ Disorder, you are likely to experience pain in your jaw and face. The area around your ears could hurt, and you’ll feel an ache when you open your mouth to eat or speak.

Other symptoms of TMJ Disorder may include:

  • Facial bruising or swelling
  • Problems opening, closing or clenching your jaw
  • Headaches, dizziness or pain in your temples
  • Grinding, clicking or popping sounds when you open your jaw
  • Additional pain in your neck and/or shoulders

When You Should Visit Your Dentist for TMJ Treatment

If at-home remedies such as avoiding stress, chewing gum, gently massaging your neck and jaw muscles, trying over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) have not proven effective, you should make a dental appointment.

Your dentist will review your dental history, perform a thorough examination of your bite and jaw, and take x-rays to assess before providing an official diagnosis of TMJ Disorder. The treatment he or she recommends may include:

  • TMJ therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Oral Surgery
  • Dental splints
  • Prescription medications

Your dentist can help you manage your TMJ Disorder with a combination of home remedies and attentive dental care.

Are you experiencing the symptoms of a TMJ issue such as headaches, dizziness, or jaw pain? We may be able to develop a custom treatment plan to help. Book an appointment with our Morden dentists today.

Featured Services

Boundary Trails Dental Centre offers a comprehensive range of services for children, adults, and seniors.

Morden Dentist, General Dentistry

Technology

We use dental technology to help identify any diseases before they become a significant issue.

Morden Dentist, Cosmetic Services

Dental Implants

Dental Implants can be a long-lasting solution for patients looking to replace missing teeth and restore their smile.

Morden Dentist, Orthodontics

IV Sedation

Patients may choose this option for simple procedures, such as wisdom tooth removal, depending on their level of anxiety 

WayDent, Morden Dentist

Morden Dentist, Contact

New Patients Welcome!

Whether you're in the city of Morden or a surrounding community, we can't wait to welcome you to the Boundary Trails Dental family!

Request Appointment

(204) 822-6259 Request Appointment