Quality Treatments for TMJ in Edmonton

Image of a woman massaging her jaw muscles.

 

If you are suffering from clicking, locking, or chronic pain in your jaw, it may be time to see a specialist. At Warehouse District Dental Focus on Smiles, we offer quality TMD treatment in Edmonton to help reduce daily pain, headaches, and other issues. Whether caused by stress, injury, or genetics, this disorder can have a major impact on your everyday life, and we are dedicated to helping you find relief from pain and discomfort.

Nearly 20 million people are affected by TMD, but it can be tricky to diagnose without the help of a skilled and knowledgeable dentist. With our knowledge of neuromuscular dentistry, which concerns the nerves, muscles, and alignment of the jaw, our treatments for TMJ disorder can greatly improve your quality of life. We are passionate about making our dentistry accessible to those who need it, which is why we offer preferred pricing for students. If you're looking for TMD treatment, call our office today!

CALL US: (587) 405-4587 REQUEST APPOINTMENT

What Is Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)?

TMD refers to disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and jaw nerves. The temporomandibular joint connects your lower and upper jaw, affecting even the slightest of jaw movements, enabling us to talk, chew, and yawn.

The most common form of TMD is defined by myofascial pain, which refers to discomfort and pain in the muscles that control jaw, neck, and shoulder function. In many cases, the actual cause may be unclear. It can be due to excessive strain on the joints and muscles as a result of bruxism, trauma to the jaw, head, or neck, or medical conditions that can overlap with or worsen symptoms of TMD.

Signs and Symptoms of TMD

Regardless of the cause, there are a variety of symptoms we use to diagnose and determine the best method of TMD treatment. Some people who have TMD may experience occasional and temporary discomfort, typically in cycles, while others experience more severe, constant pain. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of TMD include:

  • Jaw discomfort or soreness
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Limited movement or total inability to move the jaw joint
  • Painful clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth
  • Pain that spreads behind the eyes, face, shoulders, neck, or back
  • Clenching or grinding the teeth
  • A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together

Treating TMD

We use various advanced technologies and appliances to diagnose and treat TMD. Our team focuses on examining your jaw's nerves, muscles, and alignment, helping to place your jaw into its optimal position and relieve your symptoms. Here are some of the tools we use to support treatments for TMJ issues:

  • K7x Evaluation: Computerized jaw, muscle activity, and joint vibration tracking technology with the K7x allows us to evaluate the health and function of your TMJ and track our treatment over time. This highly sensitive device takes precise measurements and can provide patient-friendly visuals for you to better understand your TMD.
  • TENS Machine: TENS stands for "transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation." This small device is used to relieve muscle spasms and pain by gently massaging muscles in order to relax them. It uses the constant, rhythmic pulsing of low electrical frequencies to increase blood flow and stimulate endorphin production, which reduces pain.
  • Dental Appliances: Prescription appliances such as night guards or splints help to stabilize the bite. These are most useful for reducing the damage caused by jaw clenching and grinding.

At-Home Care for TMD

Along with our care and treatments for TMJ, there are a variety of things you can do at home to support the health of your jaw. Depending on your unique situation, we may even recommend trying some at-home care options to see if they decrease your symptoms. Many of these options can also positively impact your overall health. Some of our recommendations for at-home care include:

  • Eating a well-balanced diet of cooked whole grains, fruits and vegetables, cheese, eggs, fish, etc.
  • Avoiding chewing gum or difficult-to-chew foods that can aggravate your jaw
  • Applying ice packs to your temples for ten minutes three times a day
  • Sleeping on your side or back
  • Maintaining good posture while sitting and standing
  • Avoiding using the crook of your neck to support the telephone
  • Placing your fist under your jaw while yawning to limit movement

Reliable TMD Treatment in Edmonton

If you are dealing with migraine headaches or chronic jaw pain, you don't have to suffer. At Warehouse District Dental Focus on Smiles, we offer reliable TMD treatment in Edmonton to help relieve your pain and discomfort. Our office is equipped with advanced technology, and our team uses various methods to diagnose and help treat your TMJ pain and improve your overall quality of life. If you believe you have TMD, don't hesitate to contact our office and schedule an appointment today!

CALL US: (587) 405-4587 REQUEST APPOINTMENT


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