TMJ / Joint Disorders

In today’s increasingly stressful world, many people are experiencing a rise in headaches and joint pains. If you find yourself dealing with frequent headaches that aren’t responding to treatment, tenderness in your face, jaw, neck, shoulders, or back, pain while eating, or difficulty opening or closing your mouth, you might need a thorough clinical evaluation for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder. Proper assessment and treatment can help address these symptoms effectively.

effective treatment of TMJ

At Alora Dental Wellness, we believe that effective treatment of TMJ disorders and joint pain is essential for restoring comfort, functionality, and overall oral health

Jaw Pain Relief - Alleviating jaw pain and associated symptoms through targeted treatments.
Improved Functionality - Restoring normal jaw movement and function for everyday activities.
Customized Solutions - Tailored treatment plans to address your specific TMJ disorder and bruxism symptoms.
Tooth Protection - Preventing further wear and damage to your teeth caused by grinding.

Common Signs and Symptoms

What are the common signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders?

Pain or Tenderness

Experiencing discomfort or tenderness around your face, jaw, neck, shoulders, or in/around your ears, especially during activities like chewing, speaking, or opening your mouth.

Unusual Sounds

Noticing clicking, popping, or grating noises when you open, close, or chew with your mouth. These sounds might or might not be accompanied by pain.

Chewing Problems

Experiencing difficulty chewing or finding that your upper and lower teeth don’t align properly, leading to an uncomfortable bite

Jaw Locking

Encountering difficulty with your jaw getting stuck or locked in either an open or closed position.

Clenching and Grinding

Regular jaw clenching or teeth grinding.

Wide Mouth Opening Issues

Having trouble when trying to open your mouth too wide.

Swelling

Observing swelling on the side of your face.

Why Do These Joint (TMJ) Problems Occur?

TMJ disorders can stem from various causes. At Alora Dental Care, we perform thorough evaluations using detailed clinical exams, digital x-rays, and patient history to pinpoint the issue. Common triggers include teeth grinding, jaw clenching, bite problems, trauma, malocclusion, and arthritis. Our treatment approach is customized and may include stress management, custom dental devices, and targeted therapies to address both symptoms and underlying causes, aiming to relieve pain and restore function.

How Can You Treat TMJ Disorders?

Once your joint disorder is diagnosed, our specialist will discuss tailored treatment options designed to recalibrate your occlusal system. These may include:

Night Guard/Splint therapy

A custom-fitted splint to prevent teeth grinding, a major contributor to TMJ disorder symptoms.

Restorations

Bite adjustments using fillings, onlays, or crowns to address worn, damaged, or misaligned teeth.

Orthodontic Treatment

Realignment of teeth to relieve jaw tension and correct bite issues, improving overall dental function.

Physical Therapy

Exercises and techniques to strengthen jaw muscles and reduce pain.

Medications

Targeted medications to manage pain and inflammation.

Dental Corrections

Addressing bite issues and misalignments that contribute to TMJ disorders.

Stress Management

Techniques to reduce stress and alleviate bruxism symptoms.

Behavioral Therapy

Addressing habits and behaviors that contribute to teeth grinding.

What Is Bruxism?

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is an involuntary habit of clenching, grinding, or gnashing the teeth, often occurring during sleep. While it is a common behavior and usually not harmful, frequent grinding can lead to dental damage and other health issues.

Grinding Sounds - Audible teeth grinding while asleep.
Headaches and Pain - Headaches, jaw joint pain, and/or ear pain.
Morning Discomfort - Aching teeth, facial stiffness, particularly upon waking.
Jaw Stiffness - Stiffness or pain in the jaws while chewing.
Jaw Clenching - Clenching the jaw when angry, anxious, or concentrating
Temperature Sensitivity - Teeth sensitive to hot or cold temperatures
Tooth Damage - Cracked or chipped tooth ename
Tongue Indentations - Indentations on the tongue from teeth.
Loose Teeth - Teeth that may feel loose.

How To Treat This Issue ?

Treatment for teeth grinding depends on its underlying cause. If grinding mainly occurs at night, a sleep study might be recommended to check for airway issues. Addressing any airway problems can sometimes reduce grinding.

We may fit a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep. Other treatments might include dietary changes, stress management, postural adjustments, medications, tooth adjustments, injections, orthodontics, or surgery. If stress is a factor, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and stress-reduction strategies such as counseling, exercise, physical therapy, or muscle relaxants may be suggested.

Get in touch with us now!

At Alora Dental Wellness, we believe in the transformative power of TMJ disorders and bruxism treatment. Let us guide you on a personalized journey to a pain-free, functional jaw and an improved quality of life.