HEADACHE MANAGEMENT & TMJ CARE IN EDMONTON
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to your skull. It is a ball and socket joint located at the back of the jawbone on both sides of the face. The temporomandibular joint consists of muscles, discs, ligaments, and bones that enable jaw movement.
The temporomandibular joint syndrome occurs when the jaw fails to function. The ligaments and muscles present in the joint become irritated and inflamed, causing pain.
TMJ can be acute or chronic, the latter having severe effects. Most TMJ pain can be managed through self-care and other non-surgical treatments.
TMJ is a common problem afflicting more than 40 million people.
These symptoms include:
- Headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Unexplained loose teeth
- Pain in face or neck
- Congested stuffy ears
- Numbness in the fingers or arms
- Limited jaw opening or locking
- Insomnia or depression
- Tooth pain
- Snoring or sleep apnea
- Cracking or breaking of teeth or dental work
UNDERSTANDING TMJ DISORDERS
The Problem with Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Using over-the-counter pain relievers won’t fix chronic pain in the temporomandibular joints. Some people with TMJ disorders turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the constant pain.
Sleep Issues and TMJ Disorders
Bruxism, or teeth grinding during sleep, can cause insomnia and other sleep problems if not treated. TMJ disorders can also lead to depression and affect your performance, quality of life, and personal relationships.
Dental Health Impact
People with TMJ disorders often have wear and tear on their teeth. Clenching or grinding your jaw can damage your teeth and lead to expensive dental repairs.
Eating Difficulties
Patients often prefer soft foods, liquids, or avoid food to escape the pain of TMJ disorders. This can lead to malnutrition or eating disorders.
Long-Term Damage
Untreated TMJ symptoms can cause permanent damage to your jaw muscles, vision, and hearing. Seeking early treatment can prevent these serious complications and improve your quality of life.
Can TMJ Disorders Go Away on Their Own?
TMJ disorders sometimes improve on their own, especially with rest and avoiding jaw strain. However, persistent symptoms often require treatment. Consulting a specialist ensures proper diagnosis and management to prevent long-term complications. Ignoring TMJ issues can lead to worsening pain and more severe problems over time.
Which Treatments Are Available for Temporomandibular Disorders?
Our dental experts conduct tests that enable us to provide specific treatment plans for every individual to alleviate pain. Our treatment plans range from self-care and other conservative options to open surgery.
Experts in the medical field agree that TMD patients should start with self-care practices and only consider surgery as the last option.
Examples of self-care practices that would help in the treatment of TMJ disorders in adults include:
- Eating soft foods.
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs and other medication.
- Applying ice packs or moist heat.
- Wearing a night guard before going to sleep.
- Avoid extreme jaw movements such as chewing gum.
- Doing corrective dental treatments.
Your doctor may prescribe pain medications for your jaw joint pain and give you medical advice on how to prevent its reoccurrence.
Other treatment options such as ultrasound, physical therapy, relaxation techniques, and Botox injections can work if the conservative methods do not. Joint surgery is performed when all other treatment options are ineffective.
We can help you create a tailored treatment plan and start your journey to a pain-free life!
What Is the Main Cause of Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome?
Temporomandibular disorder can be caused by several factors, most common habits, or medical conditions.
The most common cause of TMD is bruxism, a condition characterized by regular grinding of teeth and clenching the jaw. Bruxism can occur unknowingly while asleep or during the day when reacting to feelings of stress and anxiety. Grinding or clenching your jaw not only causes TMJ disorder but also wears down your teeth, erodes the enamel, and causes misalignment of the jaw.
TMJ pain is caused by muscular problems, emotional and biochemical factors. The other causes of TMD include acute trauma, an improper bite, rheumatoid arthritis, and dislocation of the disc that exists between the joints.
Call us For a Consultation
If you or a loved one suffers from TMJ pain, we invite you to call Dr. Rodgers. For your convenience, we offer complimentary consultations so you can come in and discuss your concerns with Dr. Rodgers.