TMJ Pain Care

WHAT IS TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDER (TMD) AND WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a complex set of conditions characterized by pain and dysfunction as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and or surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and jaw movement. TMD result in a large range of symptoms that vary for each individual. It can include significant face and neck pain; headaches; damaged teeth; tooth pain; stiff neck muscles; limited mouth opening; ear pain and tingling in the ears (tinnitus). It may also include painful clicking, popping or grating of the jaw joint when opening and closing the mouth. Bruxism is the term used to describe teeth grinding.

TMD/Bruxism can be caused by several things and often an individual’s condition has multiple contributing factors. It is vital that you consult your dentist, who may need to perform various tests, take x-rays and seek referrals to determine the nature of your condition before undergoing any treatment.

In many cases, the exact cause of TMD is not clear. Dentists believe symptoms often arise from problems with muscles of the jaw or with parts of the joint itself. Other contributing factors may include:

• Injury to the jaw, TMJ, nerves or muscles of the head and neck. eg. A heavy blow, whiplash or MVA
• Grinding or clenching the teeth which results in a lot of pressure on the TMJ
• Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket joint of the TMJ (lockjaw)
• Presence of osteo or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ
• Emotional/Psychological Stress
• Sleep disorders and breathing difficulties
• Worn, ill-fitting dentures

There are several options to consider for the treatment of your TMD/Bruxism. These should be discussed in consultation with your Dentist as they are the only people qualified to assess all aspects of the condition and help you determine the most appropriate choice for your individual circumstances.

Available treatment options address different aspects of the condition depending on the cause and they vary in cost, complexity and the expected results, including how long results last and potential complications. While no single treatment has proved universally effective for all patients, many patients need to try several treatment methods before finding relief of their symptoms. Sometimes treatment is ineffective in providing relief.

Current treatment options are:

• Pain/Relaxation/Anti-inflammatory medications
• Oral appliances called splints or bite /night guards
• Massage/Manipulation/Exercise of the TMJ and associated muscles
• Orthodontics (braces) and dental work/bite adjustment/physiotherapy
• BOTOX injections into the muscles of mastication
• TMJ Surgery

If other preventative treatments haven’t eased your chronic migraine symptoms, it is reasonable to consider dental Botox in Calgary NW as a treatment since it is quick, low risk and it may be the answer to more symptom free days.

Note that some private drug plans will pay for Botox migraine treatments, so it’s a good idea to check with them in advance. Dentists strongly recommend using the most conservative, reversible treatment possible so as to not further contribute to the problem.