Safe and Effective TMJ Disorder Treatment in Mississauga
Does your jaw often make a 'clicking' sound? Do you regularly wake up with stiffness around your jaw muscles? There is a high possibility that you might be suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMD). Fortunately, we at GD Orthodontics can quickly identify the cause behind the issue and provide you with an effective treatment plan.
The temporomandibular joint is situated in front of the ear and allows jaw movement. A structural imbalance between the jaw and the skull can lead to a chronic degenerative condition known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD) or TMJ disorder. Our orthodontist is dedicated to provide effective jaw treatment in Mississauga while ensuring your comfort.
Please continue reading if you'd like to know more about our TMJ disorder treatment in Mississauga. You can contact us to speak to our team if you have any queries.
What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ Disorder (TMD), also known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, refers to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joints, which connect your jaw to your skull. These joints play a crucial role in allowing you to open and close your mouth, chew, and speak.
Symptoms of TMJ
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder can manifest in various symptoms, which can vary in severity from person to person. Recognizing these symptoms can help you seek timely treatment from GD Orthodontics in Mississauga. Here are some common symptoms to watch out for:
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Jaw pain: Persistent tenderness or pain near the ear and jaw area.
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Clicking or popping sounds: Unusual sounds when opening or closing your mouth.
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Difficulty chewing: Discomfort or pain while eating.
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Locking of the jaw: Temporary locking of the jaw, making it hard to move.
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Headaches: Tension headaches or migraines, particularly in the morning.
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Ear pain: Earaches, tinnitus (ringing), or dizziness.
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Facial pain: Discomfort, especially around the cheeks.
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Neck and shoulder pain: Referred pain in the neck and shoulders.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult with our orthodontic professionals at GD Orthodontics for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Check out our blog to learn more about TMJ disorder symptoms.
Causes of TMD
Some of the common symptoms of TMD include headaches, trouble opening your mouth and jaw locking. The pain caused by this affliction might affect the chewing and swallowing of any food item.
Habits such as grinding your teeth or clenching can tire your jaw muscles, causing continuous muscle spasms, sore muscles and tissue damage. TMD can also occur because of:
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​The improper shape of the jaw
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​Joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
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​Injured joint or tissue around it
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​Trauma to your jaw, head, or neck
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​Arthritis and displacement of the jaw joint disk
However, in many cases, the causes of TMD might not be clear. If you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms or causes, feel free to contact us. We would be happy to assist you!
Diagnosing and Treating TMJ Disorder
Diagnosing TMJ disorder involves a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, dental and medical history, and a physical examination of your jaw joint and muscles. At GD Orthodontics in Mississauga, we use advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to assess the extent of your TMJ disorder accurately.
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Diagnostic tools: We may use dental X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to obtain detailed images of your jaw joint and surrounding structures.
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Treatment options: Treatment for TMJ disorder depends on the severity of your symptoms and may include:
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Lifestyle modifications: Avoiding hard or chewy foods, practicing stress-relief techniques, and maintaining good posture can help alleviate TMJ disorder symptoms.
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Oral appliances: Customized mouthguards or splints can help reposition your jaw and reduce teeth grinding or clenching.
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Physical therapy: Exercises may be recommended to strengthen jaw muscles and improve jaw movement.
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Medications: Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.
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Dental procedures: In severe cases, orthodontic treatments or dental restorations may be necessary to correct bite issues contributing to TMJ disorder.
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Long-term management: Our team will work with you to develop a long-term management plan to prevent TMJ symptoms from recurring.
At GD Orthodontics, we aim to provide you with personalized TMJ disorder treatment in Mississauga that addresses your specific needs and improves your quality of life. Schedule your appointment with us today to start your journey towards a pain-free smile!
Why Timely Jaw Treatment Matters
Delaying or neglecting treatment for the jaw can severely affect your dental and overall health. Here's why prompt care is essential:
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Progressive symptoms: Joint stiffness and discomfort will gradually worsen, becoming unbearable over time.
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Tooth erosion: Teeth grinding, common in jaw sufferers, can lead to significant tooth damage and deterioration.
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Facial muscle imbalance: Untreated TMJ disorder can cause lopsided facial muscles, potentially leading to further complications.
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Hearing Loss: In extreme cases, failure to treat TMJ disorder can result in hearing impairment.
We also offer other treatments like Invisalign and surgical orthodontics. With our reliable and fast TMJ disorder treatment in Mississauga, there's no reason to wait. Call us today to make an appointment and start your journey to relief!
New Patients and Patient Rewards
At GD Orthodontics, we value our patients, both new and existing. We offer special rewards for our patients and welcome new patients with open arms. If you're considering orthodontic treatment, take a look at our new patients and patient rewards page to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to TMD disorders, having the right know-how can help you make an informed decision regarding your treatment. The following are frequently asked questions about TMD disorders.
​Do Clicking Jaw Joints Indicate That I Have TMD?
Popping and clicking jaw joints are some of the symptoms of TMD. If you experience these, consult our professionals immediately.
How Is TMD Diagnosed?
After discussing the symptoms with your orthodontist, your orthodontist will examine your jaw. Your orthodontist can also request you to:
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Discuss how you feel when you open or close your mouth.
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Your orthodontist might observe the range of motion of your jaw.
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Your orthodontist might press around the areas around the jaw for assessment.
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What Will Happen After the TMD Diagnosis?
Even when you are diagnosed with TMD disorder, you don’t have to worry! After suspecting any possible problems indicating TMD, our orthodontist might need to see:
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​ A dental x-ray is required to examine your teeth and jaw.
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​ A CT scan to get detailed images of your bones and joints.
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​ An MRI is to have a closer look at the joint's disk.
In addition, one of the other methods of TMJ disorder diagnosis that might be used is TMJ arthroscopy. During TMJ arthroscopy, a small thin tube is inserted into the joint space along with a small camera to examine the targeted area more closely. The procedure helps determine a better diagnosis but is not necessarily used in every case.
​Does TMJ Disorder Require Surgery?
TMJ disorder does not always require surgery and can be cured non-surgically. It allows you to get back to your normal way of life, such as chewing and talking.
​Does TMD Cause Headaches?
Yes, headaches are caused by TMD. Clenching your teeth can put undue pressure on your jaw joints, resulting in headaches. ​
Which Exercises Can Reduce TMJ Pain?
Activities that can help you reduce your jaw pain include:
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Pressing your chin bone with your thumb lightly and trying opening your mouth
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Keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth and try opening your jaw without moving your tongue
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Stretching your neck by placing your hands across your chest
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Schedule an Appointment Today
If the TMD pain persists, you must check with our orthodontist. Book an appointment today for TMJ disorder treatment in Mississauga. You can read our blogs to stay updated on the latest information on our dental services in Mississauga.