Safe and Effective TMJ 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 refers to the joint situated in front of the ear, which 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. Our orthodontist is dedicated to effective TMJ treatment in Mississauga while ensuring your comfort.
Please continue reading if you'd like to know more about our TMJ treatment in Mississauga. In case you have any queries, you can contact us to speak to our team.
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 of TMJ disorder to watch out for:
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Jaw Pain: Persistent pain or tenderness in the jaw area, particularly near the ear, is a common symptom of TMJ disorder.
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Clicking or Popping Sounds: Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when you open or close your mouth can indicate an issue with your TMJ.
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Difficulty Chewing: If you experience pain or discomfort while chewing, it could be a sign of TMJ disorder.
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Locking of the Jaw: Your jaw may temporarily lock in an open or closed position, making it difficult to move.
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Headaches: TMJ disorder can cause tension headaches or migraines, especially upon waking up in the morning.
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Ear Pain: Some individuals with TMJ disorder experience earaches, ear ringing (tinnitus), or dizziness.
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Facial Pain: Pain or discomfort in the face, particularly around the cheeks, can be associated with TMJ disorder.
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Neck and Shoulder Pain: TMJ disorder can also cause referred pain in the neck and shoulders.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult with our orthodontic experts at GD Orthodontics for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Check out our blog to learn more about TMJ symptoms.
Causes of TMD
Some of the common symptoms of TMJ or 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:
​The improper shape of TMJ
​Joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
​Injured joint or tissue around it
​Trauma to your jaw, head, or neck
​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, then feel free to reach out to 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 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 to strengthen jaw muscles and improve jaw movement may be recommended.
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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, our goal is to provide you with personalized TMJ 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 Is Treatment Important?
Those suffering from TMJ often ignore it or delay treatment. Delay or negligence in treating your TMJ can severely impact your dental health in many ways, including:​
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Your symptoms, such as joint stiffness, will gradually become more severe and even possibly unbearable.
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The grinding of teeth, common with those suffering from TMJ, will gradually lead to their erosion.
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Failure to treat TMJ can lead to lopsided facial muscles, which, in turn, can cause many other issues.
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In severe cases, not treating TMJ can lead to a loss of hearing.
We also offer other treatments such as Invisalign and surgical orthodontics. With our reliable and swift TMJ treatment in Mississauga, there is no reason to put off getting the right help. Please call us to make an appointment with us.
Why Choose GD Orthodontics?
At GD Orthodontics, we understand that each patient is unique, and we take a personalized approach to TMJ treatment. Here are some reasons to choose us for your TMJ care in Mississauga:
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Customized Solutions: We tailor our treatment plans to meet your needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
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Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and treatment techniques to provide you with the highest quality care.
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Expertise: Our orthodontists have years of experience in treating TMJ disorders and are committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health.
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Compassionate Care: We prioritize your comfort and well-being, providing gentle and compassionate care throughout your treatment journey.
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Comprehensive Services: In addition to TMJ treatment, we offer a range of orthodontic services, including Invisalign, surgical orthodontics, and more.
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. Consult our experts without delay if you experience them.
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 for examining 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 to have a closer look at the joint’s disk.
In addition, some of the other methods of TMJ disorder diagnosis that might be used are TMJ arthroscopy. During TMJ arthroscopy, a small thin tube is inserted into the joint space along with a small camera to have a closer look at the targeted area. 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.
​Are headaches caused by TMD?
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 trying opening your jaw without moving your tongue
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Stretching your neck by placing your hands across your chest
Schedule an Appointment Today
If the TMD pain persists, you must check with our orthodontist. Book an appointment today for TMJ treatment in Mississauga.