Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome is a common condition affecting millions of people annually. Although the condition is treatable, many patients do not realise the symptoms and take it lightly. In some cases, TMJ symptoms may go away without treatment. But if the symptoms persist, seeing a doctor for TMJ treatment in Calgary is recommended. Not treating the condition can severely affect your quality of life as the clenching and grinding jaw wears down your teeth. So individuals need to recognize the signs of TMJ and seek treatment at the right time.
What causes TMJ?
Commonly, any facial pain is related to the temporomandibular joint, a hinge-like joint connecting the upper and lower jaw bones. This condition involves the complex structure of a series of muscles, ligaments, bones and discs, which moves your jaw forward-backward, and side to side. So you might experience pain in all those elements. Here are some symptoms and TMJ treatments in Calgary to help you deal with the condition early on. If these symptoms persist, your doctor might offer you various treatment options and therapies to elevate the symptoms.
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw joint, either one or both sides of the face
- Experiencing pain around your ears and ringing in the ears
- You will be facing pain from a toothache
- There is pain or tightness in the eye
- Tightness in the face too
- Chewing difficulty
- Locked jaw
- Popping or clicking noise when closing the mouth
- Migraines, clusters, headaches
It might be difficult to determine what is causing such symptoms if you are under conditions like arthritis, joint cartilage damage, disc erosion in the jaw, other jaw injury whiplash, stress or anxiety tightening facial and jaw muscles, orthodontic braces, poor posture, etc. If you make a regular dental visit, your dentist can notice or diagnose and offer appropriate TMJ treatment in Calgary. Your doctor might recommend the following medical treatments if at-home remedies don't work.
- Medication
You will be prescribed pain relievers, muscle relaxers, or an effective anti-inflammatory drug.
- Oral splints or mouth guards
If you experience too much jaw grinding, your dentist will recommend the right oral device which is soft or hard to keep the jaw in place.
- Physical therapy
In minor cases, you might receive physical therapy to learn stretches and massage techniques that strengthen and stretch your jaw. This TMJ treatment in Calgary might also involve ultrasound to evaluate behavioural conditions making your TMJ worse and recommend therapy accordingly.
- Surgical options
The surgical treatment ranges from non-invasive to traditional surgery, varying from one case to another.
Now that you know how to recognize TMJ, counsel your dentist to find relief early from the symptoms. Contact TS Oral Health to find any cause and treatment for your dental pain.