Sarcee Family Dental understands the significant impact Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) can have on your daily life. We are committed to providing effective and safe treatment options for those experiencing TMD, with the aim of alleviating associated pain and discomfort. If you are dealing with symptoms such as chronic neck pain, headaches, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, jaw popping or clicking, or radiating pain in your jaw, you may be experiencing TMJ pain or TMD. Our dedicated Sarcee Family Dental team is here to help relieve your TMD symptoms and support you in achieving better overall health and well-being.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is responsible for connecting your lower jaw to both sides of your skull, enabling the opening and closing of your mouth, as well as the ability to move your jaw from side to side. While the TMJ functions smoothly for most individuals without causing any issues, some people may experience problems leading to severe pain and impacting overall health.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) refers to one of more than 30 conditions that cause dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement, as well as pain and discomfort. Stress and overworking of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can contribute to the development of TMD. Trauma to the jaw, head or neck may cause TMD, while bruxism, a form of TMD characterized by the gnashing, clenching or grinding of teeth and jaw, is one of the most prevalent forms of TMD.
If you experience some of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from temporomandibular disorder:
Bruxism, a prevalent type of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), involves the grinding, clenching or gnashing of teeth, often occurring unconsciously during wakefulness or while asleep. Mild cases of bruxism may not require treatment, but severe and frequent episodes can lead to significant jaw pain, discomfort, headaches, damaged teeth, loose teeth and facial stiffness when you wake up. In cases of severe bruxism, seeking assistance from a medical or dental professional is advisable to address these symptoms and prevent further health issues.
Mild forms of TMD, including mild bruxism, often require no treatment. If you experience severe and frequent symptoms however, professional treatment may be necessary. Sarcee Family Dental provides specialized TMJ/TMD therapy aimed at alleviating symptoms and enhancing overall health and wellness.
Since there is such a variety of symptoms associated with TMD, treatment selection can be challenging. To determine the best approach for your specific case, consultation with healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors and massage therapists may be necessary. Sarcee Family Dental aims to diagnose the root cause of your TMD and collaboratively develop a customized treatment plan to address discomfort and long-term issues. Our treatment options for TMJ/TMD include bite rehabilitation and orthodontic interventions. Bite rehabilitation includes the use of a bruxism appliance or “night guards.” These appliances resemble dental mouthguards and are worn overnight to realign the jaw and alleviate discomfort. Additionally, these guards protect teeth from grinding-related wear by absorbing impact and reducing muscle activity, thereby preventing enamel damage and alleviating associated symptoms like headaches and facial, neck, and back pain. By providing a cushioning effect to teeth, these night guards also safeguard against enamel erosion and dental damage caused by grinding; instead of wearing away at the tooth enamel, you wear away at the plastic guard.
Sarcee Family Dental understands the impact of bruxism on your oral and overall health, and we offer tailored solutions to alleviate its effects. Our custom-made dental appliances, known as bruxism appliances or night guards, serve as a crucial intervention. These removable plastic guards are designed to snugly fit over the upper and lower teeth, effectively realigning the jaw to mitigate clicking and grinding. The basic idea is that the guard helps prevent the upper and lower teeth from touching, meaning there is little or no grinding/clenching and therefore little or no stress put on the temporomandibular joint. This in turn helps alleviate or prevent the associated jaw pain and headaches associated with the stress on the temporomandibular joint. By providing a cushioning effect to teeth, these night guards also safeguard against enamel erosion and dental damage caused by grinding; instead of wearing away at the tooth enamel, you wear away at the plastic guard. While the night guards do not eliminate the root cause of bruxism, they offer essential protection for your teeth, minimizing the risk of further complications. While symptoms such as jaw pain may persist until grinding ceases, these appliances are instrumental in preserving your dental health and well-being. Unlike generic store-bought options, our custom sports guards provide superior comfort and effectiveness.
Sarcee Family Dental is pleased to offer TMJ/TMD Therapy solutions to help relieve your symptoms and improve your overall health and well-being. If you are experiencing frequent jaw pain or headaches coupled with any other symptoms of TMD, or if you have any questions about TMJ/TMD Therapy, please call the dedicated Sarcee Family Dental team at (403) 233-7369 and we will be happy to help!
Call the dedicated Sarcee Family Dental team at (403) 233-7369 to schedule your TMJ/TMD Therapy appointment today!