If you are experiencing jaw pain or discomfort, the dentists at Scotia Square Dentistry can help with a variety of treatment options.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the jaw's hinge, located at the front of each ear. This joint enables your jaw to move up and down to speak and chew. Pain in these joints is known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and is often caused by teeth grinding, arthritis and general life stress that causes jaw muscles to tighten.
The most common symptom of TMD/TMJ is severe facial or jaw pain which is often experienced by people between the ages of 20 and 40. In addition to jaw pain, symptoms include:
During your dental checkup, make a point of mentioning any jaw pain you may be experiencing. Your dentist will conduct examinations to determine the cause of the discomfort.
Oftentimes, conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease can cause symptoms that are similar to those of TMD.
By checking your jaw joints for pain, listening for abnormal sounds, and testing your bite, your dentist will be able to rule out oral health causes.
We will also take dental and facial x-rays to provide a clearer view into what may be causing your condition and, if necessary, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon or orthodontist for specialized treatment.
We also offer night mouth guards as treatment options for jaw and facial muscle pain.
We're always welcoming new patients! Contact us today to get started.