Your Dawson Creek Invisalign® Provider
At Peace Country Dental Clinic, our Dawson Creek dentists can help diagnose and treat jaw pain, ringing in the ears and headaches caused by TMJ Disorder.
What is TMJ Disorder?
The TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) is a hinge joint that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. It allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side so you can talk and eat.
TMJ Disorder (or TMD) occurs when there are issues with the jaw and the muscles in your face that can cause symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches and ringing in the ears. Left untreated, it may lead to chronic pain, bone loss, gum tissue changes and loose teeth.
While most often caused by misalignment of the teeth and/or jaw, other factors that may contribute to the disorder include skull shape, genetics, airway issues and injury or trauma to the jaw.
TMJ Disorder Treatment
At Peace Country Dental Clinic, our dentists can test for, diagnose and provide a treatment plan for TMJ Disorder.
Treatment may include wearing a mouth guard while sleeping to prevent clenching and grinding.
Your dentist may also recommend relaxation techniques, physical therapy, or a TENS machine (an electrical stimulus device) to encourage your face and jaw muscles to relax.
In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be required to correct underlying misalignment issues. Our dentists will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your specific needs.
TMJ Disorder Symptoms
TMJ Disorder can cause a number of painful symptoms because your compromised jaw muscles have to work extra hard to do their job. Common symptoms can include:
- Headaches and migraines
- Teeth grinding (usually during sleep)
- Jaw, face and/or neck pain
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us for a proper diagnosis from a dentist.