Our TMJ Dentist Treats Chronic Headaches and Neck Pain
If you suffer from chronic headaches or neck pain, has it ever
occurred to you to see a dentist? Our Lethbridge TMJ dentist can
evaluate your symptoms, and offer treatment from TMJ disorder.
TMJ is an acronym for the temporomandibular joints, which are located on either side of the face where the lower jaw or mandible meets the skull. Proper movement of these joints is essential for proper eating and speaking. Misalignment or other problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause mild to severe:
- Headaches
- Neck pain and swelling
- Discomfort opening and closing the mouth
- Jaw locking or clicking
- Popping/grating sounds in the jaw joint
These symptoms can often be misdiagnosed and treated only with pain medication or other ineffective therapies, when TMJ treatment is the only strategy that will ultimately provide relief by enhancing ideal jaw alignment.
Lethbridge Dentistry TMJ Treatment Options
- Conservative and reversible treatment for TMJ can include simple suggestions such as eating softer foods, applying ice or heat packs, avoiding extreme jaw movements like wide yawning or gum chewing, or learning specific techniques for relaxing and reducing stress.
- Oral appliances, such as TMJ splints or mouth guards, may be necessary to reduce clenching or grinding, and ease muscle tension.
- Injections of pain medication into painful muscle sites can also relieve tension and associated TMJ jaw pain.
- In some cases, surgery is necessary to replace jaw joints with artificial implants.
It is essential that a practiced TMJ dentist diagnoses the condition, and recommends appropriate TMJ treatment for this wide-ranging disorder.
Our Lethbridge dentistry practice provides TMJ treatment by Dr. Johnson, which may put an end to needless pain and discomfort. If your symptoms point to TMJ disorder, call Destination Dentistry today.
