Do You Suffer from Chronic Headaches or Neck Pain? TMJ Treatment May Help!

If you suffer from chronic headaches or neck pain, has it ever occurred to you to see a dentist? These may be symptoms of 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 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 improper therapies, when TMJ treatment is the only strategy that will ultimately provide relief.

Experienced Lethbridge TMJ Dentist Offers Corrective TMJ Treatment

For over 40 years, Dr. Kinniburgh in Lethbridge, Alberta has been practicing general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and bioesthetic dentistry, which have allowed him to successfully diagnose and treat patients with various dental concerns including TMJ dysfunction.

The TMJ treatment options employed at Destination Dentistry vary according to the patient and the severity of the pain and symptoms associated with this syndrome. 

Alberta 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 TMJ 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.

If your symptoms point to TMJ disorder, call Destination Dentistry today. TMJ treatment by Dr. Kinniburgh may put an end to needless pain and discomfort.