Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ disorder, can dramatically affect your quality of life – and many patients may not even know that TMJ disorder is what is causing their pain and discomfort. This condition can cause a wide variety of symptoms ranging from jaw pain or popping to headaches, dizziness, and ringing in the ears. At Scott and Derry Dental Care in Milton, ON, our team is experienced in diagnosing and treating this common condition so you can get back to your normal life.

TMJ disorder treatment options

Treating TMJ disorder requires a highly personalized approach by a skilled dentist who understands the underlying factors that are contributing to your symptoms. Because TMJ disorder can be caused by a number of different factors, the optimal treatment depends on identifying the source of your pain and addressing the root cause rather than just masking symptoms. Some of the treatment options that might be recommended include:

• Lifestyle changes: Sometimes, simple changes to your habits can make a dramatic difference in your symptoms. For example, refraining from chewing on gum, ice, and other hard objects or adjusting your posture and the way you hold the phone can reduce stress placed on the sensitive joints and provide relief.
• Relaxation techniques: Stress can contribute to TMJ disorder in many ways. Relaxation techniques such as massage, yoga, meditation, physical therapy, or other options can help.
• Oral appliance therapy: Patients who tend to grind and clench their teeth when sleeping or whose bite is not properly aligned can be placing extraneous pressure on the TMJs. With customized oral appliance therapy, it can relieve this extra stress on the joints and your pain.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation in the joints can help minimize symptoms, and pain-relieving medications may also be used alone or in addition to other therapies.

Don’t let your TMJ symptoms stop you from enjoying your daily life! Call Scott and Derry Dental Care to schedule your evaluation with our experienced dental team. Our Milton, ON office can be reached at (855) 438-4999 or you can book an appointment online.