Additional Information About TMJ Assessments and Treatment In Toronto and the Surrounding Area:

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) is called different things by different people or associations. For example, the term temporomandibular disorder is often used by The American Academy of Orofacial Pain but the term temporomandibular joint disorder is often used by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial research.

Other commonly used phrases used for this disorder include temporomandibular joint syndrome, temporomandibular syndrome, temporomandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome, temporomandibular dysfunction, temporomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome, temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome, mandibular dysfunction, facial arthromyalgia, myofascial pain dysfunction, myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome, masticatory myalgia, costen’s syndrome and craniomandibular dysfunction.

This is considered a complex condition with many possible causes that effects more women than men. While it affects people in a wide range of ages, people more likely to have this disorder are between the ages of 20 and 40.

The TMJ is the joint that connects the skull (temporo) to the jaw (mandibular). The muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, bones, connective tissue and teeth involved in chewing (mastication), talking and moving the jaw in general are involved.

Common signs and symptoms of a TMJ Disorder:

Pain

Pain is one of the common symptoms with a TMJ disorder. Pain may be felt if different locations but it is commonly felt in the temporomandibular joint itself or in the muscles used to chew (mastication). It is usually a dull or achy type of pain, often just on one side or the other, which can be made worse when the jaw is used to yawn, chew or clench.

Pain may also be felt in the form of a headache, often in the forehead region or on the back of the head in the occipital region. Related types of facial pain also include tension headaches, migraines, or myofascial pain.

Pain may also be experienced in the neck or teeth with this condition.

Limited range of jaw movement

The jaw joint and muscles may be stiff and difficult to move resulting in restricted mandibular movement. The jaw may even lock at times. The jaw (mandible) may even move in an asymmetrical manner. Talking and eating may be a challenge if someone has these symptoms.

Joint Noises

When moving the jaw, noise may come from the jaw or TMJ region which are often described as having grating, clicking or popping sounds.

Other Possible Symptoms

While not as frequent as the signs described above, some people with this disorder experience dizziness, tinnitus or a loss of hearing.

Others may have the feeling that their teeth are not meeting together properly which is referred to as malocclusion.

Possible Causes Of TMJ Syndrome A TMJ Dentist May Be Able To Detect

Some of the possible causes of a TMJ disorder that a specially trained TMJ dentist may be able to detect includes a displacement of the disc in the temporomandibular joint; degenerative joint disease; bruxism and clenching of the jaw; trauma; and occlusal (bite) factors.

Psychosocial, genetic and hormonal factors may be other possible issues related to this condition.

Possible Associations with TMJ Disorders

There is about an 80% overlap of people who have a TMJ disorder with those who also have a sleep issue such as obstructive sleep apnea. About 80% of those with a TMJ disorder also have a sleep issue and about 80% of those with a sleep issue also have a TMJ issue.

Other possible associations include rheumatoid arthritis; systemic joint laxity; various types of pain including headaches, chronic neck pain and chronic back pain; and even irritable bowel syndrome.

TMJ Treatment Options at a TMJ Dental Clinic

While no dentist is allowed to refer to himself or herself as a TMJ specialist, some dentists have hundreds of hours of special training in certification courses and also have the hands-on experience of dealing with many patients over the years who have TMJ and sleep disorders.

If an assessment by a specially trained TMJ dentist shows a patient has TMJ syndrome then a treatment protocol is designed for a patient which includes the creation of a custom oral appliance or occlusal splint.

Oral appliances are not appropriate for growing children so special orthodontic treatment for occlusal adjustment is used.

Other Treatment Options

Various types of pain medications are sometimes used but this only masks the root problem and does not correct the problem.

Behavioural and psychosocial interventions may also be tried but TMJ dental clinics mostly do not provide these options. Some of these approaches include various relaxation techniques including yoga, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation. Hypnosis or cognitive behavioural therapy might also be tried.

Chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, massage and physiotherapy are tried by some people. Exercises designed to help with jaw movement and its range of motion could be tried. These are not offered in dental practices with a focus on TMJ and sleep disorders. It is important to start with treatment designed to properly align the jaw, preferably with dental oral appliances or orthodontic treatment. After that is accomplished, additional treatments that may be supportive could be explored.

Some people explore the option of surgery but we don’t believe most people need it and it is an irreversible procedure.

Cities we service and get patients from includes:

Toronto, North York, Vaughan, Woodbridge, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Ajax, Pickering, Etobicoke, Mississauga