Jaw & Facial Health
TMJ Disorders
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a family of problems related to your complex jaw joint. If you have had symptoms like pain or a “clicking” sound, you’ll be glad to know that these problems are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. These symptoms occur when the joints of the jaw and the chewing muscles (muscles of mastication) do not work together correctly. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the name for each joint (right and left) that connects your jaw to your skull. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important.
No one treatment can resolve TMJ disorders completely and treatment takes time to become effective.
Trouble With Your Jaw?
What Causes TMJ Disorders?
TMJ disorders develop for many reasons. You might clench or grind your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TM joint. You may have a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Injuries and arthritis can damage the joint directly or stretch or tear the muscle ligaments. As a result, the disk, which is made of cartilage-like tissue and functions as the “cushion” of the jaw joint, can slip out of position. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking, or grating noise when you open your mouth or trouble opening your mouth wide.
Safe Screening
Could You Have a TMJ Disorder?
Based on your answers, you may have mild to moderate TMJ symptoms. We recommend scheduling an evaluation with our team at Seven Oaks Dental Centre to prevent further discomfort or complications.
Are you aware of grinding or clenching your teeth?
Yes / No
Do you wake up with sore, stiff jaw muscles?
Yes / No
Do you have frequent headaches or neck aches?
Yes / No
Does the pain get worse when you clench your teeth?
Yes / No
Does your jaw click, pop, grate, or lock?
Yes / No
Is it difficult or painful to open your mouth, eat, or yawn?
Yes / No
Have you ever injured your neck, head, or jaws?
Yes / No
Have you had problems (such as arthritis) with other joints?
Yes / No
Do your teeth meet differently from time to time?
Yes / No
Are your teeth sensitive, loose, broken, or worn?
Yes / No
0–2 “Yes” answers → Low risk, maintain good oral care.
3–5 “Yes” answers → Mild signs; consider monitoring and preventive care.
6+ “Yes” answers → Likely TMJ disorder; schedule a consultation with your dentist.
Restoring Jaw Harmony
TMJ Treatment
There are various treatment options that can be utilized to improve the harmony and function of your jaw. Once an evaluation confirms a diagnosis of TMJ disorder, your dentist or dental specialist will determine the proper course of treatment. It is important to note that treatment always works best with a team approach of self-care joined with professional care.
Initial goals
The initial goals are to relieve muscle spasms and joint pain. This is usually accomplished with a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant. Steroids can be injected directly into the joints to reduce pain and inflammation.
Self-care treatments can often be effective as well and include:
- Resting your jaw
- Keeping your teeth apart when you are not swallowing or eating
- Eating soft foods
- Applying ice and heat
- Exercising your jaw
- Practicing good posture
- Stress management techniques such as biofeedback or physical therapy
Non-Surgical TMJ Relief
Splints and Nightguards
A temporary, clear plastic appliance known as a splint (or nightguard) fits over your top or bottom teeth, keeping them apart, relaxing muscles, and reducing pain.
Types of Appliances
Nightguard
Stops clenching or grinding teeth, reduces muscle tension at night, and protects cartilage and joint surfaces.
Anterior Positioning Appliance
Moves your jaw forward, relieves pressure on specific parts of your jaw, and aids in disk repositioning. Can be worn 24 hours/day for healing.
Orthotic Stabilization Appliance
Worn 24 hours/day or just at night to move your jaw into the proper position. Helps protect teeth from wear and supports proper jaw alignment.
Advanced TMJ Treatments
Bite Correction or Surgery
If your TMJ disorder has caused problems with how your teeth fit together, you may need treatment such as bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics with or without jaw reconstruction, or restorative dental work. Surgical options such as arthroscopy and open joint repair restructuring are sometimes needed but are reserved for severe cases.
We’re Here for You
Need help with TMJ? Book visit today!
TMJ disorders can be managed with the right combination of self-care, dental appliances, and professional treatment. Our team is happy to answer all your questions and help you find relief.
