TMJ/Bruxism Near You
The dual joints on either side of our faces are known as the temporomandibular joints. They connect the jaw to the base of the skull, allowing us to open and close our mouths to bite, chew, and talk. When this joint is injured, much pain can occur, and daily tasks we take for granted become much harder to do.
Our dentist near you, Dr. Suzanne Degner, is here to ensure you acquire the treatment you need to effectively remedy any TMJ damage you’re experiencing. We’ll have you come in for a consultation so she can thoroughly review your case and understand your requirements. From there, a personalized plan will be designed, targeting your unique needs.
Do you have any questions about TMJ treatment? If so, give Love It Dental a call today!
Bruxism and TMJ Issues
Bruxism is one of the most common reasons why TMJ problems arise. This is characterized by repeated clenching and grinding of your teeth, namely when you sleep. Many people are unaware that they are suffering from bruxism until symptoms manifest during the day. Such as:
- Worn down or tooth sensitivity due to enamel erosion
- Jaw pain
- Headaches and earaches
- Poor sleep
- Loose feeling teeth
Clenching and grinding put unnecessary strain on the TMJ, leading to pain and improper function. When this occurs for an extended period, the jaw muscles start to overwork and become inflamed and swollen. In more severe cases, your bite pattern can become altered.
As a result, it is crucial to speak to a dentist in Kelowna as soon as possible, even if you’re unsure whether you need such treatment. Dr. Degner is more than happy to sit down with you and walk you through this service so you understand what’s involved and feel comfortable.
Types of Treatment Available
Patients can travel down several routes to acquire pain relief; it often depends on the severity of the case. That said, some of the most common treatments are:
Lifestyle Changes
- Relaxation: Learning to manage stress better so it does not manifest while sleeping can be an excellent treatment. Practicing meditation, yoga, or doing jaw exercises can help.
- Avoid Chewy Foods: Eating hard, sticky, and chewy food puts more strain on your jaw than softer foods.
Dental Treatments
- Night Guards. Custom-made night guards from our local dental clinic are highly recommended for patients with bruxism. The appliance separates your teeth, preventing them from rubbing against one another. It also helps you get better sleep.
- Corrections: Depending on the results of your consultation with us, Dr. Degner may advise orthodontics, dental crowns, bridges, or even oral surgery.
- Botox: Botox can be used for medical purposes, and one such application is helping patients manage TMJ issues. The serum is injected into the target muscle groups and helps them relax.
For many people, effective TMJ treatment involves a combination of strategies. Staying in touch with your dentist will ensure accurate communication and collaboration occurs throughout your journey, and this is something we emphasize here at Love It Dental. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have concerns or questions.
Get the Relief You Deserve
Acquiring TMJ/bruxism treatment near you not only improves your oral health but your general and mental health also. Our bodies are highly integrated systems, so when one area experiences functional problems, it can trigger a domino effect – and this is something we don’t want.
Dr. Degner and the rest of our skilled team work hard to ensure every patient gets the treatment they need to enjoy all life offers without worrying about discomfort. Call or email our clinic today.