Turn to West Coast Smile clinic for Relief. Very few parts of our bodies are as taken for granted or as busy on a daily, even hourly basis as our jaws. Most people exercise other parts of their body, get massages for muscles, while the jaw can end up forgotten.
One part of our jaws, the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ), connects the lower jaw (the Mandible) to a place on the side of the head (the Temporal Bone). The name ‘TMJ Disorder’ describes a group of conditions associated with pain, discomfort, or dysfunction to a patient’s TMJ.
The TMJ has both the ability to slide and hinge and this makes it one of the most complicated joints in the entire human body. Because it is such a complex joint, it should come as no surprise that a large percentage of people experience problems with their TMJ in Vancouver (some research suggests up to 25% experience problems with their TMJ).
Dr. Jeffrey Norden, a Vancouver TMJ Specialist in Kitsilano, is ready to help you find the best solution to help resolve any problems you are experiencing with your TMJ.
There are three main sets of symptoms that might suggest someone might be suffering from TMJ disorder:
Some of the ways you might experience these symptoms might include:
Researchers are just starting to get a clearer picture of what causes TMJ disorder, however, some causes include:
Sometimes nothing more than physical therapy, muscle relaxation, or other easy treatments are required. In other instances, an oral appliance (also known as a bite plate or a stabilization splint) is created to fit your jaw and to help keep it stable while you sleep. Botox has also been used as a treatment for relaxing muscles associated with TMJ disorder.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, call Dr. Norden and make an appointment today.