Understanding TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the jaw joint and the muscles around it, causing pain, difficulty chewing and other uncomfortable symptoms. At Martindale Smiles, we provide comprehensive TMJ evaluation and treatment to help you find relief from jaw pain, headaches and related symptoms.
The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull and lets you open and close your mouth, chew and speak. TMJ disorders can result from teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, arthritis, injury, a misaligned bite or stress. Our goal is to identify the underlying cause of your TMJ disorder and develop an effective, personalized treatment plan.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Facial pain
- A jaw that feels stiff or locked, especially in the morning
Our TMJ Treatment Approach
Treatment depends on the severity and cause of your TMJ disorder. Conservative approaches include custom night guards to prevent grinding, physical therapy exercises, stress management techniques and pain medication.
For more persistent cases, we may recommend bite adjustment therapy or muscle relaxants, or refer you to a TMJ specialist. Most patients find significant relief with conservative treatments.
What to Expect at Your Visit
- 1Comprehensive TMJ examination and assessment. We check your jaw joint, muscles, teeth and bite.
- 2Discussion of symptoms and triggers. We listen to your symptoms and look for patterns.
- 3Diagnostic imaging if needed. We take images to get a clear view of the joint.
- 4Personalized treatment plan. We explain your options and recommend the best plan for you.
- 5Follow-up appointments. We monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed.
Managing TMJ Symptoms at Home
Simple habits can ease jaw pain while your treatment works.
- Eat soft foods and cut food into small pieces
- Avoid chewing gum and biting your nails
- Apply a warm, damp cloth to the sore area
- Try to keep your teeth slightly apart and your jaw relaxed
- Use stress management techniques, since stress often causes clenching
- If anxiety about treatment is a concern, ask us about sedation dentistry
When to See a Dentist
See a dentist if jaw pain lasts more than a few days, if your jaw clicks or locks, if you cannot open your mouth fully, or if you have frequent headaches with no clear cause. Early treatment is usually simpler and helps prevent damage to your teeth and jaw joint.
Why Choose Martindale Smiles for TMJ Treatment
- A thorough diagnostic approach
- A conservative treatment focus
- Custom night guard fabrication
- An experienced dental team
- Collaborative care with specialists when needed
- Open seven days a week, with same-day appointments available
- Direct insurance billing available
Related Treatments
- Night guards and sports guards in Northeast Calgary: custom guards that protect your teeth from grinding.
- Sedation dentistry in Northeast Calgary: comfortable care for patients who feel anxious.
- Dental cleaning and check-ups in Northeast Calgary: regular exams help us spot signs of grinding early.
Cost of TMJ Treatment
The cost of TMJ treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms and the treatment you need. A custom night guard costs less than a longer course of care, and we explain your options and fees before we begin.
We follow the ADA Fee Guide and offer direct billing to insurance. Coverage varies from plan to plan. Patients with the Canadian Dental Care Plan can find details on our CDCP page, and eligible First Nations and Inuit patients can learn more on our NIHB page. To receive a personalized quote, please contact our team.