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Diagnosing TMJ / TMD

Serving Kanata, Stittsville and Ottawa, Ontario

Kanata TMJ Headaches

Although temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMJ or TMD) is a common condition, it is often misdiagnosed because it shares many of its painful symptoms with other afflictions including migraines, arthritis, sinus ailments and gum disease.

TMJ is typically caused by misalignment of the jaw, which impacts a complex network of nerves, muscles, tendons and bone, resulting in a variety of irritating, chronic symptoms. The Ottawa dentists at Dentistry at Main and Villanova Dental Studio have additional training and experience in the field of neuromuscular dentistry, and can diagnose the source of your TMJ as well as develop a custom treatment plan to relieve your discomfort.

TMJ / TMD Symptoms

TMJ/TMD is centered, as its name suggests, in the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. Within this tiny but densely packed connective region is the trigeminal nerve, which registers sensation in your face and plays a role in biting, chewing and swallowing.

An improperly aligned jaw or bite can strain the corresponding nerves, muscles and joints, leading to piercing TMJ headaches and other symptoms including:

  • Difficulty biting, chewing or swallowing
  • Earaches and/or ringing ears
  • Face, neck, shoulder and back pain
  • Jaw clicking and/or popping
  • Jaw pain and/or tension
  • Jaw sticking and/or locking
  • Numbness or tingling of the hands or fingers

Untreated, the symptoms of TMJ may continue to worsen and can contribute to progressive oral health problems including premature wearing of your teeth and gum disease.

TMJ / TMD Diagnosis

Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options available for TMJ/TMD. The first step, however, is diagnosing the cause of your individual condition.

The Ottawa dentists at Dentistry at Main and Villanova Dental Studio utilize advanced neuromuscular dentistry technology to detect the source of your discomfort and provide the basis for your personal treatment plan. Because most cases of TMJ are caused by jaw alignment issues and bite conditions, it’s vital in diagnosing TMJ/TMD to understand your specific jaw measurements and movement.

To that end, our Ottawa dentists use the K7 Evaluation System, advanced computer technology that allows us to precisely map the movements of your jaw. Using the K7, we can identify irregularities and determine their extent.

One of the most effective tools in both evaluating TMJ and providing relief from its symptoms is the transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS) unit. The TENS device employs mild electrical stimulation to relax your jaw muscles, which lets your jaw settle into its natural resting position, easing your discomfort.

TMJ / TMD Treatment

The source of your TMJ and a number of individual factors including your overall dental health and specific alignment issue will play a role in determining your treatment options, which may include:

  • Additional TENS therapy
  • Mouthguards
  • Orthodontics
  • Reconstructive dental procedures
  • Stopping poor oral health habits such as pen biting or ice chewing

If you would like to learn more about TMJ/TMD and the available treatment options, please contact the Ottawa, Ontario, dentists at Dentistry at Main or Villanova Dental Studio to schedule your consultation.