JOINT AND FACIAL PAIN (TMJ/TMD)

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a multifaceted disorder that effects the coordination between the muscles, nerves, and ligaments surrounding the jaw joints on either side of the head. This disorder can be linked to a myriad of other health conditions including posteral changes, sleep issues and certain digestive disorders. The exact causes of TMD are not always known but may include:

  • TMJ disc erosion

  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)

  • Misaligned bite

  • Arthritis

  • Trauma

 
 

Many people with TMJ/TMD experience some of the following symptoms:

  • Grinding noises when chewing

  • Clicking or popping noises when opening and closing the mouth

  • Difficulties opening the mouth/lockjaw

  • Swelling around the jaw joint

  • Pain or tenderness in the jaw

  • Migraine headaches

  • Toothaches

  • Ear pain without the presence of infection or ringing in the ears

  • General facial pains or aches

  • Sinus pain

  • Neck, shoulder and backaches

  • Tingling muscles, neck, fingers

TMJ/TMD is commonly misdiagnosed because symptoms do not always clearly point to the jaw joint. If left untreated it may eventually result in more severe systemic health conditions. Overlooked or misdiagnosed TMD may lead to a reliance on pain medications or therapies that may only temporarily alleviate symptoms, but cannot prevent their reoccurrence. The only way to prevent the reoccurrence of TMD symptoms is by addressing the underlying problem, which is the goal of TMD treatment.

TMJ/TMD Therapy

TMJ/TMD TREATMENT

Improving Your Bite: Relieving Your Pain

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) treatment is different for every patient and what is best suited to restore alignment and comfort to your jaw will be based on your unique needs and the cause of your symptoms. A comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and the current relationships between your joins, muscles, and nerves of your head and neck will guide the right treatment for you.

Dr.Kasun studied neuromuscular dentistry at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI). The LVI program focuses on using advanced technology to effectively diagnose and treat TMJ/TMD.

Treating TMJ/TMD

Once Dr. Kasun has completed your neuromuscular dental diagnostics, she will develop the most ideal treatment plan for you. This may include one or a combination of the following:

  • A removable or fixed oral splint (called an orthotic)

  • Nighttime appliance

  • Neuromuscular orthodontics

  • Dental restorations such as crowns

  • Simple at home exercises and massages that can relax and strengthen facial muscles

  • Stress reduction

  • Referral to a physiotherapist and/or registered massage therapist

 

Dr. Kasun uses state-of-the-art technology to detect and treat TMJ/TMD. Working individually with you, she can customize your treatment option to ensure proper alignment and, in many cases, prevent a reoccurrence of this often debilitating disorder.

Call us today at 250-479-8100 for a consultation.

 

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING HEADACHE & MIGRAINES?

Migraine Treatment

Migraine and headaches are one of the most common TMD symptoms. However, because most doctors have not been trained in neuromuscular dentistry, this link is frequently overlooked.

Unfortunately, when TMJ is misdiagnosed, headache symptoms may be dealt with through the use of prescription medications. These medications may temporarily relieve pain, but they do not address the actual cause, making them ineffective for long-term relief.

If you suffer from chronic headaches, our experienced dentist can determine whether TMJ is causing your headaches, and can provide effective headache treatment at Artisan Dental.


How TMJ/TMD Causes Headaches

Surrounding your jaw joints are an intricate network of muscles, nerves, and ligaments responsible for their movement. TMJ is the name given to any disorder that causes stress and overexertion to these joints and surrounding structures. As these parts are also connected to other muscles throughout your face, tension in one section can cause a chain reaction resulting in tension throughout the head and a resulting headache.

The trigeminal nerve is a large, complex nerve feeding sensation and function to every part of your face and is responsible for 40 percent of the total body sensation information sent to your brain. When any of the jaw’s component parts are misaligned, pressure is placed on the trigeminal nerve. This, in turn, can result in chronic and debilitating headache pain.

Unless pressure is taken off of the trigeminal nerve through muscle relaxation, these headaches cannot be avoided in the future.

TMJ treatment for headaches may require re-alignment to your bite. Dr. Kasun may accomplish this through a combination of treatments.