TMJ/TMD Treatment Specialist in Fort Nelson

Residents of Fort Nelson may finally find relief for their TMJ/TMD symptoms with the help of the experienced staff at Northern Rockies Dental Clinic. If you or someone you know suffers from TMJ/TMD, then you’ll know the constant pain and discomfort can be unbearable or overwhelming. Fortunately, Northern Rockies Dental Clinic is providing quality treatment for TMJ/TMD to its Fort Nelson patients, once again giving them something to smile about. Let’s take a closer look into what TMD/TMJ is and what Northern Rockies Dental Clinic is doing to treat it.

What Is TMD/TMJ?

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the primary structures connecting your jaw to the temporal bones in your skull. Conditions associated with the TMJ are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). While conditions affecting the joint are formally abbreviated to “TMD”, many incorrectly use the “TMJ” abbreviation when referring to these disorders.

The most common symptoms of TMD are reported to be a pain or soreness around the mouth, neck, head, shoulders, or jaw. This pain is believed to intensify with increased movement or agitation. Many report feeling as though their jaws have become locked in either an open or closed position. Swelling has also been noted to occur as a result of TMD. Pain and soreness in the jaw may lead to symptoms such as toothaches, headaches, dizziness, shoulder pain, and/or a ringing in the ears.

What Causes TMD/TMJ?

While the official cause of TMD is unknown, many believe a grinding or clenching of the teeth, stress, or arthritis symptoms may all play a role in the development of these disorders. TMD is more common in women than in men and is seen most commonly between the ages of 20 and 40. TMD may be diagnosed using a variety of different methods and tools.

Your dentist will likely begin with a physical examination of your jaw. He or she will most likely be listening for the characteristic “popping” sound that frequently accompanies joint manipulation. You may require an x-ray or similar imaging scan such as an MRI or CT scan to give the staff at Northern Rockies Dental Clinic a clearer idea of the state of your temporomandibular joint. Gaining a clearer view of the joint will play a major role in determining the course of treatment.

Some cases of TMD may be treated with over-the-counter painkillers and some recommended jaw exercises. More extreme cases may require the use of a splint or night guard to prevent exacerbation of TMD symptoms. Beyond this, your dentist may suggest that dental work be performed to to stop what he or she believes the cause(s) of the symptoms might be. Dental work may also keep existing symptoms from worsening. Certain, more extreme, treatment options exist beyond that which are used only in rare and severe cases of TMD.

Northern Rockies Dental Clinic has been freeing Fort Nelson patients of their TMD/TMJ symptoms for years! The friendly and professional staff at Northern Rockies Dental Clinic will work with you to address any questions, fears, and concerns you may have throughout the treatment process.

For quality TMD/TMJ treatment options in Fort Nelson, call the experts at Northern Rockies Dental Clinic today! You can reach the staff at Northern Rockies Dental Clinic over the phone at (250) 774-4484 or request an appointment online.