TMJ & TMD Treatment in Aurora

What are TMJ's?

The temporomandibular joints – TMJs – are located on both sides of the face in front of the ears. They connect the jawbone to the skull. As the most complex joints in the human body they provide rotating and pivotal movement, as well as sliding movement, to your teeth and jaw. TMJs let you open your mouth wide, chew, and move your jaws from left to right.

What is Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)?

Temporomandibular disorder – TMD, often incorrectly called TMJ – is a condition affecting the temporomandibular jaw joint. The condition comes out of an imbalance in the working relationship between the jaw and skull and the muscles that move it. In layman's terms, usually one or the other isn't quite pulling their weight.

TMD Causes

No matter how it comes about TMD is always a bummer. Causes can be surprising: stress, for example, can bring on TMD symptoms. People with TMD often clench or grind their teeth while sleeping. Teeth grinding tires out the jaw muscles and wears down your teeth, which makes for further pain and discomfort.

A more obvious cause of TMD is severe trauma or injury to the jaw or temporomandibular joint. Whiplash, a common side of effect of car accidents, or a heavy blow to the face from playing sports, will disrupt the smooth motion of the jaw, causing pain and stiffness.

Do You Have TMD?

Quick answer: hopefully not. However, it's useful to know the symptoms. Signs of TMD include headaches, ear pain, pain in the jaw, discomfort when biting/chewing, neck pain, shoulder pain, swelling on the sides of the face, and hearing problems. If you think you might have TMD, ask yourself the following:

Do you experience constant headaches, or pain in your face or around (below or in front of) your ears?
Do your ears often feel muffled or clogged?
Does your jaw or jaw joint (located in front of your ears) hurt when you chew, or make clicking or crackling noises?
Do your facial muscles feel tired or stiff when you wake up, or after speaking or yawning?
Do you clench or grind your teeth together while sleeping or awake? (your partner or spouse can help keep an eye on this for you)
Do you have headaches at the sides of your temples?
Can you open your mouth freely and widely, or move your jaw from side to side without pain?
Are there times when your jaw feels locked open or shut?
Is your bite comfortable? Is chewing uncomfortable or painful?
Do you experience dental pain in a lot of teeth, especially near the back of the mouth?

Treating TMD

TMD symptoms, when left untreated, can lead to serious dental and facial problems, including severely worn teeth and permanently damaged ligaments and tendons in and around the jaw.

Your best bet is to vist Dr. Pasha. He'll determine the exact cause of your TMD symptoms and ensure that there aren't other problems masquerading as TMD. Depending on the severity of your situation, treatments range from simple self-care to injections and surgery.

If you answered yes to a combination of the above, you likely have TMD and will need proper treatment. Time to contact Dr. Pasha Nasirzadeh!

Our Hours

Mondays	9am to 5pm
Tuesdays	9am to 5pm
Wednesdays	10:30am to 8:00pm
Thursday	9am to 5pm
Friday	9am to 1pm
Saturday	8am to 3pm (alternating Saturdays)
Sundays	CLOSED

Directions

300 Wellington Street East,
Aurora, ON L4G 1J5

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