TMJ Disorder Treatment in Calgary

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

Common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

• Pain or tenderness in your jaw
• Pain in one or both of your TMJs
• Pain while chewing
• Difficulty chewing
• An aching pain in or around your ear
• Aching facial pain
• Locking of the TMJ, which makes it difficult to open or close your mouth

Some patients with TMJ disorders also experience a clicking sound or a grating sensation when chewing or opening their mouths. However, unless these symptoms are accompanied by pain or you also experience movement problems with your jaw there is likely no cause for concern.

Causes of TMJ Disorders

Your TMJ both hinges and slides, making it susceptible to general wear and tear. To help protect your bones and joint the areas of bone that interact with your joint are covered in cartilage and separated using a small, shock-absorbing disk. The shock absorbing disk and the cartilage also help ensure that your TMJ movements are smooth.

TMJ disorders can occur if:

• The shock absorbing disk becomes misaligned or erodes
• The protective layer of cartilage becomes damaged by arthritis
• Your TMJ is damaged by an impact or blow

TMJ Disorders Risk Factors

There are a variety of factors that can increase your risk of developing TMJ disorders, including:

• Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
• A jaw injury
• Chronic (long-term) teeth grinding or jaw clenching
• Connective tissue diseases that affect the TMJ

For more information about TMJ, including treatment options, please contact our office and request an appointment.