Abbotsford TMJ & TMD Therapy | East Abbotsford Dental | Abbotsford, BC

Make East Abbotsford Dental Your Abbotsford Choice for All Your TMJ/TMD Therapy!

Abbotsford TMJ & TMD Therapy | East Abbotsford Dental | Abbotsford, BC

East Abbotsford Dental recognizes the considerable impact Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) can have on your quality of life. That is why we are committed to offering effective and safe treatment options for those dealing with TMD to alleviate the associated pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing chronic neck pain or headaches, difficulty opening or closing your mouth while eating or speaking, jaw popping or clicking, or radiating pain in your jaw, it is possible that you may be dealing with TMJ pain or TMD. Our dedicated East Abbotsford Dental team is here to help alleviate your TMD symptoms and support you in achieving better overall health and wellness.

What is TMJ | East Abbotsford Dental | Abbotsford, BC

What is TMJ?

What is TMJ | East Abbotsford Dental | Abbotsford, BC

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is responsible for connecting your lower jaw to both sides of your skull, enabling the opening and closing of your mouth, as well as the ability to move your jaw from side to side. While the TMJ functions smoothly for most individuals without causing any issues, some may experience problems leading to severe pain and impacting overall health.

What is TMD | East Abbotsford Dental | Abbotsford, BC

What is TMD?

What is TMD | East Abbotsford Dental | Abbotsford, BC

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) refers to one of more than 30 conditions that cause dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement, as well as pain and discomfort. Stress and overworking of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can contribute to the development of TMD. Trauma to the jaw, head or neck may cause TMD. Bruxism, characterized by the gnashing, clenching, or grinding of teeth and jaw, is one of the most prevalent forms of TMD.

TMJ TMD Symptoms | East Abbotsford Dental | Family and General Dentist | Abbotsford, BC

What are Symptoms of TMD?

TMJ TMD Symptoms | East Abbotsford Dental | Family and General Dentist | Abbotsford, BC

If you experience some of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from temporomandibular disorder:

  • Popping or grating sounds in your jaw joints
  • Damage from chewing or biting the inside of your cheek
  • Discomfort in your head, jaw, neck, face, back or shoulders
  • Ear pain, hearing difficulties or ringing in your ears
  • Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth that may be loud enough to wake your sleeping partner
  • Difficulty opening or closing your mouth, or your jaw may lock preventing any motion at all
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Chronic migraines or headaches
  • Tired or tight jaw muscles
  • Sleep disruption
  • Teeth that are fractured, chipped, loose or flattened
  • Worn tooth enamel
  • Increased tooth sensitivity or tooth pain
Bruxism East | East Abbotsford Dental | Family and General Dentist | Abbotsford, BC

Bruxism

Bruxism East | East Abbotsford Dental | Family and General Dentist | Abbotsford, BC

Bruxism, a widely common form of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), presents as grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth. It can occur either unconsciously while awake or during sleep. While mild cases of bruxism may not necessitate treatment, individuals with severe and frequent bruxism may encounter substantial jaw pain, discomfort, headaches, damaged or loose teeth, aching and/or stiffness in the face and temples upon waking, and other health issues. In instances of severe bruxism, seeking assistance from a medical and/or dental professional is recommended.

Treatment for TMD

Mild forms of TMD, including mild Bruxism, often require no treatment at all. If you are experiencing severe and frequent enough symptoms however, you may require treatment from a professional. East Abbotsford Dental is pleased to offer TMJ/TMD therapy to help relieve your symptoms and improve your overall health and wellness.

TMD presents a range of symptoms, making it challenging to determine the most suitable treatment for affected individuals. To identify the optimal treatment for your specific case, consultation with various healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists and others, may be necessary. East Abbotsford Dental aims to assist by providing a proper diagnosis to pinpoint the main cause of your TMD and then collaboratively develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Our primary goal is to alleviate discomfort, address TMD-related damage, and offer long-term solutions.

For TMJ/TMD, we offer treatments such as bite rehabilitation and orthodontic interventions. We are pleased to offer custom-made plastic TMJ appliances designed to support muscles, jaw joints and teeth, promoting an optimal position that eases TMJ pain. TMJ appliances, which resemble plastic dental mouthguards, are worn overnight to realign the jaw and alleviate associated discomfort. Additionally, our bruxism appliances, or “night guards,” protect teeth and enamel from premature wear caused by grinding. Rather than damaging enamel from the constant grinding, these appliances absorb the impact, preventing permanent harm to your teeth. A bruxism grinding appliance prevents severe tooth damage and alleviates symptoms such as headaches and facial, neck, cranial, arm, shoulder, and back pain by reducing muscle activity and promoting relaxation. East Abbotsford Dental is dedicated to offering comprehensive TMJ/TMD therapy solutions to relieve pain and restore your well-being.

Nightguards | East Abbotsford Dental | Family and General Dentist | Abbotsford, BC

Night Guards

Nightguards | East Abbotsford Dental | Family and General Dentist | Abbotsford, BC

If you wake up with a sore jaw, a headache or tooth pain, bruxism (teeth grinding) may be the cause. Occurring either unconsciously while awake or during sleep, bruxism can be challenging to control. East Abbotsford Dental offers custom-made dental appliances, or ‘night guards,’ to address bruxism. These removable plastic mouthguards are worn over the upper and or lower teeth, and aid in realigning and securing the jaw at its optimal position to promote a deeper muscle relaxation and prevent clicking and grinding. Less grinding helps alleviate the associated symptoms and protects teeth from the physical wear and tear associated with grinding. Night Guards act as a cushion, ensuring that instead of wearing down enamel, you bite against the appliance instead, thereby preserving your teeth. It is essential to note that while night guards provide relief, they do not cure grinding, and certain symptoms like jaw pain may persist as long as grinding continues.

Sports Guards | East Abbotsford Dental | Family and General Dentist | Abbotsford, BC

Sports Guards

Sports Guards | East Abbotsford Dental | Family and General Dentist | Abbotsford, BC

Oral injuries, ranging from chipped or broken teeth to injuries to the tongue, lips, face, or jaw, are quite prevalent in sports and very easily sustained. To address this concern, East Abbotsford Dental recommends sports guards. We are pleased to provide custom-made sports guards tailored to each individual patient. A sports guard is a plastic dental appliance that is worn over the teeth in order to protect against injuries to the head and face during sports activities. If you engage in contact sports involving falls, body contact or flying equipment, a sports guard is essential for safeguarding your teeth and smile. The most effective sports guards are custom-made by your dentist, ensuring a precise fit for your mouth and teeth. Custom-made sports guards offer superior comfort compared to generic over-the-counter options. Most importantly, a well-fitted custom-made sports guard absorbs impact shocks, protecting teeth from potential cracks, chips, knockouts, fractures, and oral damage. Individuals with braces or other fixed orthodontic appliances should especially prioritize wearing a sports mouthguard, as any impact can damage brackets and wires, potentially causing additional tears and cuts to the soft tissue inside the mouth.

East Abbotsford Dental is pleased to offer TMJ/TMD Therapy solutions to help relieve your symptoms and improve your overall health. If you are experiencing frequent jaw pain or headaches coupled with any other symptoms of TMD, or if you have any questions about TMJ/TMD Therapy, please call our dedicated East Abbotsford Dental team at (778) 300-2321 and we will be happy to assist you.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Please contact our dedicated East Abbotsford Dental team at (778) 300-2321  to set up your TMJ/TMD Therapy Appointment today!