TMJ Pain Treatment

Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) pain treatment in Toronto, especially at Kingsview Dental Clinic, is focused on addressing the issues related to the joint where the lower jaw meets the skull, directly in front of each ear. The TMJ is involved in everyday actions such as talking, eating, and swallowing. A comprehensive dental examination at Kingsview Dental includes a check of the TMJ to ensure its proper functioning.

TMJ problems are relatively common, affecting nearly 20% of adults. These issues may manifest as various TMJ symptoms, including:

• Clicking of the jaw when opening the mouth.

• Grating sound during chewing.

• Difficulty in opening or closing the mouth.

• Aching or tender jaws.

• Clenching or grinding teeth while sleeping.

The causes of TMJ pain can include arthritis, jaw trauma, or degeneration of the joint. It's important to communicate any pain in this joint to your dentist, who can then discuss options to alleviate discomfort during activities like chewing or talking.

The right TMJ pain treatment depends on several factors, such as the underlying cause and severity of pain. Generally, noninvasive options like medications or nonsurgical treatments are tried first. If symptoms persist, more invasive treatments like jaw surgery may be considered. Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications used to ease TMJ symptoms include pain relievers like acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and more.

Nonsurgical TMJ treatment options include:

• Mouth guards or dental appliances, like oral splints, to position the jaw favourably or reduce effects of grinding and clenching.

• Physical therapy, involving exercises to stretch the jaw and strengthen surrounding muscles.

• Trigger point injections, using substances like corticosteroids or botulinum toxin to relieve painful muscle knots in the jaw.

• Ultrasound therapy to promote muscle relaxation and increase blood flow.

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) using low-level electrical currents for jaw muscle relaxation.

• Behavioral changes, such as improving posture and avoiding habits like chewing on ice​

If your dentist recommends you see a specialist, they will organize a referral for you.