Have you noticed that you’ve begun to develop jaw pain? Does it tend to happen when you wake up? If this sounds familiar, it’s time to pay your Ottawa dentist a visit – you may have developed TMJ disorder.
For a quick overview, TMJ is another word for the joint that connects your jaw to your skull by your ear. With this temporal joint, we are able to talk, chew and yawn. TMJ disorder affects millions of adults and children in the United States today. There are a multitude of remedies and treatments an individual has available for them to try. In order to get a full diagnosis of what’s going on, dental professionals suggest patients undergo a full comprehensive examination.
What can you expect? The evaluation is conducted by reviewing the patient’s medical history, as well as a detailed clinical exam to include jaw movement, skeletal structure and posture, airway and dental health, as well as cranial and neurological examination and muscle palpitations.
Nerves, tendons, ligaments, and muscles are all interconnected with TMJ. That being said, when any one of those pieces malfunction, the system that usually works in harmony is thrown off balance, causing more TMJ symptoms such as pain, or loss of functionality in certain areas.
Because there is such an importance placed on this area, the examination focuses on a comprehensive evaluation for diagnosis and non-invasive treatment therapies. The best way to be sure your jaw pain isn’t something serious is by getting a dental professional to diagnose possible TMJ problems, direct non-surgical treatment, and monitor treatment progress.
If you would like more information about TMJ issues, call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000.
Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.