If you suffer from chronic headaches, chances are you’ve tried half a dozen treatments without success. One diagnosis you might not have heard is TMJ. This is because TMJ can be difficult to identify and diagnose without specialized training. Untreated TMJ and chronic pain can easily detract from a patient’s quality of life. Dr. Ami Barakat at Villanova Dental Studio offers advanced options for diagnosing and treating TMJ.

What is TMJ?

Tempromandibular joint disorder (TMD), commonly called TMJ, is a problem affecting the tempromandibular joints – the joints connecting the upper and lower jaw. TMJ actually refers to any disorders of these joints, not one in particular, which is part of what makes TMJ so difficult to diagnose. Dr. Barakat’s advanced training and technology allows him to accurately and affectively diagnose your unique TMJ disorder.

Causes of TMJ

• Trauma to the face, head, or neck
• Slipped disc(s)
• Arthritis
• Poor bite or jaw alignment
• Hormonal changes
• Stress

Symptoms of TMJ

• Pain in the face, head, neck, or shoulders
• Aching or ringing ears
• Frequent or chronic headaches or migraines
• Limited jaw mobility
• Jaw clicking or popping
• Teeth clenching and grinding

Advanced Diagnostic Technology

Because each case of TMJ is different, diagnosis can be difficult. Dr. Barakat has received specialized training in identifying cases of TMJ. Advanced technologies help diagnose each specific case.

• K7 Evaluation System: This advanced computer technology determines the extent of your malocclusion and bite irregularities by precisely mapping the movements of your jaw.
• TENS Unit: The Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation Unit is both a diagnostic tool and a treatment. It sends small electrical pulses to the relax the jaw muscles and move the jaw back into proper alignment.

Treatment Options

• TENS Unit: Sometimes TMJ is just caused by treatable facial tension. The TENS unit uses small electrical pulses to relax tense muscles.
• Lifestyle Changes: Where tension is caused by stress, sometimes lifestyle changes can be the answer to treating your TMJ. Activities like yoga or exercise may help you to feel more relaxed and ease the symptoms.
• Mouthguard: In many cases, a custom mouthguard can move your jaw into a better alignment and ease your TMJ symptoms.
• Restorative Dentistry: Sometimes, minor bite imperfections may be all that stands between you and a comfortable jaw. Tooth reshaping or a crown may be enough to cure your TMJ.
• Orthodontics: Poor alignment can be repaired with traditional braces or Invisalign®. Orthodontics can permanently alleviate your TMJ.

Schedule a Consultation

If you think TMJ may be behind your chronic pain, consider the dentists at Villanova Dental in Stittsville, ON. To schedule a consultation, contact our office online or at (613) 836-9084 or (613) 927-9905.