Oakville Smiles Family Dentistry - Oakville

TMJ Therapy in Oakville

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, connecting the jawbone to the skull, while TMD refers to Temporomandibular Disorder, encompassing conditions affecting the jaw's muscles, nerves, and joints. Both terms are used to describe jaw issues and associated discomfort.
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Oakville Smiles Family Dentistry - Oakville

Jaw Pain Is Abnormal.

Experiencing jaw pain as a part of your daily life might make it seem like a normal occurrence. However, it’s important to recognize that jaw pain is not a normal condition and could be a symptom of a condition known as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) affecting one or both of your Temporomandibular Joints (TMJs). These are the joints connecting your lower jaw. When there is disease or misalignment, it can lead to inflammation in the TMJ and surrounding area, resulting in pain and other associated symptoms.

What are the signs of TMJ disorder (TMD)?

  • Headaches
  • Earaches, tenderness around the ear
  • Face or jaw pain and tenderness
  • Muscle pain in your neck, shoulders and upper back
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding jaw
  • Difficulty chewing, yawning or opening your mouth

How do we diagnose and treat TMJ disorder?

Diagnosis

Treatment of TMD begins with a comprehensive clinical examination, to check your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. During your appointment, we will check for pain and tenderness and listen for clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If the disorder is diagnosed, a bite splint or night guard is often recommended as the initial treatment.

Treatment and Relief

Our treatment application involves bite splints, which are custom-created plastic mouthpieces, designed to fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. These type of devices prevent the grinding and clenching that often causes or worsens TMD. The splint also realigns the jaw, removing stress on the surrounding area.

Alternative Treatment Options

If a misaligned bite or missing teeth are the cause of your symptoms, we may recommend orthodontics or restorative dental work. If your bite is placing undue pressure on the TMJ’s, we may suggest reshaping individual teeth to redistribute the bite force evenly.

Contact us today

to schedule an initial consultation & exam.

Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

TMJ is an abbreviation for Temporomandibular Joint, which refers to the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. When there is misalignment or inflammation in this joint, it is known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, often referred to as TMD.

Common signs and symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) include pain and tenderness in or around the ear, the jaw joint, or the muscles of the jaw, face, or temples. You may also experience difficulties in opening or closing your mouth, as well as a clicking, popping, crunching, or grinding noise when you chew, yawn, or open your mouth. It is worth noting that TMDs can be associated with neck pain and headaches as well.

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is typically caused by a combination of factors, including jaw injuries and joint diseases such as arthritis. Additionally, habits like tooth clenching or grinding (bruxism) and tension in the head or neck muscles can worsen TMD symptoms. Stress may also play a role, although it is not entirely clear if it causes TMD or is a result of it. Other potential factors contributing to TMDs include ill-fitting partial or full dentures, as well as certain habits like nail biting or pen/pencil biting. Due to the various causes involved, diagnosing TMD can be challenging. To better understand your jaw pain symptoms, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with a dental professional. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and accurate diagnosis.

Headaches can have numerous potential causes, and it is often necessary for a healthcare professional to conduct a physical examination in order to determine the specific cause of your headache.

In the majority of cases, TMJ pain can be effectively managed with non-invasive treatments and therapies. Surgical intervention for TMD is extremely rare and typically considered only in exceptional circumstances. Your well-being and satisfaction are paramount to us. We are committed to providing you with comprehensive information about all available options, prioritizing the safest and most straightforward approaches, and ultimately respecting your final decision regarding the next steps in your treatment.

Google Verified Patient Reviews

Elisa Reale
6 months ago
Friendly staff and excellent hygienists! Hajira and Nicole were amazing. It was my first time there and I'll definitely return. They were quick to fit me in, very accommodating and great overall service.
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Ibrahim Elamin
1 year ago
My wife and I had an exceptional experience at Oakville Smiles Dentistry! Ria at the front desk is absolutely awesome, making both of us feel welcomed and comfortable from the moment we walked in. Dr. Babahami is not only a skilled dentist but also incredibly nice and caring. The entire team has always provided top-notch care to both of us, and we couldn't be happier with our visits.
More
rakio shire
1 year ago
Oakville smiles is great! The staff is lovely and very helpful! Especially kavya she is great and the front desk is amazing when it comes to helping you out with appointments and your insurance, always being super thorough! Super grateful!
More
kavya adapala
1 year ago
Great practice. Very ethical and conservative approach. The appointments scheduling have been accommodating. The staff and dentists are very compassionate providing best services. The hygienists and dental assistants are very efficient and friendly.
More
M.G
1 year ago
Dr.Krupa is very professional, empathetic, and strong doctor . I had dental surgery 2 days ago and everything moved smoothly , and recovered very fast with her after-Op advise. This doctor is really awesome with all other stuff - smiling, helping, and very professional .. more than 5 stars if I can , and highly recommend. Thank you very much 🌷Mona E
More
Elisa Reale
6 months ago
Friendly staff and excellent hygienists! Hajira and Nicole were amazing. It was my first time there and I'll definitely return. They were quick to fit me in, very accommodating and great overall service.
More
Ibrahim Elamin
1 year ago
My wife and I had an exceptional experience at Oakville Smiles Dentistry! Ria at the front desk is absolutely awesome, making both of us feel welcomed and comfortable from the moment we walked in. Dr. Babahami is not only a skilled dentist but also incredibly nice and caring. The entire team has always provided top-notch care to both of us, and we couldn't be happier with our visits.
More
rakio shire
1 year ago
Oakville smiles is great! The staff is lovely and very helpful! Especially kavya she is great and the front desk is amazing when it comes to helping you out with appointments and your insurance, always being super thorough! Super grateful!
More
kavya adapala
1 year ago
Great practice. Very ethical and conservative approach. The appointments scheduling have been accommodating. The staff and dentists are very compassionate providing best services. The hygienists and dental assistants are very efficient and friendly.
More
M.G
1 year ago
Dr.Krupa is very professional, empathetic, and strong doctor . I had dental surgery 2 days ago and everything moved smoothly , and recovered very fast with her after-Op advise. This doctor is really awesome with all other stuff - smiling, helping, and very professional .. more than 5 stars if I can , and highly recommend. Thank you very much 🌷Mona E
More
Oakville Smiles Family Dentistry - Oakville

Request an Appointment Today

Call 365-658-0880