TMJ / Bite / Bruxism
Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction is said to affect up to a quarter of the North American population. Common symptoms include headaches, pain & noises in and around the ear, tenderness of the muscles associated with the jaw, as well as dental sensitivity and pain.
Causes of TMJ disorders are varied and may include:
- Traumatic injury to the lower face and jaw
- Poor alignment of the jaws and / or teeth
- Malpositioned wisdom teeth
- Past dental restorations not done in harmony with natural dentition
- Tooth wear
TMJ dysfunction symptoms may include:
- Facial pain
- Difficulty chewing
- Limited mouth opening
- Joint tenderness and pain
- Locked jaw
- Clicking / Popping of jaw joints
- Inability to bite all the way down
- Changing bite
- Uncomfortable bite
- Tinnitus (ringing in ear)
- Heightened tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
- Loose teeth
- Broken teeth
- Gum recession
- Bone loss around teeth
Treatments for TMJ dysfunction are varied depending on the individual diagnosis. Our goal is to achieve comfort and normal function using the most conservative and least invasive treatment possible.
Treatment may include bite analysis, night guards (orthotics), and adjustment to the biting surfaces of the teeth. More complicated situations may involve orthodontics or comprehensive restoration of a patient’s dentition.
The doctors at Harbourside Dental Group have undertaken advanced training in recognising and treating TMJ disorders at the world renowned ID Pankey Institute – www.pankey.org – The institute specialises in the study of occlusion (bite) and treatment of TMJ disorders and is recognised as a world leader in this field.