TMJ Therapy

The TMJs (or temporomandibular joints) connect the jaw (mandible) to the skull. Dysfunction of this joint is called temporomandibular disorder (TMD), and it can cause a host of issues, including jaw pain and headaches. Montreal Smiles offers solutions that can reduce strain and inflammation in the TMJs to provide relief.

Symptoms of TMD include:

• Headaches

• Earaches

• Difficulty in opening and closing your mouth

• Pain when chewing or speaking

• A clicking or popping sound in the jaw joint

• Facial pain that starts at the ears and moves to the jaw and face

• Sore and painful jaw muscles and jaw joints

• Clenching and grinding

• Toothaches

• Neck pain

• Muscle tension

The cause of TMD differs from person to person, which makes determining the exact cause difficult. Some causes of TMD include: 

• Imbalance between the jaws

• Clenching and grinding 

• Stress, which can cause clenching and grinding

• Arthritis of the temporomandibular joint

• Trauma to the jaw and/or temporomandibular joint

• Other factors such as nervous system issues and genetics

• Other health issues such as fibromyalgia and IBS

If you are experiencing any symptoms of TMJ disorder, an examination of your bite by Dr. Berbari can help find the proper treatment to help reduce, stabilize or improve your condition and improve TMJ health. An X-ray can help complete the diagnosis and help Dr. Berbari recommend a treatment. Until you can begin treatment, heat or ice can be used to control discomfort. Changing the food you eat can also provide relief for TMD pain and symptoms. Eating soft foods will reduce the pain and pressure on the TMJ, thus reducing TMD symptoms.

Several treatment options are available, and sometimes they can even be used in combination. If an imbalanced bite is placing strain on your TMJs, Dr. Berbari can provide these solutions:
 

• Several treatment options are available, and sometimes they can even be used in combination. If an imbalanced bite is placing strain on your TMJs, Dr. Berbari can provide these solutions: 

• An occlusal plate or splint, which is a plastic mouthpiece. This splint can help reduce strain to the joints by making the upper and lower jaws meet properly, which reduces strain on the joints.

• Dental crowns and other restorations that can help the jaws meet properly and reduce strain on the TMJs.

If you are suffering from TMJ disorder and you live in the Montreal area, Dr. Berbari provides a thorough TMJ assesment to answer all your questions and help you learn what you can do to ease TMJ pain. The practice utilizes advanced sterilization and cleaning methods as well as state-of-the-art technology such as:

• Digital x-rays, which reduce radiation exposure by up to 90%.

• Dental scanner, maps and matches the shade of your teeth so any necessary crowns or other restorations you need will look natural.

• Digital dentistry such as intra-oral scanner and camera, carie detection system, computer aided design and manufacturing.

• Computer systems in the reception area provide an easy and convenient method for patients to make appointments. Our systems also make filing dental insurance claims easier and faster for quicker reimbursement.