TMJ Disorder,
Diagnosis &
Treatment
One of the most complex joints in your body is the Temporomandibular Joint, which is capable of both: sliding back and forth as well as a hinge motion. Dr. Zajac feels it very important that you understand that a TMJ disorder is the malfunction of this
joint. There are many possible causes for this disorder, including arthritis, traumatic injury, or bite discrepancies due to missing teeth or poorly done dental work.
There is no recognized specialty in TMJ; therefore no one can actually claim to be called a TMJ Dentist. Dr. Zajac is licensed as a general dentist. However, Dr. Zajac has dedicated himself to receiving considerable training in order to help his patients suffering from this disorder.
Dr. Zajac has had extensive post-graduate training in neuromuscular dentistry which is the study of the nerves and muscles that are a part of the functioning of the Temporomandibular Joint, and the treatment of TMJ disorder. Dr. Zajac has also studied with renowned lecturer Dr. Brock Rondeau, one of the leaders in the TMJ field.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
There are many symptoms of this disorder. A partial list is included here. If you are suffering from some or all of these symptoms, please contact us.
joint. There are many possible causes for this disorder, including arthritis, traumatic injury, or bite discrepancies due to missing teeth or poorly done dental work.
There is no recognized specialty in TMJ; therefore no one can actually claim to be called a TMJ Dentist. Dr. Zajac is licensed as a general dentist. However, Dr. Zajac has dedicated himself to receiving considerable training in order to help his patients suffering from this disorder.
Dr. Zajac has had extensive post-graduate training in neuromuscular dentistry which is the study of the nerves and muscles that are a part of the functioning of the Temporomandibular Joint, and the treatment of TMJ disorder. Dr. Zajac has also studied with renowned lecturer Dr. Brock Rondeau, one of the leaders in the TMJ field.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
There are many symptoms of this disorder. A partial list is included here. If you are suffering from some or all of these symptoms, please contact us.
- Excessive grinding of the teeth or clenching
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Limited range in opening the mouth (either inability to open all the
way, or inability to close all the way) - Unexplained loose teeth
- Worn, chipped or cracked teeth
- A deviation of the jaw to one side when opened
- Pain in the chewing muscles
- Headaches in the temporal area
- Ear aches
- Noises in the joint, such as clicking, popping, grinding or crackling (Crepitus)
- Numbness in fingers or arms
Treatment of TMJ Disorder
Before beginning any treatment, we need to focus on the diagnosis. You need to understand that this disorder is very complex, involving a very complex joint, the muscles attached, and complex relationships among the teeth. Dr. Zajac will need to have a
comprehensive examination to determine where to start with your case. Once the diagnosis is complete, there are two phases in your treatment.
The first phase is relief of pain. There are several ways this can be handled which include moist heat, medications, orthotics, or possibly other options.
Phase two is to develop a permanent solution for you. Often, that treatment will involve correcting the way your teeth fit together. If the problem is a lack of harmony in your bite, the goal is for Dr. Zajac to stabilize your bite, so that your teeth, muscles, and joints will work together in harmony without strain.
Sometimes the treatment is simple. If you have a displaced disc, a simple orthotic that you wear for a period of time can ease that disc into the correct position. However, more involved treatment may be required. Bite adjustments (called equilibrations) may be needed. Depending on the severity of your case, it may be necessary to
do a full-mouth reconstruction in order to completely rebuild your bite. In other cases, surgery on your jaw joint may be needed.
If you're wondering whether or not you have TMJ disorder or have questions about what Dr. Zajac can do for you, we'd be happy to see you at our East Oakville Dental office for a complimentary consultation. You can meet with Dr. Zajac and ask questions to see if you'd
like to schedule a comprehensive examination.
If you have any further questions about TMJ disorder please feel free to speak with Dr. Zajac or one of our East Oakville Dental team members today.
Before beginning any treatment, we need to focus on the diagnosis. You need to understand that this disorder is very complex, involving a very complex joint, the muscles attached, and complex relationships among the teeth. Dr. Zajac will need to have a
comprehensive examination to determine where to start with your case. Once the diagnosis is complete, there are two phases in your treatment.
The first phase is relief of pain. There are several ways this can be handled which include moist heat, medications, orthotics, or possibly other options.
Phase two is to develop a permanent solution for you. Often, that treatment will involve correcting the way your teeth fit together. If the problem is a lack of harmony in your bite, the goal is for Dr. Zajac to stabilize your bite, so that your teeth, muscles, and joints will work together in harmony without strain.
Sometimes the treatment is simple. If you have a displaced disc, a simple orthotic that you wear for a period of time can ease that disc into the correct position. However, more involved treatment may be required. Bite adjustments (called equilibrations) may be needed. Depending on the severity of your case, it may be necessary to
do a full-mouth reconstruction in order to completely rebuild your bite. In other cases, surgery on your jaw joint may be needed.
If you're wondering whether or not you have TMJ disorder or have questions about what Dr. Zajac can do for you, we'd be happy to see you at our East Oakville Dental office for a complimentary consultation. You can meet with Dr. Zajac and ask questions to see if you'd
like to schedule a comprehensive examination.
If you have any further questions about TMJ disorder please feel free to speak with Dr. Zajac or one of our East Oakville Dental team members today.
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