TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint, is a hinge-type, synovial, and condylar joint connecting your skull’s temporal bones and the mandible (the lower jawbone). Located on either side of the face, the Temporomandibular Joint assists our body in performing important actions like speaking and chewing.
All about TMJ
Any dysfunction or issues of the TMJ are called temporomandibular joint disorders. Pain from the disorder can be slight or severe, and it can be acute or chronic.
Symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
- Tenderness or pain in the jaw
- Earaches
- Headaches
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Throbbing facial pain
- Facial swelling
- Chewing becomes painful or difficult
- Closing or opening your mouth causes a painful grating, popping, or clicking in your jaw joint
- Discomfort in either of the TMJs
- Toothache
- Tinnitus
- Dizziness
- Hearing loss
- Joint locking
Women are more susceptible to TMJ disorders compared to men. These disorders are seen most commonly in the age group of 20-40 years old. Causes of TMJ dysfunction include:
- Dislocation or erosion of the shock-absorbing disk of the joint
- Damage of the cartilage in the joint due to arthritis
- Acute trauma to the jaw joints or adjacent tissues
- Stress
- Bruxism
A dental health professional diagnoses a TMJ disorder using dental X-rays, CT and MRI scans, and TMJ arthroscopy.
TMJ solutions
Sometimes, the signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction can go away without treatment. Doctors suggest several treatment methods for persisting TMJ dysfunction symptoms. These include:
Medication
Medicines like anti-inflammatories and pain relievers prescribed by a dentist will help reduce severe pain that cannot be treated using OTC medications. Dentists also prescribe tricyclic antidepressants in decreasing doses for bruxism control, sleeplessness, and pain relief. Muscle relaxants are used to reduce the pain caused by muscle spasms.
Therapy
TMJ therapy can include the following:
- wearing mouth guards or oral splints to help reduce jaw pain
- physical therapy, which includes exercises for strengthening the jaw muscles
- counseling to rectify habits like finger biting
Procedures
Treatment options for TMJ disorders include:
- Arthrocentesis
- Corticosteroid injections
- TMJ arthroscopy
- Modified condylotomy
- Open-joint surgery
At-home solutions
Some remedies you can try at home include:
- applying a hot or cold compress to the face
- exercising the jaw muscles and massaging them
- reduce stress
- Sleep on your back
- avoid habits like nail-biting and jaw clenching
Torbram Dental offers Treatment for TMJ, ranging from a small splint that you wear during sleep to orthodontic treatment that improves the alignment of your bite. The splint realigns your jaw to take pressure off the TMJ and also cushions the tooth enamel to reduce wear and tear from nighttime teeth grinding and jaw clenching. The treatment that is right for you depends on the cause of the TMJ pain.
Prevention
In certain situations, TMJ can be avoided by adopting or avoiding certain daily habits. These include:
- Keeping jaw and face relaxed
- Avoid biting on hard objects like nails or pens that can be tough on the jaw
- Avoid excessive chewing on gum or foods that can cause jaw tension
- Avoid forcefully cracking your neck; that can cause tension
- Eat a soft diet
- Look for common symptoms and contact a dental health professional
Jaw pain might not appear serious, particularly if it is erratic. TMJ dysfunction, however, can substantially impair daily activities like speaking, chewing, and biting if left untreated. However, this condition can be managed with proper medication, care, and lifestyle changes.
Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
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Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
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Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
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Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
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Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
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Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
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Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
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Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
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Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
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As a dedicated Dental Hygienist at Torbram Dental, Aalisha brings recent knowledge and experience to ensure the best oral health for our patients. She holds a Diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries and has further enriched her education with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo. Beyond her professional qualifications, Aalisha has a zest for life that extends beyond the dental chair. She cherishes quality time with family and friends, thrives on outdoor adventures, and has a passion for hiking and water-based activities, especially during the sunny summer days. She is an avid traveler, exploring tropical paradises and historic destinations while immersing herself in diverse cultures and indulging in delicious culinary experiences."
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Supreet was born and raised in Punjab, India and came to Canada in 2016. She graduated from Sheridan College as an Environmental Lab Technician but later decided to change her career to dentistry. She completed her Level I and II Intra-Oral Dental Assisting course from George Brown College and graduated in 2023. In July 2023, Supreet joined the team at Torbram Dental where she enjoys working. In her free time, she loves to read books.
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