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Port Dover Family Dentistry
TMJ Therapy in Wilsonville
Jaw pain, clicking or limited opening can relate to the jaw joint and muscles. Wilsonville patients can have TMJ symptoms assessed at our Port Dover dental office.
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Caring for Wilsonville patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for WilsonvilleJaw joints and chewing muscles
Jaw discomfort has many causes, and care starts with sorting them out.
The temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw to your skull and allow you to talk, chew and yawn. Problems with these joints or the surrounding muscles, often called TMJ or TMD, can cause pain, clicking, headaches and difficulty opening the mouth. Causes include clenching, grinding, injury, arthritis and stress. Many cases improve with conservative care.
Living in Wilsonville with ongoing jaw discomfort? You can book an assessment at our Port Dover office. Describe when the pain occurs, any clicking or locking and whether you clench or grind, so the dentist can evaluate possible causes and suggest a sensible plan.
Symptoms
Jaw problems can show up in many ways.
Pain and noises
Pain in front of the ear, in the jaw or cheek muscles and at the temples is common. Clicking, popping or grating sounds when opening may occur. Some people feel pain when chewing or yawning. Symptoms may be worse in the morning if you clench at night.
Function and related symptoms
Difficulty opening wide, a jaw that locks open or closed, changes in how teeth fit together and headaches or earaches without an ear infection can be related. If your jaw locks and you cannot close your mouth, seek prompt care.
Assessment
Understanding the cause guides treatment.
Examining joints and muscles
The dentist examines jaw movement, listens for joint sounds, feels the muscles for tenderness and checks your bite. Teeth may be examined for wear from grinding. X-rays or other imaging may be recommended in some cases. A detailed history of your symptoms helps clarify the pattern.
Considering contributing factors
Clenching, grinding, posture, stress, previous injury and arthritis can all contribute. Sometimes symptoms relate to other conditions, so the dentist may suggest seeing a physician or physiotherapist. A team approach can help when several factors are involved.
Treatment
Most people improve with simple measures.
Conservative self-care
Eating softer foods, avoiding gum chewing and wide yawning, applying warm or cold compresses and gentle jaw exercises may help. Being aware of daytime clenching and keeping teeth apart when relaxed can reduce strain. Stress management may also be beneficial.
Dental appliances and other therapies
A custom splint or night guard may be recommended to reduce clenching and protect the teeth. Physiotherapy, medications recommended by a physician or other therapies may help. Irreversible treatments, such as bite adjustments, are usually considered only after careful evaluation.
Ongoing care
Monitoring helps refine your plan.
Tracking symptoms
Keep a simple log of when symptoms occur and what makes them better or worse. This helps you and the dentist understand triggers and the effectiveness of treatments. Share changes at follow-up visits.
Follow-up and referral
If symptoms do not improve with conservative care, the dentist may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. Bring your splint to checkups so its fit can be reviewed. Many people find that symptoms come and go, and managing flare-ups becomes easier with experience.
Planning your appointment
Jaw pain assessment from Wilsonville.
Book an appointment at our Port Dover office and describe your jaw symptoms, when they started and what seems to trigger them. The dentist will evaluate the joints, muscles and teeth.
Bring any night guard or splint you use, and mention injuries, arthritis or other medical conditions that may be relevant.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
TMJ questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Will my jaw clicking get worse?
Clicking without pain is common and often does not worsen. If clicking is accompanied by pain or locking, have it assessed.
Can a night guard help TMJ pain?
A custom splint may help reduce clenching and muscle strain for some people. The dentist will assess whether it is appropriate for your symptoms.
Is TMJ surgery common?
Surgery is rarely needed. Most people improve with conservative treatments such as self-care, splints and physiotherapy.
Can stress cause jaw pain?
Stress can increase clenching and muscle tension, which may contribute to jaw pain. Managing stress may help reduce symptoms.
What if my jaw locks?
If your jaw locks open or closed and you cannot move it, seek prompt care from a dentist or emergency department.
Grinding care and night guards
Additional Services →Bruxism Treatment →
Worn edges, morning jaw ache or a partner hearing you grind? Wilsonville patients can have clenching and grinding assessed at our Port Dover dental office.
Custom Night Guards →
A custom night guard is shaped to your teeth to cushion grinding during sleep. Wilsonville patients can learn about fit, care and reviews at our Port Dover office.