TMJ
We proudly serve patients throughout the Vancouver area from the comfort of our state-of-the-art Coquitlam, BC, dental office.
What Are the TMJs?
The temporomandibular joints, often referred to as the TMJs, are the hinged joints located at the sides of the mouth. They are unique in that they move in a side-to-side and up-and-down motion, making it easy for patients to bite into and chew food. Unfortunately, one or both temporomandibular joints can be damaged due to bruxism, inflammation, displacement, injury, arthritis, and other reasons, causing pain and other troublesome symptoms.
When patients experience problems with the temporomandibular joints, it is referred to as temporomandibular disorder, TMJ disorder, or TMD; all of these terms are interchangeable. When patients suspect that they have issues with the TMJs, they should undergo a pain-free evaluation with a dentist who is trained to diagnose and treat TMJ disorder. TMD is easy to treat, and there are several options available.
How Do I Know I Should Seek Treatment? TMJ Disorder Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of temporomandibular disorders include:
- Clicking and popping of the jaw when you open and close your mouth
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- Bruxism (chronic teeth grinding and clenching)
- Jaw pain
- Tooth pain, especially on the molars
- Facial pain that extends out to the jaw, neck, and shoulders
- Ear problems, including pain and ringing of the ears
5-Star Reviews of Our Dental Practice "I can't stop recommending them to friends and family!"
Madison Hope Veitch
2019
I had a lot of anxiety around going to the dentist, and after carefully researching for a new local office to attend, I stumbled upon Vitacare and now I can't stop recommending them to friends and family! Never in my life did I think a time would come when I would feel neutral - never mind, happy - about going to the dentist, but I do! Dr. Lee has been lovely in every way and all of the support staff have been so great! 10/10, would recommend.
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Neda Zolfaghari
2019
Never felt so good about my teeth and gum after cleaning. Had an amazing experience with Dr. Lee! She is very patient and takes the time to gently work on your teeth and inform you at the same time. Friendly staff and comfortable setting. They did their best to give me two appointments in such a short notice.
View On GoogleContact Our Practice Get Relief for Your TMD
The best way to get relief from the symptoms of temporomandibular disorder is to visit a clinic and seek treatment from a dentist. The team at Vitacare Dental Centre in Coquitlam, serving the greater Vancouver area, can diagnose and treat your TMD. We can perform a visual examination and take a series of x-rays to identify the extent of the issues with your TMJs. Once we better understand the issues affecting your temporomandibular joints, we can develop a treatment plan that will best meet your needs.
Contact our office online to ask a question about TMJ problems or request a consultation for a TMD diagnosis and treatment plan. You can also reach our Coquitlam office by phone at:
(778) 355-3535
TMJ Disorder Treatments
There are many treatment options for TMJ problems. We always start with the most conservative options to address facial pain, headaches, jaw clenching, and other issues.
BOTOX for TMD
BOTOX is well-known for its ability to address facial wrinkling. Many patients don't know that it offers medical and therapeutic uses as well, including treatment for temporomandibular disorders. The active ingredient in BOTOX products relaxes the area into which it is injected. That means that when BOTOX is injected into the TMJ, it can alleviate pressure on the surrounding structures and reduce or even eliminate the symptoms of TMD.
Oral Appliances for TMD
Oral appliances for TMD are also known as splint therapy. During your consultation at our Coquitlam practice, we will take digital x-rays and impressions to ensure that we create a custom splint that will hold the TMJs in place, prevent chronic clenching and grinding, and reduce the symptoms of TMD.
Oral appliances are a common treatment for TMD because they only have to be worn at night to alleviate pain and other symptoms. In the morning, patients can remove the appliance, clean it, and experience more comfortable jaw alignment and better function throughout the day.
Stress Relief
While some TMD has a purely physical cause, some patients can greatly benefit from stress-reduction techniques. Stress can contribute to bruxism, the chronic grinding and clenching of the jaw that puts stress on the TMJ, causes tooth pain, and eventually wears down the teeth.
Stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and more, can reduce bruxism and TMJ disorder. For some patients, we encourage them to see if certain changes to their lifestyle can reduce stress and TMD. Stress-relief tactics can also be used in combination with other therapies.
Our entire team is committed to helping you finally experience relief from TMJ pain, clicking, popping, and other problems associated with this condition. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that will address the cause of your temporomandibular disorder and provide long-term relief.
"Phenomenal dental office." Why Our Patients Love Us
Jasmine Mok
2021
Phenomenal dental office...Vitacare Dental in Como lake has been outstanding in taking care of me. I love that this dental office lives by their goal of making each dental visit as professional, friendly and supportive as possible. Everyone there is super friendly and welcoming, they know what they are doing and I can relax and completely trust them. Thank you so much for making my visits so stress free! I am so thankful to have found you!
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Charlotte Oakley
2021
Amazing experience, the staff here are very friendly and understanding. Painless anaesthetic, quick and clean work. I have severe claustrophobia and they took their time to accommodate my needs to make me feel comfortable. Beautiful decor, sanitary environment and the most up to date brand new equipment. Will never go anywhere else. Thank you.
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