Do You Have Jaw Pain?
What Causes TMD?
The causes of TMJ issues could be multifactorial. Possible causes may include jaw injury, teeth grinding, damage within the joint, or stress. Your dentist will discuss your current symptoms, health history, and dental records with you. They will check your bite and take x-rays to examine the jaw and joint.
Diagnosis
For our patients with bite and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, we use Joint Vibration Analysis technology to assist us in diagnosing your condition. It is extremely important that your TMJ, muscles, and teeth work in harmony, or this can lead to a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMD is characterized by pain and dysfunction of the masticatory system.
In a healthy TMJ, the joint is well-lubricated and does not make vibration noises. Joint Vibration Analysis is an effective non-invasive procedure to detect abnormal vibrations in the TMJ, each vibration pattern unique to a certain pathology. In this way, we can quickly get a better understanding of your joint problem and recommend appropriate therapy.
Treatment
Treatment may include over-the-counter pain medications, a custom-fitted mouthpiece to be worn at night, or necessary dental work to correct a bite disorder. Bite disorders can take the form of drifting teeth due to a missing tooth that has gone untreated, an overbite, an underbite, and other causes. Drifting teeth may be avoided with dental implants or bridges. Other bite disorders may require orthodontics or oral surgery.
Botox® therapy can also help alleviate the symptoms of TMD.
TMD & Botox®
Botox® treatment may reduce the pain you are experiencing due to jaw tension and TMD. The injections can also relax the affected side of the jaw, restoring your natural face shape.
Night Guards for Bruxism
If you experience teeth grinding or clenching, especially during sleep, a custom-fitted night guard can protect your teeth from excessive wear and alleviate jaw discomfort. Our team can assess your needs and provide a comfortable solution to preserve your dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What non-surgical TMJ treatments are available here?
Abbotsford providers offer custom mouthguards, stress-management strategies for bruxism, physiotherapy, massage (including buccal massage), medications, and sometimes Botox® into jaw muscles.
What symptoms should make me see a TMJ specialist in Abbotsford?
Visit a specialist if you have persistent jaw pain, frequent clicking or popping, difficulty fully opening your mouth, jaw locking, chronic headaches, or neck pain. Early evaluation improves outcomes.
Will TMJ cause headaches or ear symptoms?
Yes. TMJ dysfunction often leads to headaches, ear pain, ringing, dizziness, and even neck discomfort or misaligned bite sensations.
Are bite adjustments safe for TMJ?
Bite splints are reversible and generally safe. Permanent dental alterations are controversial and usually avoided until less invasive treatments have been tried.
When is surgery recommended for TMJ?
Surgery is considered only if conservative treatments (like splints and physiotherapy) fail. Procedures can range from arthrocentesis and disc repositioning to joint reconstruction. Only a small percentage of patients require this.
Is Botox used for TMJ pain in Abbotsford?
Yes—Botox injections into jaw muscles (like the lateral pterygoid) can help relieve muscle tension and pain. Benefits usually last a few months.
How long does TMJ therapy take to work?
It varies—many see improvement within weeks through splints and physiotherapy, but chronic cases may need several months of treatment and monitoring.
Can stress relief help my TMJ?
Definitely. Stress often contributes to jaw clenching and muscle tension, worsening TMJ. Strategies like relaxation techniques, CBT, and stress management are effective adjuncts.
Featured Review
“My family have been patients of Dr. Cesar for over 23 years. She is professional, highly knowledgeable, personable, patient, kind, and compassionate. Her staff meets and exceeds all expectations. They are thorough, gentle, and extremely friendly. No one loves going to the dentist, but this office is a pleasure.”
-Tanis L.
Address
Bourquin Dental Centre of Abbotsford
Suite #101 - 2745 Bourquin Crescent W
Abbotsford, BC V2S 6J4
Canada
Contact
Phone: 604-859-6555
Email: drcesar@abbotsfordgeneraldentist.com
The office is closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, BC Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day