TMJ Treatment
TMJ Treatment
TMJ stands for Temporo-Mandibular Joint. TMJ Disorder TMD) is a progressive disease. Symptoms usually worsen over time, and some may become irreversible if not treated early. Disc Displacement can become permanent and very limiting if not treated at an early stage. Many people who leave a click untreated may end up with locked jaw and limited opening permanently, resulting in chronic pain, inability to chew foods, inability to open mouth, difficulty yawning, and anxiety which often comes with the limitations of this condition.
We help patients understand the severity of their TMD condition, how to manage it, and how to treat it properly. Treatment will depend on severity, degenerative changes in the TMJ, as well as patient compliance. If diagnosed in its early stages, treatment is typically faster and easier to resolve all symptoms.
Do you have TMD?
TMD is a common disorder affecting a wide variety of people. The vast majority of TMJ Dysfunction sufferers are not aware that the root cause of their symptoms is the way their teeth are positioned, causing their mandible (lower jaw) to misalign. This results in the condyle (the head of the jaw) to be displaced, most often posteriorly. resulting in an array of symptoms.
One of the most obvious symptoms of TMJ disorder is pain. This can be in the form of jaw pain, headaches, migraines, facial pain, neck pain, back pain, ear pain.
Popping or clicking when opening or closing the mouth is a frequent early sign of TMJ disorders. This may be painless and many people with this type of sound in their joint will often ignore it. However, the clicking or popping in the jaw joint when opening or closing is an indication of the articular disc displacement in the temporo-mandibular joint. If left ignored, it can get worse over time, resulting in some or all of the symptoms associated with TMD.
Crepitus (grinding noise) in the jaw joint is most often a sign of long-term articular disc displacement in the TMJ and people with this type of noise will often remember past history of clicking or popping which then stopped, and was later followed by crepitus. This typically indicates that the articular disc has displaced some time ago, and the condyle (head of the jaw) is now grinding against the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone. This may be painless or painful depending on other factors.
Buzzing, or ringing in the ear is one of the symptoms associated with TMJ disorders. People with this type of noise often have a posteriorly positioned condyle which, consequently, presses on the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone. This pressure can then extend to the tympanic bone, which houses the tympanic membrane of the ear as well as Stapes, Incus, and Malleus, which are the tiny bones inside the ear responsible for sound.
Restricted or limited movement on opening, which prevents the mouth from being opened fully or the jaw from being moved in all directions cause can discomfort and/or anxiety. When a person is unable to open normally, this causes fear and concern and can limit the ability to eat, chew, yawn, and even speak. Most common limitation is on opening and this is most often related to a displaced articular disc which has become stuck anterior (in front of) the condyle of the TMJ, preventing the condyle from travelling forward on opening. This can also be very painful and cause significant anxiety impacting the quality of daily life.
A locked jaw, medically known as trismus, refers to a condition where a person experiences difficulty opening or closing their mouth fully.
This is often caused by a disc displacement in the TMJ.
CLINICAL SIGNS
When a patient presents with symptoms of TMJ disorder, there are certain clinical signs that we look for to help us diagnose the type of TMD they have, what caused it, and how it has progressed. Most common of these are:
- Tooth Wear
- Abfractions (notching of teeth at the gumline)
- Loose teeth
- Specific pattern of bone loss (on x-ray)
- Myoclonus (muscle twitching on a lateral slide)
- Presence of tori
- Narrow upper and/or lower arch
- Lingually inclined posterior teeth
- Lingually inclined upper anterior teeth
- Bicuspids missing (extracted for braces)
- Lateral slide interferences on posterior teeth
- Gum recession on teeth that have lateral interferences
- Fremitus on anterior teeth (vibration on closing)
Dr. Agatha Bis
Oakville Dentist, Dr. Agatha Bis, DDS received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from University of Western Ontario in 1996. With over 25 years of clinical experience creating beautiful and healthy smiles, Dr. Bis offers a unique approach to dentistry, blending modern dental practices with the use of digital technology to optimize health outcomes.
With thousands of hours in post-graduate training, her unique focus and expertise in treating TMD and providing options in restorative dentistry, along with digital technology has led to helping numerous patients resolve chronic and debilitating dental challenges.
Dr. Agatha Bis
Oakville Dentist, Dr. Agatha Bis, DDS received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from University of Western Ontario in 1996. With over 25 years of clinical experience creating beautiful and healthy smiles, Dr. Bis offers a unique approach to dentistry, blending modern dental practices with the use of digital technology to optimize health outcomes.
With thousands of hours in post-graduate training, her unique focus and expertise in treating TMD and providing options in restorative dentistry, along with digital technology has led to helping numerous patients resolve chronic and debilitating dental challenges.
Schedule a Appointment with Dr. Agatha Bis
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ExcellentBased on 76 reviews
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Pawel Wegrzyn2023-11-29Usually, it's not too fun to go to the dentist office, but everyone in this office is wonderful! It's a great team and a nice atmosphere. I've only had positive experiences coming here and they always do a great job.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
E P.2023-11-27Dr Bis is wonderful. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and takes the time to explain everything, answer all questions and helps put you at ease. The other members of staff at her office are extremely friendly. I can’t recommend her enough.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Stephanie -2023-08-28I am very thankful to have found Dr. Bis as she has been an absolute lifesaver in helping me treat my tmj pain. I went into her office distraught with not knowing what to expect, and her genuine concern for me to get out of pain and craft a personalized treatment plan right away was reassuring. She truly is an expert at what she does, and with a combination of her skillful hands, knowledge, and technology, she has helped me tremendously to regain my life back and manage. Each appointment she answered any questions I had honestly, and educated me on what I didn’t know. She believed she could help me with a conservative approach, and I’m very grateful for her.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr. Jessica Liu, ND2023-06-26Just wanted to share how wonderful this team is! Dr. Bis always takes her time to explain things so thoroughly and with such patience and kindness. I’ve been going to Dr. Bis now for a few years and will always be a loyal client. I can’t say enough about the team here, especially Kera, who I see regularly for cleanings. She is so skilled, thorough, and dedicated to her patients, I always leave with the best feeling in my teeth, and I always look forward to my visits with her. I have referred many friends and family to this wonderful clinic and have brought my kids to Dr. Bis and her team for all their dental needs as well. I appreciate all they do and the exceptional care they provide!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
donna morissette2023-02-07I am compelled to write a review of Dr. Bis specifically in response to a recent post stating Dr. Bis is "clearly inept at supporting chronic pain patients and it is horrible that she thinks she is a TMJD specialist". I suffered from severe chronic TMJ pain for two years, I sought out every physical therapy available under the sun, including a diagnosis and splint from my former dentist, absolutely nothing relieved the pain. I'm here to share my experience with Dr. Bis for the soul reason for anyone else who is in the same boat (as I used to be) to seriously consider a consultation with her. As a footnote, within 2 days of wearing the orthotic she hand crafted on my first visit, the pain in my jaw, neck & shoulder literally flew out the window. Dr. Bis and her entire team are a First Class experience like no other.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
SERENA DESANTIS2022-05-30I recently got 4 veneers put in and i couldn’t be more happy with my results! I trusted Dr. bis and she knew exactly what I wanted. Thank you to everyone who helped out during this process! I couldn’t be more happy! You guys have an excellent staff and always make me feel so comfortable every time I come in! Thank you again!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jonathan Brooker2022-03-30I used to hide my smile because I was embarrassed by it. Not any more! This is where you want to go if you want the best dental care, the friendliest & most competent staff, great prices, and the most state-of-the-art dentistry. They are true professionals and I have been going here for 15 years+. Not only did my oral health improve, but my mental health improved greatly. Dr. Bis gave me my CONFIDENCE back by restoring my front teeth and giving me a great smile. She is not just a dentist - she is a leader in her field and this is her true passion in life. She gives me all the time in the world, as she always explains the procedures and sets my mind at ease. I KNOW I am in good hands. As I age (37 years old) I now more-than-ever realize how important my oral care is to my overall health, and I don't want just any dentist; I want the best! All the staff at this office are so friendly and kind. I always enjoy going and can feel that they all truly care about me. Thank you!