Access Dental Centre Kelowna | Best Dentist in Kelowna for teeth whitening, implants, dentures and Invisalign braces.

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  • Home
  • Our Practice
    • Our Clinic
    • Dr. Vikas Raj
    • Dr. Klara Burlacu
  • General Dentistry
    • Dental Exams & Cleaning
    • Tooth Extractions
    • Root Canal Therapy
    • Gum Health
    • Oral Cancer Screening
    • Pediatric Dentist
    • Porcelain Inlays & Onlays
    • Dentures
    • Snoring Treatments
    • TMJ & TMD Disorders
    • Tooth Bonding
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Invisalign
    • Porcelain Veneers
    • Composite Fillings
    • Orthodontics
    • Teeth Whitening
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Forms
    • After Care Instructions
    • COVID 19 Pre-Screening
    • New Patient Form
    • Privacy Consent Form
  • Dental Emergency
  • Contact


TMD Disorders

Migraines? Popping? Clicking?
​Lock Jaw? Jaw Pain?

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Experiencing chronic discomfort due to the development of a certain condition can hinder productivity and quality of life. A classic example of this would be temporomandibular disorders or TMD. These are conditions that many people are not aware of. If you are experiencing pain and comprised movement of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, you are likely experiencing some form of TMD.
Stop living with this. Let us help!

What is TMD?
TMD, also known as temporomandibular disorders are characterized by jaw pain of varying degrees, teeth grinding, intermittent ringing in the ears or severe headaches. This can be experienced by patients who have specific dental issues. Although these conditions are commonplace, many sufferers do not realize they have TMD or TMJ disorders.
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In some cases, these conditions may be tolerable, but can prove to be debilitating over time and if left untreated. If you experience one or all of the symptoms described above, it would be in your best interest to schedule an appointment with a Dentist at Access Dental in Kelowna. You will be surprised that these conditions are treatable and can be relieved by proper testing, diagnoses, and treatment.
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TMJ is the acronym for temporomandibular joint, which connects your lower jaw (the mandible) to your skull at the temporal bone. This joint controls many jaw functions, like chewing. If the chewing muscles or the joint itself are causing you pain you may have temporamandibular disorder, or TMD. TMD can be caused by stress, continual clenching of the jaw muscles, or teeth grinding. 
  • Some of the symptoms of TMD are: 
  • Pain when opening or closing mouth
  • Trouble chewing
  • Jaw becoming stuck open or shut
  • Headaches or ear pain
  • Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth
  • Teeth Grinding
Reasons for Treating TMD
It was mentioned that these symptoms are tolerable. However, a person who suffers from TMD can experience worsening of the condition, when they are put under prolonged or unexpected stress. The intensity rapidly increases and may even extend to neck pain and dizziness. Usually, teeth grinding occurs at night and may cause erosion of the tooth’s structure. Hence, the presence of eroded jawbones and loose teeth.
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A lot of people may ask, what is the cause of TMD? This can be due to a patient having severely misaligned teeth. A reliable Dentists can treat this by realigning or adjusting the patient’s teeth without the need for invasive procedures and surgeries. Orthodontic treatment through the use of metal braces is an effective method for correcting misaligned teeth. Once the teeth have been corrected, the patient is likely not to experience TMJ or TMD symptoms.
What Does Treating TMD Involve?
This condition can be caused by a variety of factors. However, having a bad bite is usually the most common cause. If you feel that you are experiencing one or most of the symptoms, you have to visit an orthodontist or dentist in your area to examine your jaw area, bite, and medical history. You may even be referred to have an x-ray taken of your mouth. These are essential to getting a proper diagnosis.

Once TMD is confirmed with your dentist at Access Dental in Kelowna they will ask you to have a custom-made mouth guard, which you will be asked to wear nightly to avoid teeth grinding while you sleep. A bite relationship analysis may also be advised by the dentist. Apart from these methods, you will be educated on how you can overcome TMD through relaxation techniques to lessen the effects of stress on your body.


In worst case scenarios, dentists may recommend the use of muscle relaxants. Or if necessary, realignment may be done. This is an excellent way of dealing with TMD as it, alleviates most of the symptoms, improves the appearance of your teeth and adjusts the upper and lower teeth until they fit perfectly. However, additional restorations and adjustments may be needed too.

Many people just endure these symptoms without resolution and suffer in the process. Why settle for an uncomfortable life when you can easily solve it with the help of reliable professionals by your side? This condition can easily be prevented and treated by visiting Access Dental in Kelowna. They will be able to educate and create an effective treatment plan to rid you of the discomfort and pain that can come with TMD or TMJ.
Night Guards
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Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is especially problematic. Grinding may cause jaw pain or clicking. Prolonged teeth grinding can cause enamel to wear off teeth and expose dentin. This material is softer than enamel and more susceptible to decay. Sensitivity to hot and cold food or drink may also develop from excessive teeth grinding. A night guard can help to relax the jaw and protect the teeth from further damage. 

Many people are afflicted with bruxism, or teeth grinding. Some people may do this during the day, but it is a more common problem at night, while you are asleep. Grinding your teeth can damage enamel, wear down teeth, cause jaw pain and migraines, or irritate your gums. All of this can lead to some serious dental health problems. The noise from teeth grinding can also disturb your partner’s sleep.

If you grind your teeth you should consider a night guard. A night guard, provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. All night guards are custom fitted for comfort and to allow for proper breathing. 

Here at Access Dental Centre, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and have the night guard created by a dental lab. 

Night guards are very durable, but we recommend you bring your night guard in to your regularly scheduled teeth cleaning to have it examined by our team. When you bring it in, we can professionally clean it for you! Night guards should replaced every 3-4 years, depending on your unique situation.  
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Request Appointment

Hours

Monday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Sat & Sun: Closed​

Telephone

250-861-8777
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Address

1980 Cooper Rd Suite 211,
Kelowna, BC V1Y 8K5

info@accessdentalkelowna.ca
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