Jaw Pain Treatment in Burnaby

You’re not alone if you’re experiencing jaw pain. Many people in Burnaby have jaw discomfort and it affects everything from eating to sleeping. At Cascadia Dental Studio, we can help you find relief with professional jaw pain treatment in Burnaby that’s customized to your needs.

What Is Jaw Pain?

Jaw pain treatment focuses on relieving discomfort in the jaw area, especially when it’s caused by issues in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), jaw muscles, or other connected parts of your face and head.

Jaw pain can affect how you chew, speak, or even smile. It might seem like a minor ache at first, but if left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain, difficulty moving the lower jaw, or even problems with your teeth and mouth health. For many people, it also causes neck pain, facial pain, and a constant sense of pressure in the head, ears, or shoulders.

Wondering “Is jaw pain serious?” or “What does jaw pain mean?” The answer depends on the cause. Sometimes it’s temporary, like from clenching your jaw during stress, but in other cases, it may be linked to TMJ disorder, arthritis, or even something as serious as a heart attack. That’s why a professional diagnosis is key.

What Causes Jaw Pain?

There are many causes of jaw pain. Some are related to oral health habits, others to physical health and some even to emotional stress. Here are the most common causes:

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Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)

One of the most common causes, this affects the joint where your jaw meets your skull.

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Teeth Grinding (bruxism)

Often caused by stress or misaligned teeth.

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Jaw Injury or Trauma

A blow to the lower jaw or face can damage soft tissues or joints.

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Tooth Pain or Infections

Referred pain from a toothache can lead to jaw discomfort.

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Arthritis

Inflammation in the joints, including rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the TMJ.

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Stress

Emotional tension can cause you to clench your jaw without realizing it.

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Sinus Problems

Pressure from sinus infections can affect the jaw area.

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Trigeminal Neuralgia

A nerve disorder that causes sharp facial pain.

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Cluster Headaches and Migraines

These can radiate pain to the jaw, head and neck.

Jaw pain can also be a sign of something more serious like a heart attack, especially if it’s sudden and with chest, shoulder or neck pain.

Common Signs and Symptoms

How do you know if you have jaw pain or something else? Here are common signs to look out for:

Aching or discomfort in the jaw, face or ears

Pain on one side of the jaw

Clicking sound when opening or closing the mouth

Difficulty or pain with jaw movement

Facial pain or tension in the jaw muscles

Frequent headaches, including migraines or cluster headaches

Neck pain or stiffness

Tooth pain or sensitivity

Dizziness or ringing in the ears

Referred pain that spreads to other parts of the body

Locking of the jaw or difficulty opening your mouth

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some people experience discomfort that comes and goes while others deal with chronic pain.

When to See a Dentist

Jaw pain isn’t something to ignore especially if it’s affecting your daily life. Here are warning signs that mean it’s time to see a dentist:

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Persistent or worsening pain in the jaw or face

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Trouble opening or closing your mouth

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Pain when chewing or speaking

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Clicking, popping or grinding noises in the jaw

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Facial swelling or tenderness

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Pain that radiates to your neck, shoulders or head

Waiting too long can lead to more serious issues like chronic TMJ disorder, tooth damage or worsening muscle tension. Early diagnosis and treatment can relieve symptoms and prevent further complications.

How We Diagnose and Assess It

At Cascadia Dental Studio, our approach to jaw pain treatment in Burnaby starts with a thorough exam. During your visit:

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We’ll review your medical and dental history

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Ask about your symptoms, lifestyle and stress levels

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Conduct a physical exam of your jaw, mouth, head and neck

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Assess jaw movement, alignment and joint sounds

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Use imaging tools like X-rays or 3D scans if needed

Most appointments take about 30-60 minutes depending on the severity of your symptoms. We focus on understanding the root cause of your pain so we can offer the right solution.

Treatment Options for Jaw Pain

We have several ways to treat jaw pain depending on the cause and severity. At Cascadia Dental Studio we create a personalized treatment plan that may include:

In-Office Treatments

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Custom night guards to prevent teeth grinding

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Bite adjustments to correct alignment issues

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Dental restorations for damaged or missing teeth

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Orthodontic options if misalignment is a factor

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Muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications

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Botox injections to relieve tension in jaw muscles

At-Home Care

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Eating soft foods to rest the jaw

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Hot and cold compresses to reduce swelling or tension

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Physical therapy exercises to stretch and strengthen the jaw

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Stress management techniques like mindfulness or meditation

If your jaw pain is caused by something outside the dental realm, like rheumatoid arthritis or trigeminal neuralgia, we work closely with your doctor to coordinate care.

Why Choose Cascadia Dental Studio for Jaw Pain Treatment in Burnaby?

We understand that jaw pain can be frustrating and even scary. At Cascadia Dental Studio, we focus on helping you find relief with care, modern technology and a compassionate team.

Here’s what sets us apart:

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Experienced dentists trained in TMJ and jaw disorders

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Personalized treatment plans for your unique needs

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Same-day and emergency appointments available

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Sedation options for patients with dental anxiety

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Flexible payment plans and insurance support

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State-of-the-art tools for accurate diagnosis and treatment

We follow guidelines from trusted organizations like the American Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association to ensure safe and effective care.

How to Prevent Jaw Pain

The good news is that many types of jaw pain can be prevented. Here are simple tips to keep your jaw healthy:

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Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth

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Practice good posture to reduce tension in your shoulders and neck

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Stick to soft foods during flare-ups

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Use a night guard if recommended

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Manage stress with healthy habits like yoga or deep breathing

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Don’t chew on hard objects like pens or ice

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See your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings

By being mindful of your habits and oral health, you can reduce your risk of developing TMJ disorder and other painful symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Jaw Pain Treatment

What is TMJ disorder and how does it affect the jaw?

TMJ disorder is a problem with the temporomandibular joint that connects your jaw to your skull. It can cause pain, limited jaw movement, clicking sounds and discomfort when eating or speaking.

Can jaw pain be a sign of something serious?

Yes. In some cases, jaw pain can be related to conditions like heart attack, rheumatoid arthritis, or trigeminal neuralgia. If you’re experiencing chest, nose, or facial pain along with your jaw discomfort, seek immediate medical attention.

What’s the difference between TMJ and TMD?

TMJ refers to the joint itself, while TMD (temporomandibular disorder) or TMJ disorder refers to the condition affecting that joint and surrounding muscles.

Can stress cause jaw pain?

Yes. Stress is a major contributor to clenching, grinding and jaw muscle tension. Reducing stress can help alleviate pain and prevent it from coming back.

Will I need surgery for my jaw pain?

Surgery is rare. Most jaw pain can be treated with non-invasive treatments like night guards, muscle relaxants or physical therapy. We exhaust all options before considering surgery.

Book Your Appointment Today!

Don’t wait any longer to get relief from jaw pain. At Cascadia Dental Studio, we can help you feel better with personalized care.

Call us at 604-438-5321 or click below to book your appointment today.

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