Neck and Facial Pain

In Toronto and Mississauga, Ontario

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is often accompanied by a variety of pains that are, seemingly, unrelated to your teeth or jaw. Neck and facial pain are two common areas of pain associated with TMD. Superficial facial pain often feels like a sharp stabbing pain. Deep facial pain can feel more like an ache. Neck pain can cause cramping and stiffness, and eventually involve the shoulders, arms and back. Neck pain is often associated with TMD headaches. The dental team at Willow Dental Associates can help you identify the cause and solution for your neck, facial pain and headaches at our Toronto area office.

Diagnosis

The mechanisms that cause neck and facial pain are complex, and often difficult to pinpoint. According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) facial pain can be caused by TMD, and also by sinusitis, toothaches, facial muscles themselves, or early periodontal disease. Neck pain along with facial pain may indicate TMD. At Willow Dental Associates we use technology, such as x-rays and scanners to help diagnose TMD and differentiate between other possible causes, and to help determine the best course of treatment.

Successful treatment can begin when we address what causes your neck and facial pain. When a dental cause is identified, treatment addresses correcting the causes of TMD or other oral problems, along with employing accepted pain management techniques.

Pain Management

Pain management can begin with stress reducing exercises, muscle relaxants or a mouth guard to prevent tooth grinding. Apply heat to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Avoid biting your nails and crunching hard candies or foods. Try relaxing techniques such as meditation. Another pain management measure that is also a step in correcting TMD is to wear an orthotic designed to realign your jaw.

Treatment for TMD

Neck and facial pain resulting from TMD may respond with more permanent relief through longer term treatment to correct your jaw alignment. A misaligned jaw will result in pressure on tissues when chewing, speaking, yawning or swallowing that causes muscle tension and discomfort. Over time the tense muscles can cause inflammation, swelling and pain.

Neuromuscular dentistry offered at Willow Dental Associates is offered with the assurance of training received from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI). LVI based treatment of TMD is aimed at realigning your jaw, muscles and ligaments to their natural position to reduce the stress and tension in the muscles. When your jaw and bite are in alignment your muscles can relax and work as they are designed to do.

Other factors might contribute to neck and facial pain, such as arthritis, prior injury or dislocation of the jaw joint. If you have other problems with your bite, orthodontic treatment to align your teeth or arches might be part of the solution.

Please contact Willow Dental Associates for a neck or facial pain evaluation in the Toronto area by one of our neuromuscular dentists.