Tag: tmj specialist

TMJ Treatment West Kelowna

Can a TMJ Disorder be fixed permanently?

In any kind of health-related field, there is great risk and controversy that comes with claiming there is a permanent cure to a condition. While the human body is incredibly resilient and many dental professionals claim that you can permanently cure TMJ, we’re going to veer away from this guarantee.

However, we can confidently say that TMJ can be managed with the help of a TMJ treatment West Kelowna specialist.

The difference between curable and treatable is that:

Curable suggests a complete restoration of health where the condition is fully eliminated with no lingering symptoms or complications.

Treatable describes the managing and decreasing of symptoms of a condition over time while not implying that the condition is completely eradicated.

TMJ is a complex case because the jaw joint is made of fibrocartilage, the same kind also found in your knee and in the discs between your vertebrae. Because it cannot regenerate, injuries and wear and tear to this tissue can lead to permanent issues.

In the early stages of TMJ, you absolutely have the control to prevent serious damage to your jaw joint. If you’re looking for TMJ treatment in West Kelowna, we offer a variety of holistic TMJ management services to stop further deterioration and manage the pain you’re in.

This can include:

Orthodontic devices for night and day wear
Performing routine exercises for the face and jaw
Reducing stress in your life
Decreasing caffeine intake
Avoiding hard, chewing or sticky foods

In extreme stages of TMJ, greater intervention may be needed, such as surgery. While this is widely considered a last resort, it can be necessary when treatment isn’t applied soon enough.

Don’t let TMJ interfere with your quality of life. Health & Beauty Dentistry is a judgement zone and we’re here to help support you in finding realistic, holistic TMJ treatment in West Kelowna that aligns with your lifestyle and budget!

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What is "TMJ treatment"?

When you are living with a TMJ Disorder, you are most likely in pain for most of the day, every day. Living in pain is not living at all. Since most TMJ Disorders are caused by dental problems, yes – your bite is the culprit, West Kelowna dentist Dr. Shauna Palmer is able to provide effective TMJ Treatment.

How does it work?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a sliding hinge that connects each side of the jawbone to the skull. When these joints are under tension and stress, they can cause severe TMJ pain, tenderness, difficulty chewing, headaches, migraines, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.

By realigning your bite and restoring the balance, relaxation of the affected muscles is possible. When the hyper-tensed muscles are in a relaxed position, the pain usually decreases.

Dr. Shauna Palmer believes that no one should have to live with a TMJ Disorder and provides TMJ Treatment with a physiological, holistic approach. Meaning: Keeping the whole body in mind because more parts of your body could be affected by a TMJ Disorder.

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What patients say about Kelowna TMJ Dentist Dr. Shauna Palmer

[These are actual Google Reviews]

tmj treatment in kelowna

What causes a TMJ Disorder?

By now, we know that TMJ pain affects more women than men and most commonly affects those between the age of 20 and 60. Nevertheless, men can experience the same symptoms and effects.

While TMJ causes are not always obvious, the most common causes include:

Misaligned jaws or bite
Injuries
Missing Teeth
Arthritis
Stress
Teeth clenching or grinding
Genetics

In most cases, multiple factors have an accumulative effect on the position of the teeth, causing an imbalance. The TMJ joints are trying by nature to restore that balance, therefore causing muscle strain and pain. A TMJ Disorder can even have a negative effect on your internal organs, posture, and even mental health.

How to treat a TMJ Disorder? A physiologic and holistic approach is preferred.

Since every TMJ case is different, there isn’t ‘one way’ to treat a TMJ Disorder. The individual variables are so numerous that it really doesn’t make sense to declare: “This is how you treat TMJ”.

Dr. Shauna Palmer, West Kelowna dentist, providing TMJ Treatment:

“What we can provide is insight in some aspects of the TMJ Treatment process:

A thorough dental exam is performed including digital X-rays and digital 3D imaging to determine all the possible factors that play a role.
Extensive muscle tension tests are performed to measure where strain and pain is coming from.
Dental devices (physiologically designed daytime orthotic/night time sleep appliance) will be fabricated to re-balance the bite. A level 3 sleep screening is performed prior to fabrication of the devices in order to determine if there is any sleep disorder breathing such as obstructive sleep apnea.
Jaw movements will be measured to define the effectiveness of the treatment in progress
Jaws can then be restored in the most physiologic position. A phase 2 treatment can involve a long term removable orthotic and sleep appliance, physiologically based orthodontics, physiologically based restorations (crowns, bridges, veneers, implants etc.), or a combination of physiologically based orthodontics and restorative work.

Again, individual treatment approaches and results vary. Most importantly, TMJ Treatment requires a holistic / physiological approach. Since all parts of the body can be affected, a 360 vision needs to be applied to every TMJ Treatment process.

tmj treatment specialist kelowna

Why choose Dr. Shauna Palmer?

Switch to a holistic approach

End Holistic Dentistry confusion
Don’t continue unhealthy dentistry
Avoid putting toxic chemicals into your body
Stop treating symptoms only, treat the causes
Forget about a one size fits all approach to dentistry

Live healthier, happier and longer

Take control over what goes into your mouth and body
Strive for the oral health you’ve always wanted
Find clarity about healthy, natural, holistic dentistry
Enjoy feeling better about yourself
Choose a healthier life!

Make an appointment today!

Health & Beauty Dentistry

Find TMJ Pain Relief: Embracing a Holistic Approach to TMJ Treatment

Post author By Dr. Shauna Palmer
Post date May 30, 2023

Living with TMJ can ruin your life

Dr. Shauna Palmer, TMJ Practitioner at Health & Beauty dentistry in West Kelowna:

“Living with a Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder can be a painful and debilitating experience. The TMJ, located on both sides of the jaw, allows for the smooth movement of the jaw and plays a crucial role in eating, speaking, and even facial expressions. When the TMJ becomes dysfunctional, it can significantly impact one’s quality of life.

TMJ disorders can have a profound impact on individuals, affecting both their physical and emotional well-being. The physical symptoms of a TMJ disorder, such as chronic jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and facial pain, can be debilitating and interfere with daily activities. The persistent discomfort and limited jaw movement can lead to difficulties in eating, speaking, and even engaging in social interactions. Furthermore, the emotional toll of chronic pain can contribute to heightened stress, anxiety, and depression, affecting one’s overall quality of life. The disrupted sleep caused by TMJ disorders can lead to fatigue, decreased productivity, and a further decline in overall health.

In this comprehensive blog, we will delve into the world of TMJ disorder, exploring causes, symptoms, and effects on people’s lives. We will highlight the importance of a natural, healthy approach to TMJ treatment. By embracing a holistic approach, individuals can find harmony and relief from the challenges of TMJ disorders.”

What is a TMJ Disorder exactly?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. This joint enables the jaw’s smooth movement, allowing us to chew, speak, and yawn comfortably.

However, when the TMJ becomes dysfunctional, a range of symptoms can arise. TMJ disorders may be caused by various factors, including misalignment of the jaw, bruxism (teeth grinding), stress, and arthritis. Common symptoms of TMJ disorders include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, migraines, earaches, facial pain, neck pain, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for effectively managing TMJ disorders and preventing further complications.

Why a holistic approach to TMJ treatment?

A holistic approach to TMJ treatment focuses on addressing the root causes of the disorder rather than simply alleviating the symptoms. Holistic dentistry recognizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and oral health, understanding that oral health plays a vital role in overall well-being.

By adopting a holistic approach, individuals can experience a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan that takes into account their unique circumstances. Unlike traditional approaches that may rely heavily on medications or invasive procedures, holistic TMJ treatment emphasizes natural and minimally invasive techniques to restore balance and harmony to the jaw joint and the bite.

Understanding the ‘bigger picture’ about yourself

Dr. Shauna Palmer’s dental practice in West Kelowna is renowned for its holistic approach to TMJ treatment. With a deep understanding of the complexities of TMJ disorders, Dr. Palmer and her team provide comprehensive care that integrates various treatment modalities to address the underlying causes and promote overall health. Patients undergo thorough assessments to identify contributing factors such as bite misalignment, muscle tension, or stress triggers. By recognizing the interconnectedness of oral health and overall well-being, Dr. Palmer develops personalized treatment plans that may include dental adjustments, bite realignment, stress management techniques, nutritional guidance, and therapeutic exercises.

Dr. Palmer’s practice extends beyond the immediate symptoms, aiming to improve the overall quality of life for patients. By focusing on long-term solutions and promoting natural healing, Dr. Palmer helps patients find relief from pain and discomfort while enhancing their overall health and well-being. Through collaborative and patient-centered care, Dr. Palmer empowers individuals to take control of their TMJ disorder, discomfort, and achieve lasting harmony.

Get rid of TMJ pain, in a healthy way

If you are experiencing the challenges of a TMJ disorder, seeking relief through a holistic approach to treatment is a wise choice. Contact Dr. Shauna Palmer’s dental practice in West Kelowna today to schedule a consultation and discover the benefits of comprehensive care that integrates oral health, overall well-being, and harmony. Take the first step towards finding relief from your TMJ disorder. Dr. Palmer and her team are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care that addresses the root causes of TMJ disorders, helping you regain comfort, functionality, and a renewed sense of well-being.

Experience the benefits of a holistic approach to TMJ treatment

TMJ disorders can significantly impact one’s quality of life, causing physical pain, emotional distress, and hindering daily activities. By embracing a holistic approach to TMJ treatment, individuals can find harmony and relief. Understanding the causes and symptoms of TMJ disorders, and recognizing the importance of early intervention, are essential steps towards effective management. Dr. Shauna Palmer’s dental practice in West Kelowna offers a unique and comprehensive approach to TMJ treatment, focusing on addressing the underlying causes and promoting overall health. By taking a holistic approach, Dr. Palmer empowers her patients to achieve lasting solutions, enabling them to live their lives free from the burdens of TMJ disorders.

Take charge of your TMJ disorder and experience the benefits of a holistic approach to TMJ treatment. Contact Dr. Shauna Palmer’s dental practice today and take the first step towards a pain-free, balanced life.

Tags Holistic Approach, Holistic Dentist Kelowna, pain care for TMJ, TMJ, tmj specialist, tmj treatments

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Do you have difficulty Swallowing? It may be related to TMJ Disorder

Post author By Dr. Shauna Palmer
Post date April 25, 2021

How Difficulty Swallowing Is Closely Related to TMJ Disorder

Symptoms of dysphagia include:

Being unable to swallow
Feeling like you have food stuck in your throat or chest
Coughing or gagging when swallowing

Dysphagia can be caused by many issues. According to the Mayo Clinic, these can include:

Spasms or tremors of the esophagus
An esophageal ring
Foreign bodies
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Scleroderma
Radiation therapy

Additionally, dysphagia can be related to TMJ disorder. What is this disorder and why can it make swallowing difficult?

What is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder is a disorder of the jaw joints, or the temporomandibular jaw joint. It can be caused by misalignment of the teeth, as well as misalignment of the jawbones themselves.

Things that can make symptoms worse include:

Arthritis
Trauma
Grinding your teeth
Stress (which can cause you to constantly tighten your jaw/facial muscles)
Uneven and misaligned bite (malocclusion)

TMJ disorder can lead to chronic headaches and migraines, as well as facial, neck, and shoulder pain. How is it related to dysphagia? You can experience difficulty swallowing because the muscles of your head, jaw, and neck are too tight. When they’re too tight, they don’t function properly, which can make chewing and even swallowing difficult.

Can TMJ Disorder Be Treated Naturally, Without Surgery?

Thankfully, there’s a jaw pain treatment that can also treat your dysphagia. West Kelowna dentist, Dr. Shauna Palmer, can provide you with a TMJ treatment plan, which often includes an orthotic device, that can reduce your symptoms. All of this can be done safely without surgery, and yet, it’s effective.

With her training in physiological principles in treating TMJ disorder and dysphagia, Dr. Palmer looks at what the root cause of your symptoms is before diving into a treatment plan. Understanding the cause gives her a better idea of what sort of treatment is really going to work best for your needs.

Talk to Your Dentist Today About Investing in a Custom TMJ Treatment Plan

When it comes to creating a TMJ treatment plan, there’s no one-size-fits-all plan.

When you see Dr. Palmer, she’ll evaluate your needs and create a treatment plan that will work best for you.

Part of your treatment might include bite equilibration and a physiologic sleep appliance. Or, your treatment plan might include orthodontia, as well as a custom-fit orthotic.

Whatever the case may be, you can rest assured that Dr. Palmer will find a way to treat your TMJ disorder that will reduce your painful, uncomfortable symptoms, including difficulty swallowing.

Are you sick and tired of the pain and discomfort of TMJ disorder? We can help. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive examination and we’ll create a treatment plan that can reduce your symptoms significantly.

Tags TMJ Dentist, TMJ disorder, tmj specialist