What is TMJ and Why is It a Problem?
Have you ever felt a clicking or popping in your jaw? Do you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or facial tension? Maybe your jaw feels stiff or even locks up sometimes. If so, you could be dealing with TMJ disorder (TMD)—a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull.
The biggest problem? Most people don’t even know what TMJ is. They think their jaw pain is just something they have to live with or that it’s caused by stress, sleeping wrong, or even bad posture.
But TMJ disorder is real, and if left untreated, it can cause long-term damage to your jaw, teeth, and overall well-being. The good news? Relief is possible—and you don’t have to suffer in silence.
If you’re struggling with TMJ pain in Calgary, Alberta, TMJ Dentist Dr. Curtis Westersund at Dentalife can help.
What is TMJ Disorder (TMD)
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a small but powerful joint that allows your jaw to move smoothly when you talk, chew, yawn, and even breathe. When this joint isn’t working properly, TMJ disorder (TMD) develops, leading to pain and discomfort in the jaw and surrounding muscles.
Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
✅ Jaw pain or stiffness
✅ Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
✅ Headaches or migraines
✅ Earaches or ringing in the ears
✅ Difficulty chewing or biting
✅ Facial pain or tenderness
✅ Neck, shoulder, or back pain
If you recognize any of these symptoms, you don’t have to ignore them—there’s a solution.
Why Does TMJ Hurt—and How Can You Get Rid of the Pain?
TMJ pain isn’t just about your jaw. Your TMJ is connected to muscles, nerves, and bones that affect your entire head, neck, and even posture. When it’s out of alignment, it can cause pain that spreads beyond your jaw.
Common causes of TMJ pain include:
🔹 Teeth grinding (bruxism) – Puts excessive strain on your TMJ.
🔹 Jaw misalignment – Causes stress on the joint and surrounding muscles.
🔹 Stress & tension – Can lead to unconscious clenching of the jaw.
🔹 Poor posture – Especially from desk work and screen time.
🔹 Injury or trauma – Accidents, falls, or even dental work can contribute.
The key to getting rid of TMJ pain is finding the root cause – which is exactly what Dr. Westersund at Dentalife in Calgary does.
TMJ Pain Relief: Here’s How It Works
At Dentalife, Calgary, Dr. Westersund offers a comprehensive approach to TMJ treatment, designed to stop the pain at its source.
Here’s how we help:
1. Personalized TMJ Evaluation
Your first visit starts with a detailed assessment to understand the cause of your TMJ disorder. Dr. Westersund will check your jaw alignment, bite position, and muscle function to identify problem areas.
2. Customized Treatment Plan
TMJ treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Based on your symptoms, we may recommend:
✔️ Oral Appliances & TMJ Splints – To stabilize and reposition the jaw.
✔️ Neuromuscular Dentistry – To correct bite misalignment.
✔️ Massage Therapy & Myofunctional Therapy – To relieve muscle tension.
✔️ Laser Therapy & Physiotherapy – To reduce inflammation and promote healing.
✔️ Lifestyle Adjustments – Guidance on posture, sleep, and stress management.
3. Long-Term Relief & Preventative Care
Once your TMJ pain is under control, we’ll help you maintain a healthy jaw function to prevent future issues. Regular checkups, bite assessments, and personalized follow-ups ensure long-lasting results.
The best part? TMJ treatment at Dentalife is non-invasive, comfortable, and life-changing.
Who Provides the Solution? Meet Dr. Westersund at Dentalife in Calgary
When it comes to TMJ disorder, Dr. Curtis Westersund can help.
As a leading TMJ dentist in Calgary, he has helped countless patients find lasting relief from jaw pain, headaches, and facial discomfort. With advanced training in neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Westersund focuses on treating the cause—not just the symptoms—of TMJ disorder.
At Dentalife, our mission is simple:
💙 Listen to your concerns
💙 Find the root cause of your pain
💙 Provide real solutions that work
If you’ve been told “just live with it”, it’s time for a second opinion. You deserve a pain-free life!
Stop TMJ Pain Today—Book Your Appointment Now!
TMJ pain doesn’t have to control your life. With the right treatment, you can:
✅ Wake up pain-free
✅ Chew, talk, and laugh without discomfort
✅ Say goodbye to headaches and jaw tension
✅ Feel like yourself again
Why wait and let the pain get worse? Relief is possible—and it starts with one appointment.
👉 Book your TMJ consultation with Dr. Westersund at Dentalife in Calgary today!
