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What is TMJ?

TMJ refers to your jaw joint – which unabbreviated is the “Temporomandibular joint”. This joint connects you jaw via a tiny flat disc to your skull. When people talk about TMJ, they often mean TMD.

TMD refers to “Temporomandibular joint disorder” – which is the general term dentist use when you have been diagnosed with jaw pain.

What are the  causes of Jaw pain?

Some common causes include:

• Frequent heavy grinding and clenching
• Damage to the jaw joint or muscles
• Joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis
• Inflammation due to rheumatoid arthritis

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Pain

The most common symptoms of TMD include:

• Grinding/clenching (bruxism)
• Jaw clicking or pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Bite problems
• Back or neck pain

Untreated TMD

If left untreated, TMD can cause misaligned teeth and hence a poor bite. This may cause further strain on your jaw muscles leading to headaches, back pain, neck pain. You may start to hear grinding or clicking noises that may eventually worsen to restricted jaw movements and pain when chewing or talking. Some patients experience tinnitus (ringing ears) which may lead to dizziness.

Treatment Options for TMJ pain

Treatments for TMD vary according to the case.

Inflammation of the muscles and joints can be treated with medication such as ibuprofen or warmth to the jaw muscles. In most cases where the problem is linked to grinding and clenching, an occlusal splint is all you need.

In pain cases, a separate day and night splint is usually required to be worn for a period of time while the muscles and joint starts to heal. Physiotherapy is a great option if it is due to poor posture or strained jaw muscles. Exercises tend to help well in such cases.

Correcting your bite via orthodontics or doing orthopaedic (jaw positioning) therapy may be of help. In severe cases, a specialist may be required to intervene or even surgery may be required.

Interested in TMD Treatment?

Contact us now on (03) 8899 6331 or check out our other services here.

Need help with your dental payments?

We have a variety of Payment Plans available – giving you the flexibility of paying for your TMD Treatment later.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to see a specialist for my jaw pain?
  • Not all cases need to be referred to a specialist so we recommend you make a consult appointment to see if this is required.
• I already have a grinding guard (occlusal splint) for my TMD. It doesn’t work, why?
  • Not all grinding guards are equal and there are many types of grinding guards. Each case requires careful diagnosis to ensure the correct guard is prescribed.
• I’ve been told I have TMD, but I have no pain – do I need treatment?
  • In the absence of TMJ pain, we don’t always recommend treatment, however, that said, we occasionally recommend management so that your signs and symptoms do not get worse.