fb pixel

TMJ Disorder Management

Call The Office

(08) 9242 4400

Office Location

322 Vincent St, Leederville

Email Us

smile@dentistsonvincent.com.au

Home » TMJ Disorder Management

TMJ Disorder Management Leederville

Temporomandibular joint disorders, commonly called TMD, are conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement.
invisalign leederville
The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the joint on either side of the jaw that allows the jaw to open, close, move from side to side and forward. The TMJ is composed of muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and bones.

Our temporomandibular joints are subject to TMJ disorder, which can affect one or both joints.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a pain in the jaw joint that can be caused by a variety of medical problems. Certain facial muscles that control chewing are also connected to the lower jaw.

Problems can cause head and neck pain, facial pain, ear pain, a jaw that is locked in position or difficult to open, biting problems, and jaw clicking or popping sounds when you bite. Women are more prone to develop TMJ disorders than men.

Muscles involved in chewing are also responsible for opening and closing the mouth. The jawbone, controlled by the TMJ, has two movements: hinge action, which is opening and closing of the mouth, and gliding action, allowing the mouth to open wider. The coordination of these actions allows you to talk, chew, and yawn.

signs and symptoms of tmj disorder leederville

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders are as follows:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Pain in one or both TMJ
  • Aching pain in and around your ear
  • Difficulty or pain while chewing
  • Facial pain
  • Locking of the jaw joint, making it hard to open or close your mouth

 

TMJ disorders can also cause a jaw clicking or grating feeling when opening the mouth or chewing. But if there’s no pain or restriction of movement related to your jaw clicking, you probably don’t need TMJ disorder treatment.

Causes of TMJ Disorder

Possible causes of TMJ disorders include:

  • Arthritis
  • Jaw dislocation
  • Facial injury
  • Improper tooth and jaw alignment
  • Stress and teeth grinding

TMJ Disorder Treatment

While there is no cure for TMJ disorders, there are different treatments that may reduce your symptoms significantly.

Your dentist may recommend one or more of the following:

Medication

Trying to get rid of muscle spasm and pain by applying moist heat or taking medications, such as muscle relaxants, aspirin, other over-the-counter painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs.

Wear a nightguard

This reduces the harmful effects of tooth clenching and grinding by wearing a nightguard or splint.

Relax

Learning relaxation techniques may help control muscle tension in the jaw. Your Leederville dentist may suggest you seek training or counselling to help eliminate stress.

TMJ Disorder Management in Leederville

If you experience the symptoms mentioned above and suspect you have TMJ disorder, please call us and schedule an appointment.

Visit your Leederville dentist today!

TMJ Disorder Management in Leederville

Call us on (08) 9242 4400 or request your appointment online.

We are located at 322 Vincent Street in Leederville.

Frequently Asked
Questions

Is there a way to prevent TMJ disorders?
  • If you tend to have occasional episodes of jaw pain, avoid chewing gum or biting on hard objects, like pens or fingernails. Avoid eating hard or chewy food. Support your lower jaw with your hand when yawning.
  • Avoid large bites when eating.
  • Massage your jaw, cheeks, and temple muscles regularly.
  • Apply moist heat if you feel spasms.
  • Maintain good sleeping posture with neck support.
  • Avoid putting your phone between your shoulder and neck.
  • See your Leederville dentist if you grind your teeth at night or often find yourself clenching your jaw.
Do TMJ disorders cause headaches?
While many factors cause headaches, TMJ disorder is one explanation. Stress causes us to clench our teeth, applying pressure on the jaw joints. This can start a cycle of facial contraction that can lead to TMJ disorder.
Do TMJ disorders require surgery?
Surgery is not the first line of treatment and is only considered when all more conservative treatments fail to manage or relieve your symptoms.
ada logo
asof logo

Book Your Consultation Today!

  • We accept Eftpos, Mastercard, Visa Card, HICAPS and All Major Health Funds.

Contact Info

Dentists on Vincent Leederville

Address: 322 Vincent St, Leederville, WA 6007

Phone: (08) 9242 4400

Email: smile@dentistsonvincent.com.au

Opening Hours

Mon: Closed

Tue: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Wed: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Thu: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Fri: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Sat: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (by appointment)

Sun: Closed

PARKING/PUBLIC TRANSPORT

There is ample car parking across the road from the practice

There are cafes and eateries within walking distance

LOCATION

Dentists on Vincent is located in Leederville, 14 min from Northbridge and only short stroll from Leederville Oval and Water Corporation

Pin It on Pinterest