Newcastle Dental - Newcastle

TMJ Therapy in Newcastle

TMJ refers to the Temporomandibular Joint, while TMD stands for Temporomandibular Disorder. These terms are commonly used to describe conditions that impact the muscles, nerves, and joints of the jaw. If you're experiencing discomfort or issues related to jaw function, understanding TMJ and TMD is crucial for seeking the right therapy and treatment options.
Call 647-696-0701

Jaw Pain is Not Normal

If you experience jaw pain regularly, it might feel normal, but itโ€™s far from it. Jaw pain can indicate a condition known as TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder), which affects one or both of your TMJs (TemporoMandibular Joints). When there is disease or misalignment, inflammation in the TMJ and surrounding area can lead to pain and other troubling symptoms.

    What Are the Signs of TMJ Disorder (TMD)?

  • Headaches
  • Earaches and tenderness around the ear
  • Facial or jaw pain and tenderness
  • Muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the jaw
  • Difficulty chewing, yawning, or opening your mouth

If you recognize these signs, itโ€™s important to seek professional evaluation and treatment.

How Do We Diagnose and Treat TMJ Disorder?

Diagnosis

Diagnosing TMD begins with a thorough clinical examination of your face, jaw, bite, joints, and teeth. During your visit, we will assess for pain and tenderness and listen for any clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth, swallow, or chew. If TMD is diagnosed, the initial treatment often includes a bite splint or night guard.

Treatment and Relief

Our primary treatment involves bite splints, which are custom-designed plastic mouthpieces that fit over your upper and/or lower teeth. These devices help prevent grinding and clenching, which can exacerbate TMD. Additionally, the splint realigns the jaw, relieving stress on the surrounding muscles and joints.

Alternative Treatment Options

If your symptoms stem from a misaligned bite or missing teeth, we may recommend orthodontic or restorative dental treatments. In cases where your bite is putting excessive pressure on the TMJs, reshaping individual teeth may help redistribute bite forces more evenly.

Contact us today

to schedule an initial consultation & exam.

Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

TMJ refers to the Temporomandibular Joint, which connects your jaw to your skull. When this joint is misaligned or inflamed, it leads to a condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD).

Symptoms of TMD can include:

  • Pain and tenderness in or around the ear, jaw joint, or jaw muscles
  • Discomfort in the face or temples
  • Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
  • Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when you chew, yawn, or move your jaw
  • Neck pain and headaches

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a dental professional for evaluation and potential treatment options.

TMD can arise from various factors, including:

  • Jaw Injuries: Trauma to the jaw can lead to misalignment and inflammation.
  • Joint Diseases: Conditions such as arthritis can affect the TMJ.
  • Bruxism: Tooth clenching or grinding can exacerbate TMD symptoms.
  • Muscle Tension: Tension in the head, neck, and jaw muscles may contribute to discomfort.
  • Stress: While stress is often associated with TMD, it remains unclear whether it causes the disorder or is a symptom of it.
  • Ill-Fitting Dental Appliances: Partial or full dentures that do not fit properly can lead to TMD.
  • Habits: Certain behaviors, like fingernail biting or chewing on pens or pencils, may also play a role.

Headaches can stem from various sources, and it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for a physical examination to determine the underlying cause. TMD may indeed be a contributing factor, as muscle tension and jaw misalignment can lead to headache symptoms.

In most cases, TMJ pain can be effectively managed through non-invasive treatments and therapies. Surgical intervention is rarely necessary and is typically considered only in extreme cases. Your well-being is our priority, and we will always explore the safest and least invasive options first. Ultimately, you will be involved in the decision-making process regarding your treatment.

What Our Patients Are Saying

  • Video testimonials
  • Google reviews

Kids Love Newcastle Dental

Very Happy With The Staff And The Office

Noticeably Whiter Teeth

Newcastle Dental - Newcastle

Request an Appointment Today

Call 647-696-0701