Experience Pain Relief with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) Treatment Near You
Do you experience frequent headaches and jaw soreness? The cause might be temporomandibular joint pain. This common oral condition refers to a group of conditions that affect TMJs, the hinge-like joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull.
Living with TMJ pain can deteriorate your quality of life. Simple tasks like eating, yawning, or speaking for long periods can become agonising. Flinders Dental Practice understands the burden of living with TMJ pain. Our team offers TMJ pain treatment in Flinders, Victoria, to ensure you live a painless life.
How do I know I have TMJ pain?
Everyone has two TMJs on either side of the face. The TMJs allow the jaws to move in almost every direction when talking, eating, yawning, etc. When healthy, TMJs work seamlessly, and you rarely notice their presence. However, when the TMJs are misaligned, injured, or strained, you’ll experience numerous unpleasant symptoms.
Some include:
- Tension headaches
- Jaw pain, soreness, or tenderness
- Clicks or pops when using your jaws
- A jaw that gets stuck when opened or closed
- Painful or difficulty chewing
- Facial pain
TMJ pain affects men and women alike. Unfortunately, TMJ disorders often go undiagnosed or untreated, leaving sufferers to endure the pain silently. Good news! Effective evaluations and treatments are available to restore comfort, functionality, and quality of life.
What causes TMJ pain?
The exact cause of TMJ pain is unknown, but research has identified several common triggers that can lead to or worsen TMJ pain.
These include:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): Constant clenching or grinding of teeth puts excessive pressure on the jaw joints, leading to muscle fatigue and joint inflammation.
- Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress can cause unconscious jaw clenching or tightening of facial muscles, exacerbating TMJ discomfort.
- Jaw trauma: Accidents, falls, or blows to the jaw can damage the joint cartilage or surrounding muscles, leading to long-term pain and dysfunction.
- Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions like arthritis affect joints, including the TMJs. An inflamed joint causes swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Misaligned bite: Poorly aligned teeth or jaws can put unequal pressure on the jaw joint, causing strain and discomfort.
How do we treat TMJ pain?
The first step of your treatment is pain management. The doctor will give you pain medications, jaw exercises, and home remedies, such as an ice application, for temporary relief. Lifestyle changes like avoiding chewing gum and sticking to soft foods can help with jaw pain relief.
Once we identify the root cause of your TMJ pain, the dentist may use oral appliance therapy to reduce the effects of bruxism. A TMJ nightguard reduces bruxism-related tension, allowing overworked jaw muscles to relax and heal over time. Consistent use of TMJ oral splints reduces headaches, jaw pain, and other TMD symptoms.
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for TMJ pain. Our dentists can also recommend orthodontics, neuromuscular dentistry, and anti-inflammatory medications to treat TMJ pain. We’re committed to exploring all options to help you live pain-free.
Take the first step towards relief – schedule your appointment today!
Do you have TMJ pain? Seeking professional help isn't just an option—it's a necessary step toward reclaiming your health and happiness. Experience a painless life with TMJ treatment at Flinders Dental Practice. Call (03) 5989-1129 to reserve an appointment.
