TMD (TMJ Disorder) Brisbane CBD

Treat TMJ Disorder Brisbane CBD

TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, is a group of separate but related disorders of the temporomandibular joints (the jaw joints located immediately in front of the ears). These joints let you move your jaw and talk, chew and yawn but with TMD, this often causes severe pain and discomfort on one or both sides of your face. This condition can also affect the associated muscles of the jaw, face and neck and related ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. TMD is also referred to as TMJ Disorder or syndrome, Cranio-Mandibular Dysfunction, or Myofascial Pain Dysfunction (MPD).

Without the knowledge of how the jaw joints, muscles, bones and teeth work together, it can be very difficult to diagnose TMD. There are many factors that contribute to TMD, some include:

acute trauma
chronic causes
opening too wide
clenching
grinding
a ‘bad bite’

A bad bite is where the teeth do not fit together well in harmony. Many people go through their lives suffering the pain associated with this condition and never have it diagnosed properly. In cases such as these, patients have often just accepted that this pain is part of their everyday life and live with it. It does not need to be this way.

At Dental Pearls, we have invested in the most up-to-date technology to diagnose, treat and monitor TMD

We create a tailored treatment plan to meet your particular needs. Successful treatment for TMD can involve a wide range of treatments. Other health practitioners may need to be involved as the TMJ and dental structures are interrelated to the whole body’s alignment and function.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TMJ DISORDER (TMD)

Clicking, popping, grating sounds in the ear or joint
Limited opening of the mouth
Locked jaw
Pain or soreness around the jaw joint
Headaches
Neck, shoulder or back pain
Facial pain especially in the temples around the eyes
Clenching or grinding of the teeth (bruxism)
Sensitive and sore teeth
Unexplained loose teeth
Worn chipping or cracked teeth
Cracking, chipping or breaking dental restorations
Ringing in the ears
Ear congestion or stuffiness
Numbness, tingling in the fingers or arms

FAQs

What is temporomandibular disorder (TMJ)?

TMJ refers to a group of disorders that affect the temporomandibular joints, which are the joints in the jaw located in front of the ears. These joints allow for proper function of the jaw when talking, chewing, and yawning. In cases of TMJ, patients often feel severe pain and discomfort on one or both sides of the face. Other muscles and ligaments in the jaw, face and neck can also be affected by the condition.

What causes TMJ?

There are a number of factors which can contribute to the condition. These include teeth grinding, clenching of the jaw, and misalignment of the teeth. Acute trauma, in the case of an accident for example, can also cause damage to the joints in the jaw. Opening the mouth too wide can also contribute to the development of the disorder.

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

Some common symptoms of the disorder include a clicking sound in the ear or joint; difficulty opening the mouth; a locked jaw; pain and discomfort around the jaw joint; headaches; pain in the neck, shoulders, and back; facial pain in the temples and around the eyes; clenching or grinding of the teeth; sensitive and sore teeth; and unexplained loose teeth.

I clench my jaw a lot. Is It Bad for My Teeth?

Yes, jaw clenching is bad for your teeth and can cause jaw alignment problems. When we clench our teeth, we put pressure on our teeth and gums, which can slowly weaken the structures of the teeth, and lead to issues like TMJ disorder. If this is a habit you have, work on overcoming it so that you don’t trigger bigger issues.