TMJ Treatment in Newcastle
Your temporomandibular joint or TMJ is the hinge area where your jaw, along with associated muscles and ligaments, attach just in front of your ear. The TMJ is responsible for thousands of movements per day, whether you’re talking, laughing or chewing.
An overused or dysfunctional TMJ joint can lead to chronic pain or TMJ disorder (TMD).
What Causes TMJ Disorder?
Before we can treat your TMJ pain, we need to diagnose the cause. Here are three of the most common causes:
Sleep Apnoea: Undiagnosed sleeping disorders may be the contributing factor to your jaw pain, particularly if you have other symptoms of sleep apnoea.
Teeth Grinding/Bruxism: If you’re a chronic teeth grinder that will lead to a gradual overuse of your jaw joints. Excessive tension on your TMJ will take a toll on your muscles and ligaments.
Stress: Elevated levels of stress can lead to tension throughout your body, including your jaw.
Some of the most common symptoms of TMD include:
- Popping or clicking noises when you open and close your mouth
- A limited range of motion
- Earaches
- Headaches or migraines
- Jaw stiffness
- Flat, worn or sharp teeth
- Sore jaw, neck, shoulders or back when you wake up in the morning
- Broken dental work
- Jaw deviation from side to side when opening/closing
- Chronic stress or a stressful lifestyle
During your examination, we’ll assess your teeth, jaws and personal history to identify the likely cause of your TMJ discomfort. Then we can determine the most appropriate type of non-surgical therapy to relieve your pain and improve your condition.
Most people think of facial injectables as a method for fighting wrinkles and reducing the effects of aging, but they are also increasingly used to alleviate pain. If stretching hasn’t helped alleviate the pain of TMD, we might talk to you about the possibility of using injectables for more effective relief.
Here’s how they work: facial injectables relax the TMJ muscle, which in turn releases tension associated with grinding/clenching. We’ll inject a naturally occurring toxin into trigger points, or bands of tight muscle, in your jaw. The agent will help trigger points resolve on their own, so you can get back to the business of smiling.
We typically recommend coming in once every three to six months for a new injection as the treatment of injectables lasts for roughly 6 months. The dentist may also talk to you about combining this treatment with another approach, such as night guards or stretches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I receive a combination of injectables and a nightguard to address my TMD?
Yes, injectable treatment works best in conjunction with other treatments such as night guards/splints.
Photobiomodulation therapy is a state-of-the-art solution using low-level laser to provide non-invasive treatment that helps provide relief from pain and promote healing for those who suffer with TMD/bruxism. Learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during treatment?
The laser device will be applied directly to the affected muscles or tissues, delivering the targeted light energy. The treatment is painless and safe, with no known side effects.
The duration of each session typically ranges from 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the severity and chronicity of your condition.
How many sessions will I need?
For optimal results, a series of 5 to 10 treatment sessions may be recommended. These sessions can be combined with other dental treatments as part of a comprehensive plan to address your TMD or bruxism.
Made out of clear plastic, a TMJ night guard serves as a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. This appliance prevents your TMJ from completely contracting and tightening and allows stretching of the muscles to alleviate tension on your jaw and teeth. To get started, we just need to take an impression of your teeth.
In addition to wearing your bite splint or a night guard, there are a few other ways to reduce your TMJ flare-ups and the pain they cause. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Avoid chewing gum or eating firmer-textured foods, as this may strain your joint.
- Make conscious observations as to your jaw’s resting position throughout the day; remember “lips together, teeth apart”.
- Alternate a warm and cold compress on the side of your joint pain to reduce swelling.
- Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories as directed.
*Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Each smile is unique and individual results may vary.
