Tmj Pain Specialist Sydney & Tmj Treatment | Smile Concepts

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The TMJ connects the lower jaw to the skull (temporal bone) under your ear. TMJ disorders can often cause pain & discomfort.

WHAT IS THETM JOINT?
Problems in this area can cause head & neck pain, a jaw that is locked in position (leading to jaw pain) or difficult to open, problems biting, and popping sounds (clicking jaw) when you bite.
This is where our TMJ Experts in Sydney comes into play and help you with these signs and symptoms.

Is TMJ Pain AnEmergency?
If you cant open your mouth (closed lock) or close your mouth (open lock) and leads to jaw pain then –

You should call us on 02 8064 9120 immediately to see our TMJ experts in Sydney.

The more you wait the harder it is to place the jaw back into place.

What are theCauses of TMJ pain?
causes of tmj
Sleep Plays A Very Big Role in TMJ Pain.

The TMJ experts in Sydney will make sure that we evaluate you sleeping problems as part of the ...
... cause of
TMJ pain.

Other common causes of TMJ pain are listed in 5 main categories.
1. Trauma
Trauma is divided to microtrauma & macrotrauma.

a. Microtrauma is internal, such as bruxism (grinding the teeth) and clenching (jaw tightening).

This continual hammering on the temporomandibular joint can change the alignment of the teeth.

Muscle involvement causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the joint.

b. Macrotrauma, such as a punch to the jaw or impact in an accident, can break the jawbone or damage the disc.

2. Clenching
Someone who clenches continually bites on things while awake.

This might be chewing gum, a pen or pencil, or fingernails.

The constant pounding on the joint causes the pain.

Stress is often blamed for tension in the jaw, leading to a clenched jaw.

3. Bruxism
Teeth grinding as a habit can result in muscle spasm and inflammatory reactions, thus causing the initial pain.

Generally, someone who has a habit of grinding his or her teeth will do so mostly during sleep and snoring.

It can lead to a clicking jaw as well.

4. Osteoarthritis
Like other joints in the body, the jaw joint is prone to have arthritic changes.

These changes are sometimes caused by breakdown of the joint (degeneration) or normal aging.

5. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation.

As it progresses, the disease can cause destruction of cartilage and erode bone, deforming joints.

What are theSigns &
Symptoms?
Headache, jaw, ear, or facial pain
Unable to open the mouth comfortably
Clicking jaw, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint
Locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth
Dizziness and vision problems or other similar problems
A bite that feels uncomfortable or “off”
Neck, shoulder and back pain
Swelling on the side of the face
Ringing in the ears or ear pain
Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Decreased hearing
Pain when chewing
Headaches
Neck pain
Throat Pain
Scalp Tenderness
Difficult Swallowing
What is the diagnosis and treatment for TMJ pain?
The TMJ experts in Sydney use the most advanced diagnostic equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders.

First a thorough examination will be conducted which will include

A postural examination
a cranial examination
Dental exam
Neurological Exam
We will look at range of motion of the jaw, speed of opening and closing, joint sounds, internal TMJ, inflammation and pain.

Your sleep will be evaluated with a sleep study.

This will allow us to determine whether you have a sleeping disorder which could be contributing to your TMJ pain.

TMJ Treatment Plan
A scan of your head and neck will be taken to see if there is any obstruction of your nasal or oral airway.

Our treatment plan will be orthotics therapy and a range of adjunctive therapies to help alleviate the pain and correct the bite.

Special orthotics/splints that are designed to maximise function and ability to breathe properly, are worn during the day and night.

This allows your jaw joint to heal (just like a fractured bone is plastered).

Orthotics therapy treatment time is usually three months but in more severe cases the treatment can take longer.

Smile Concepts are the leading Sydney dentist, specialising in general, advanced and cosmetic dentistry. Book an appointment today at Sydney CBD or Five Dock.