TMD Treatment in Moorabbin
Come to Bayside Smiles if you suffer from Temporomandibular disorder (TMD). At clinics in Moorabbin and Black Rock, we have a TMD dentist who can help treat your condition.
Your temporomandibular joint is a hinge connecting your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull—these are located in from your ears. This joint allows you to move your jaw so you can eat and talk as well as yawn. Medical problems with your jaw and the facial muscles which control your jaw are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD) – sometimes confused as TMJ.
The causes of TMD are often complex and multi-factorial. But symptoms tend to arise after injury to your jaw, joint or the muscles of your head and neck; injuries consistent with a heavy blow or whiplash. Other causes include:
- Stress—this can cause a tightening of the facial and jaw muscles
- Arthritis in the jaw joint
- Grinding or clenching your teeth—this puts a lot of pressure on the jaw joint
Symptoms of TMD
As a rule, TMD causes discomfort and severe pain. Some patients in Black Rock and Moorabbin will only experience it on one side of their face while others will experience it on both. Typically more women than men have it and the average age of TMD sufferers is between 20 and 40.
Some symptoms of TMD include:
- Tenderness or pain in the face, jaw joint area, shoulders, neck and in or around the ear when you: eat, speak or open your mouth wide
- Jaws which get locked or stuck
- Clicking, grating or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth to chew. This can be painful but not always
- Swelling on the side of your face
- Trouble chewing
Diagnosing and Treating TMD in Moorabbin and Black Rock
TMD can be difficult to diagnose as other conditions, such as tooth decay, sinus problems, and arthritis, as well as gum disease, show similar symptoms. When you visit Bayside Smiles in Moorabbin or Black Rock, our TMD specialist will thoroughly assess your oral health, take necessary x-rays, check your bite and listen for clicks, pops or grating sounds to accurately diagnose your condition.
There are several effective options for treating TMD. Some patients may benefit from using a simple splint or night guard. These appliances fit over your teeth and can lessen the effects of clenching or grinding your teeth. They can also help correct your bite by placing your teeth in a more optimal position. The primary difference is that while you only wear a night guard while you sleep, a splint might be worn all the time for more significant bite correction.
These fit over your teeth and can lessen the effects of clenching or grinding your teeth. They also can correct your bite by placing your teeth in a correct position. The difference between a night guard and a splint is that while you only wear a night guard while you sleep you wear a splint all the time.
Another treatment method available at our Moorabbin and Black Rock clinics is dental work. This can involve bite correction through orthodontics or replacing missing teeth with dental implants or bridges. This form of treatment works by balancing bite surfaces or replacing teeth to correct your bite and alleviate TMD symptoms.
Ready for TMD Relief in Moorabbin or Black Rock?
Don't let TMD pain impact your daily life. Our experienced team at Bayside Smiles is here to provide personalised solutions.
Contact Bayside Smiles today to schedule a consultation with our TMD dentist and start your journey to relief. Visit us in Moorabbin, Village or Black Rock, by booking your appointment online.
