TMD - Jaw and Muscle Dysfunction
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TMD stands for temporomandibular dysfunction. It is an umbrella term that encompasses all jaw joint issues and problems with the chewing muscles (muscle spasm, muscle asymmetry, abnormal function, etc). It is extremely common and the pain it causes can often be misdiagnosed as a tooth problem or headache problem. Our dentists have done extensive further training specifically in the diagnosis, management and treatment of jaw and muscle dysfunction as this is a special interest field of theirs.
As there is no specialty that treats TMD, it is generally treated by dentists, physios and chiropractors who do specific additional courses to add to their base knowledge. Unfortunately, patients often don't seek treatment as they don't know where they should be going... which is completely understandable! Often, it is a combination of health disciplines that gives the best rest. Getting the correct diagnosis is the key to success, which is why we have undertaken so much study and learnt from physiotherapists, oral myologists, pain specialists, ear nose and throat specialists and more. We have a dentist who is also a registered oral myologist to work on getting the muscles functioning properly (think physiotherapy for the jaw and throat muscles).
We also accept that the pain can be caused by the jaw, or the jaws may be a symptom of another issue (for example, lower back issues causing ascending problems) in which case we will work with other health professionals to hopefully treat the true cause.
Trauma to the head/neck/face: anything from whiplash, a hit to the chin, a knock or fall can damage the jaw joints, the muscles will then normally protectively spasm around the joint. The trauma doesn't have to be recent. Once the damage is done, if it is not addressed, it can progress to chronic issues.
Clenching and Grinding: Most people are completely unaware that they clench or grind their teeth. Actually, most people cause the most damage at night when they are asleep. However, there are many signs and symptoms that our trained dentists will look at when we do our assessment, such as craze lines in the teeth, extra bone reinforcement of the jaws, wear of the teeth
Sleep breathing disorders: airway collapse at night will trigger clenching or grinding as it increases your body's ability to maintain airflow. We can help you through the process of investigating this. We can work with your sleep physician to make a treatment plan. We also offer mandibular advancement appliances (MAD) as a treatment for sleep apnoea/upper airway resistance syndrome
Stress, reflux, medications particularly antidepressants and anti-anxiolytics, back and neck pain, chronic pain, airway issues such as mouth breathing, tongue tie, and many more things are also related to TMD
Low-Level Laser Therapy: This treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissue, reduce inflammation, stimulate blood flow, and promote healing.
Muscle Therapy: Our skilled therapist, Brittany, will work on your problem muscles to alleviate pain and restore proper function.
Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS): These devices help hold your lower jaw down and forward, opening your airways for patients who suffer from airway restriction at night (sleep apnoea).
Jaw joint issues
Muscle Issues
Acute
Acute TMD occurs generally after an accident or trauma to the head and neck region. If there if jaw joint inflammation, it is important that we decompress the joints to give them space to heal and work on an anti-inflammatory protocol. Time is of the essence in this situation, as if you keep squishing your inflammed joint, you can do a lot of permanent damage. Just like with any other joint in your body, if it has been damaged, the treatment is to rest the joint and then slowly bring in functional exercises.
Chronic
Has been a problem for more than 3 months.
Chronic TMD is harder to treat as there are coping mechanisms or compensations that your body has set up. For example, if one joint has been damaged, the other may be compensating, and you may actually feel the pain in your 'good' joint.
Nobody wants to get dental treatment. What they want is a solution to a dental problem that they have. That's what we do, we listen to what you want and then work with you on a plan to get you to where you want to be.
Get in touch with our team to find out the best solution for your needs.
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