"Providing comprehensive general, cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, including treatment for TMD, to people who value excellence and care"
You could have temporomandibular dysfunction or issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) if normal daily activities, such as talking and chewing, are becoming increasingly difficult or painful.
The first step towards treating your jaw joint pain is making an appointment with The Dental Boutique.
What Causes Pain in the TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the connection between the jaw bone and the skull. When this crucial joint is overworked or injured, it can place strain on the disc and result in popping and clicking in the jaw, jaw pain and tension headaches.
There are several causes of jaw joint pain. At The Dental Boutique, we will establish if your jaw pain is caused by a dental problem and then recommend quality treatments.
The main causes of jaw joint pain include:
- Bruxism – teeth grinding and jaw clenching, especially prominent at night
- Arthritis – osteoarthritis can lead to the surface of your bones wearing away
- Untreated dental problems – gum disease, cavities, tooth gaps, misalignment of the jaw, abscesses, damaged teeth, etc.
- Tension headaches – typically caused by stress
- Eroded discs – the surrounding structures may wear away or lose alignment
- Fatigued muscles – the muscles that stabilise the joint may be fatigued
How do we treat TMJ Dysfunction?
The Dental Boutique offers effective treatment solutions for jaw pain, however it’s essential an assessment is made prior to commencement of any other dental treatment.
Once we’ve established the root cause of your jaw joint pain, The Dental Boutique will recommend one of our high-quality treatment options. Effective treatment is available through neuromuscular dentistry where we work to relax the jaw joint and restore its natural alignment.
If your jaw pain is related to an ongoing sleep disorder, such as bruxism or sleep apnoea, our practitioners will create a specialised oral appliance that prevents your jaws from grinding throughout the night. If your jaw pain is extreme and our treatments don’t alleviate the problem, the absolute last resort is surgery.
As a specialist area of dentistry, only a minority of dentists is trained to diagnose and treat jaw joint dysfunction. We’re proud to say The Dental Boutique is home to one of Australia’s leading dentists in this specialty area, Dr Leanne Malisano.