Temporomandibular Disorder Treatment & Symptoms

If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw while you sleep, you already understand gnathology. Defined as the study of the masticatory system and its functional disturbances, gnathology essentially refers to an understanding of the ways in which the jaw and teeth work together.

When a problem occurs, so does pain in your jaw, neck, shoulder or head. However, Carlton Dental is here to help.

Together with our resident Carlton Dental surgeon, we offer you excellent experienced gnathology treatment, whether you need emergency dental care or just have persistent discomfort.

The Need for TMD Treatment

For many of our patients, temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are the primary concern. These involve problems with your jaw, jaw joint and facial muscles that control moving your jaw and chewing.

Image depicting a retainer that has been destroyed by vigorous grinding.

Symptoms of TMD

  • Pain or tenderness in your face, neck, shoulders, the area surrounding your jaw joint, and in or around your ear when you chew, speak, or open your mouth widely

  • The sound of clicking or popping when you chew or open your mouth widely. This may be accompanied by pain.

  • Sometimes a tooth may be so sore that it would seem it needs endodontic treatment but may only need a little adjustment of shape.

  • Limited ability to open your mouth widely

  • Difficulty chewing

  • An uncomfortable ‘bite’, as if your upper and lower teeth no longer come together correctly. (Have you ever had a filling and afterwards your mouth and teeth never felt quite the same again?)

  • Waking up with a headache or a tired feeling in your face?

  • Having a mobile or sensitive tooth (it may not be a cavity.)

Treatments for TMD

Muscle Relaxants

  • Is it painful?
    We use small insulin needles. The discomfort is minimal and often likened to small pricks. No anaesthetic is required.

  • Is it possible to be allergic to toxins?
    Allergy is rare, however it is always possible to be allergic to medicine.

  • How soon will I see results?
    In general, it can take up to 14 days. In most cases, we should see results in one week.

  • What about touch ups?
    As everyone’s body is different, you may need to have more toxins injected as there may be areas that need more units than predicted.

  • Follow up.
    We do encourage you to come back for review in 2 weeks to ensure the success of your treatment. We would also like you to contact us ASAP if you have any questions or concerns.

  • Is it possible to have no effect at all?
    We have come across rare cases of patients who have completely no response to any type of toxin.

Occlusal Splint

To protect teeth, crowns, implants from wear and cracking from clenching and grinding.
Helps relieve muscle tension and painful joint symptoms.

Contact the Experts in TMD Symptoms and Treatment

Although this is not an exhaustive list, toothache, earache, headache, dizziness and ringing in the ears are among some of the other symptoms.

If you are experiencing any of these, please contact us.

The dentists at Carlton Dental, highly competent in the fine work skills of gnathology and meticulous dentistry, are ready to provide you with compassionate care; relieving your TMD symptoms and your pain, often without need for the typically prescribed night splints or the often misdiagnosed need for endodontic therapy.