Health-icon

TMD “Temporomandibular Joint Disorder”

N
Have you noticed popping or clicking sounds when you open or close your mouth?
N
Does your jaw “get stuck” or lock? Do you suffer from severe headaches, ear aches or even a feeling of pressure behind your eyes or tenderness in your jaw muscles?
These are all symptoms related to TMJ and if left untreated can impact your daily life significantly.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) refers to issues affecting the jaw joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles, often causing pain, clicking, or difficulty moving the jaw. Symptoms may include jaw discomfort, headaches, and limited range of motion, typically linked to breathing or sleep disorders, GERD, habits, stress, grinding, or injury.
TMJ and TMD Treatment: In a healthy, normal jaw opening, the disc (highlighted in yellow) is positioned correctly and moves smoothly as the jaw opens and closes. This animation, created to visually demonstrates how a properly functioning temporomandibular joint (TMJ) should operate. For those experiencing TMJ pain or TMD symptoms, treatments focus on restoring this smooth movement to alleviate discomfort and improve jaw function.

This image shows how the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) should work when functioning normally. The yellow disc sits in its correct position, moving smoothly as the jaw opens and closes. This natural alignment and movement are essential for a comfortable, pain-free jaw.

Why choose us?

N
We offer a holistic approach to your dental health.
N
Dr Henry has a particular interest in the TMJ
N
We will help you find out what is going on
Make An Appointment
Diagram of a popping or clicking jaw, showing the TMJ disc (in yellow) positioned slightly forward of the jaw's condyle, causing clicking or popping sounds during jaw movement.

When your jaw pops or clicks, it’s often due to the disc within the jaw joint (shown in yellow in the image) sitting too far forward from the jaw bone (the condyle). As you open or close your jaw, this disc may momentarily click or pop back into place, allowing the jaw to continue moving normally. This condition, known as anterior disc displacement with reduction, is common and can be felt as a slight shift or heard as a clicking sound during jaw movement.

Image of an open lock or dislocated jaw, stuck in the open position.

An “open lock” occurs when the jaw opens too wide and gets stuck in that position, making it very difficult to close. This condition, also known as subluxation or dislocation, can be painful and often needs professional help to correct. If this happens, please call us right away for assistance.

Read more about TMJ - Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Because there is no singular cause or treatment for TMJ, many people find themselves going from one doctor or dentist to another without any success.

At First Choice Dental we believe in the benefits of practicing holistic dentistry which means we look at not only how the rest of the body but also your daily life, habits, activities and stressors effect your mouth, including the facial muscles and joints that support it.

Your TMJ may be the result of a number of different issues including injury or misalignment of the teeth or jaw, bruxism, poor posture, arthritis, airway and breathing difficulties and stress. We’ll work with you to pin point the triggers of your TMJ and find the best treatment for you.

TMJ related pain shouldn’t be something you have to live with. Call us today to book a full facial muscles assessment so we can help you start living a pain free and happier life.

Useful Links

Book an Appointment

by calling us on 02 4647 4570

Our Location

Suite 3, 20 Somerset Ave Narellan NSW 2567

Connect with Us

 

dentist-icon-white

©2008- First Choice Dental. All right reserved. Narellan Dentist